Aragonese Castle
Visit the fortress beside the swing bridge at the entrance to Taranto’s old city.
Apulia · Italy
Taranto Ferry & Destination Guide
Discover Taranto’s old city, Aragonese Castle, archaeological treasures and Ionian waterfront, while using Bari or Brindisi as the practical gateways for regular international passenger ferries.
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Discover Taranto
Taranto is an ancient Ionian port city with exceptional archaeology and a dramatic setting between two seas, but regular international ferry travellers should currently use other Apulian gateways.
The old city occupies a narrow island between Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo, creating one of southern Italy’s most distinctive urban settings. Bridges, waterfront views and tightly packed streets give Taranto a strong maritime atmosphere even away from the commercial port.
The Aragonese Castle guards the channel beside the swing bridge and is the city’s most recognisable landmark. Nearby, the waterfront promenades provide views across naval areas and the broad Mar Grande.
Taranto’s National Archaeological Museum, MArTA, is a major reason to visit. Its collections explain the city’s Greek and Roman past and include the celebrated Ori di Taranto gold jewellery.
The historic centre rewards travellers who look beyond its rougher edges, with churches, palazzi and lanes gradually being restored. Seafood, mussels from the Mar Piccolo and Puglian cooking are central to the local experience.
Taranto also works as a base for the Ionian side of Apulia, with beaches, coastal towns and the Valle d’Itria accessible by road. Martina Franca, Grottaglie and the trulli country can all fit into a wider driving itinerary.
For ferry planning, the key point is that Taranto is currently focused on commercial and cruise traffic rather than a regular international passenger-car ferry network. Travellers seeking scheduled ferries to Greece, Albania or other Adriatic destinations should normally compare Bari and Brindisi.
City highlights
What to see while you are in Taranto
Taranto combines Magna Graecia archaeology, castle views, an island old city and a strong food culture on the Ionian side of Apulia.
MArTA Museum
See one of southern Italy’s finest archaeological collections and the famous Taranto gold.
Città Vecchia
Walk the historic island district between Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo.
Lungomare
Stroll the waterfront for sea views, monuments and an introduction to modern Taranto.
Taranto Cathedral
Visit the cathedral dedicated to San Cataldo in the heart of the old city.
Ionian coast
Use the city as a base for beaches, coastal drives and inland Puglian towns.
Tours & experiences
Things to Do in Taranto
Browse Taranto sightseeing, archaeology, food experiences and Apulia day trips to combine with your wider southern Italy journey.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
Arriving or departing by ferry
Taranto Ferry Terminal
If your itinerary specifically involves a cruise call at Taranto, use the terminal instructions issued by the cruise line. If you are planning an onward ferry independently, compare routes from Bari or Brindisi and allow road or rail transfer time from Taranto.
For travellers looking to make a normal point-to-point ferry journey with a car or as a foot passenger, Bari and Brindisi are the practical nearby Apulian gateways. Both have established scheduled services across the Adriatic, including links towards Greece and Albania.
The Port of Taranto handles passenger traffic primarily through its cruise programme in 2026. Current port notices and cruise schedules show passenger facilities being used for visiting cruise ships rather than a regular scheduled international car-ferry network.
Passenger portPort of Taranto passenger/cruise area, Taranto, Italy
Main connectionsCruise calls; regular international ferries via Bari or Brindisi
OperatorsCruise operators; no regular scheduled passenger-ferry operator from Taranto
VehiclesNo regular scheduled passenger vehicle-ferry service from Taranto; use Bari or Brindisi for normal vehicle ferry journeys
Check-inCruise passengers should follow their cruise-line instructions; independent ferry travellers should check in at the booked Bari or Brindisi terminal instead
Plan your stay
Getting around Taranto
Taranto’s main sights are concentrated around the old city and waterfront, while regional rail and road links connect with other parts of Apulia and the principal ferry gateways.
Walk the waterfront and old city
The swing bridge, Aragonese Castle, MArTA and Città Vecchia can be combined in a compact central sightseeing route.
Continue by rail
Taranto has rail links towards Bari and other southern Italian cities. Find Taranto rail tickets here...
Transfer to a ferry gateway
For regular international ferries, plan onward travel to Bari or Brindisi and allow sufficient time between rail or road arrival and ferry check-in.
Stay in Taranto
Find Taranto Accommodation
Stay near the centre or waterfront
Central Taranto is convenient for MArTA, the castle and old city, while travellers continuing by road can choose accommodation with easier access to regional routes towards Bari or Brindisi.
Common planning questions
Taranto ferry & destination FAQs
Does Taranto have regular passenger ferries in 2026?
Taranto’s passenger activity is currently centred on cruise calls rather than a regular scheduled international car-ferry network.
Where should I go for a regular ferry near Taranto?
Bari and Brindisi are the main nearby Apulian gateways for scheduled international passenger and vehicle ferries.
Is Taranto still a passenger port?
Yes, the Port of Taranto receives passenger cruise ships, but that is different from a regular point-to-point ferry service.
Can I take a car ferry directly from Taranto?
There is no regular scheduled passenger vehicle-ferry service from Taranto in the current 2026 network. Compare Bari or Brindisi instead.
How can I travel from Taranto to Bari or Brindisi?
Road and rail connections link Taranto with both cities, but journey times vary, so build a generous connection margin before ferry check-in.
What are the best things to do in Taranto?
The Aragonese Castle, MArTA archaeological museum, Città Vecchia, cathedral and Ionian waterfront are the main highlights.
Is Taranto worth visiting without taking a ferry?
Yes. Its archaeology, maritime setting and food culture make it a worthwhile stop on an Apulia or southern Italy road trip.
Should I search FerryEU routes from Taranto or nearby ports?
For regular international passenger ferries, search Bari and Brindisi as well as Taranto so you see the active scheduled gateways serving the region.
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