Taranto is a city that offers a fascinating mix of history, sea, and authentic local life. Unlike many tourist spots in Italy, Taranto’s harbor and waterways are at the heart of its past and present, making it an ideal destination for history lovers who also appreciate natural beauty. Among the various ways to explore the city, the Taranto: Mar Piccolo Tour – history and nature stands out for its relaxed pace and scenic views. It gives visitors a chance to see Taranto from the water and learn about its bridges, castles, and maritime heritage in a small-group setting.
For those wanting a more immersive sea experience, the Taranto: History and Mar Piccolo Boat Tour + Cheradi Islands Swim combines a boat ride, island swimming, and views of the naval base. Both tours showcase Taranto’s maritime character, but each offers a different focus—one emphasizing history and scenery, the other adding a splash of relaxation and adventure.
Below, we’ll explore both tours in detail, so you can decide which one best suits your interests and schedule.
1. Taranto: Mar Piccolo Tour – history and nature
This 1.5-hour boat tour is perfect for travelers who want a gentle introduction to Taranto’s maritime landscape. The tour departs from Molo Sant’Eligio and cruises along the Mar Piccolo, a scenic inland sea surrounded by historic bridges and castles. It’s an authentic experience that offers a fresh perspective away from crowded streets, highlighting Taranto’s natural beauty and strategic importance throughout history.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on scenic views and cultural sites. You’ll see the Castello Aragonese, a fortress that dates back to the 15th century, and glide under the Ponte San Francesco di Paola, a bridge with spectacular views that has connected parts of the city for centuries. The guide shares stories in Italian, immersing you in the local culture and history while you relax on the small speedboat.
The tour is ideal for those with limited time but eager to experience Taranto from the water in a relaxed, intimate setting. Its small group size (up to 6 people) ensures a personal experience. Since it’s short, it’s great for families with kids or travelers looking to combine other activities in a day.
Bottom line: This tour offers a peaceful, scenic route through Taranto’s waterways, perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking a low-key introduction to the city.
2. Taranto: History and Mar Piccolo Boat Tour + Cheradi Islands Swim
If you want a more active and engaging experience, this 3-hour tour combines a boat ride with time to swim and explore the Cheradi Islands, especially San Pietro. Starting from Molo Sant’Eligio, the tour kicks off with a one-hour speedboat trip that takes you past the Aragonese Castle with its commanding views, then wraps around the islands that are famous for their crystal-clear waters and mussel cultivation.
What makes this tour truly special is the chance to swim in the waters of the Cheradi Islands—a rare opportunity for travelers seeking a break from sightseeing and a taste of the local sea life. The boat then passes by the Italian naval base, where you might catch a glimpse of ships and submarines—an intriguing site for military history fans. The guided part of the trip includes a visit to the Castle, with scenic views interwoven throughout.
This tour is especially good for those who want a fuller experience, combining history, scenery, and relaxation. Guests often comment on the dolphin sightings and the opportunity to taste fresh Taranto mussels cultivated locally. Because it’s longer and includes swimming, it’s better suited for travelers comfortable with water activities and those with a little more time.
Bottom line: This tour delivers a comprehensive, active experience with water-based fun and cultural sights, ideal for adventurous travelers and families alike.
How to Choose
Picking between these two options depends on your interests and schedule. If you prefer a more relaxed, scenic boat ride that focuses on views of historic bridges and fortresses, the Mar Piccolo Tour is a perfect fit. It’s quick, intimate, and gives a good overview of Taranto’s maritime geography.
On the other hand, if you want a more active experience that combines sightseeing, swimming, and possibly spotting dolphins, the Boat Tour + Cheradi Islands Swim offers excellent value. It’s suited for travelers who enjoy water activities and want a deeper connection with the sea.
Consider your fitness level, time availability, and whether you’re keen on swimming or prefer just cruising. Both tours require advance booking and are limited to small groups, so booking early is recommended, especially in summer.
Final Thoughts
Taranto offers a range of unique ways to explore its maritime history and natural beauty. For a gentle overview, the Mar Piccolo Tour is dependable, while the Cheradi Islands swim provides a lively, multi-sensory experience. Whether you’re interested in history, scenery, or water activities, these tours are excellent ways to get beneath the surface of this intriguing coastal city.
If you want an authentic, memorable experience, I recommend booking one of these tours early in your trip—these small-group adventures tend to fill up fast. Whatever you choose, Taranto’s waterways are sure to leave you with a fresh appreciation for Italy’s less-visited seaside towns.
