Taranto is a city that rewards visitors who take the time to explore it on foot. Its narrow streets, ancient ruins, and seaside views create an ideal backdrop for walking tours. Unlike many places where you’re stuck in a bus or behind a guide’s umbrella, Taranto offers the chance to truly learn about its atmosphere. We especially love the vineyard walk for the chance to combine scenic vineyard views with tasting regional wines, and the city-focused walking tour for uncovering centuries of history in a manageable, engaging way. These tours let you experience Taranto at your own pace, with a blend of nature, culture, and local flavor.
In this list, you’ll find options that suit different interests and schedules—whether you want a quick introduction, a deep dive into the city’s history, or a relaxed stroll through vineyards. Each offers a unique perspective, from wine tasting in a historic masseria to exploring ancient temples and castles. Ready to explore? Here are our top three walking tours in Taranto.
1. Vineyard Walk and Tasting at a Masseria Winery in Taranto
At number one, the Vineyard Walk and Tasting at a Masseria Winery in Taranto offers a delightful blend of scenery, learning, and regional flavors. For just $52 per person, you’ll spend about an hour exploring a modern yet historic winery located within an ancient masseria—a traditional farmstead. The tour begins with a walk through the surrounding oak and ceramic wine-aging rooms, where you can see how local wines mature. Then, you’ll venture among bush-trained vines near the coast, soaking in the panoramic views of old vineyards.
The main event is the sensory tasting, which includes sampling three local wines paired with regional delicacies. The guide takes you through the production process—from grape appassimento (a drying method) to the final glass—giving you insight into what makes Apulian wines unique. The highlight? Enjoying sweeping vineyard vistas from a panoramic hall that feels like a true wine lover’s haven.
This tour is especially good for those who want a brief but immersive experience, blending nature, wine, and local culture. It’s also highly rated, with a perfect 5/5 from one reviewer, praising its in-depth yet relaxed approach. The size of the group keeps it intimate, and the price offers good value for a quality tasting and behind-the-scenes look at regional winemaking.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in wine and want a scenic, educational experience, this tour hits the spot. It’s perfect for a quick taste of Apulia’s vineyard culture, with a relaxed pace and rich flavors.
2. TARANTO PUGLIA WALKING TOUR UP AND DOWN
For those who want a broader overview of Taranto’s cultural and historic highlights, the TARANTO PUGLIA WALKING TOUR UP AND DOWN offers a 1.5-hour guided walk for about $23 per person. The tour balances sustainable transportation with on-foot exploration, making it accessible and engaging. It starts at the Colonne del Tempio Dorico, a striking remnant of the 6th-century BC Greek temple, setting the tone for a journey through time.
During the walk, you’ll visit some of the city’s most important sites, including the interior of San Cataldo Cathedral—a building that will make you marvel at its interior and architectural detail. The guide shares stories about Taranto’s 3,000-year-old history, weaving in local legends and facts to bring the city’s past to life.
This tour is flexible, with options for hop-on, hop-off use of sustainable transport, allowing you to customize your experience. While not as long as a full-day tour, it covers enough ground to give a solid sense of the city’s architectural and cultural treasures. Reviewers appreciate that it’s accessible for elderly travelers and children, promoting health through walking while offering a rundown.
Bottom line: For travelers wanting a city-centric experience that’s both educational and easy to fit into a busy schedule, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate history, architecture, and a manageable group size.
3. TARANTO WALKING TOUR
The third option, the TARANTO WALKING TOUR, is a full-day guided exploration of Taranto’s most historic sites. Starting at the Province of Taranto, this tour takes you through key landmarks like the Castel Sant’Angelo and the Aragonese Castle, offering a look at the city’s defenses and architecture over the centuries. The tour finishes with a visit to the Cathedral of San Cataldo and the Archaeological Museum, providing a comprehensive cultural experience.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on artistic and archaeological treasures, giving you exclusive access to some of Taranto’s most iconic artifacts and landmarks. It’s particularly good for those who want to spend a full day discovering the city’s oldest and most iconic attractions with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
While it costs around $23 and requires a full day, the detailed itinerary offers a balanced mix of outdoor sightseeing and museum visits. Reviewers note the tour’s depth and the opportunity to view art and history in context, making it ideal for history buffs or art lovers.
Bottom line: For travelers who prefer a comprehensive look at Taranto’s architectural and cultural highlights in a single day, this tour provides a thorough and engaging experience.
How to Choose the Best Walking Tour in Taranto
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and schedule. If you’re a wine lover or looking for a quick but immersive experience, the vineyard walk is highly recommended. For those wanting a city overview with some historical insights, the up-and-down tour offers flexibility and breadth. Finally, if you have a full day and want to dive deep into art, architecture, and archaeology, the full walking tour fits the bill.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, and consider your fitness level and interests—are you more inclined towards wine, history, or a mix of both? Also, think about whether you want a short, focused experience or a full-day exploration.
In summary, Taranto offers a variety of walking tours that cater to different tastes. For a scenic, wine-centered experience, the vineyard walk is excellent. For a quick cultural overview, the UP AND DOWN tour delivers. And for a full immersion into the city’s art and history, the comprehensive walking tour is ideal. Whichever you choose, each provides a genuine way to connect with this fascinating Italian port city. Don’t forget to book early, and enjoy your time wandering through Taranto’s streets and stories!
