Dream Routes Along the Coasts of Taranto

What are the most scenic road routes along the coast of Taranto?

The coasts of Taranto, in Puglia, offer some of the most picturesque routes in Italy. The city, known as the "City of Two Seas," overlooks the Mar Grande and the Mar Piccolo. A road trip allows you to combine marine landscapes, unspoiled beaches, and charming villages.

Driving along these roads means experiencing authenticity, surrounded by nature, history, and local gastronomy.

What to see on the Taranto – Pulsano – Campomarino di Maruggio itinerary?

The route, about 50 km long, is ideal for a weekend. In Taranto, you can start from Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele, admiring the Aragonese Castle and the Swing Bridge. Stop at the fish market to taste the famous raw or cooked Taranto mussels.

In Pulsano, Lido Silvana beach is perfect for snorkeling and discovering hidden coves with turquoise waters. In Campomarino di Maruggio, the white sand dunes will lead you to Torre Colimena, near salt flats populated by flamingos in spring and autumn.

What experiences should not be missed along this itinerary?

Along the SP122, there are scenic viewpoints ideal for taking photos of the cliffs and the sea. In the seaside restaurants of Campomarino, you can enjoy typical dishes such as grilled octopus and spaghetti with sea urchins.

Those who love the sea can organize a boat trip, with the chance to encounter dolphins in the Gulf of Taranto.

Where to go to discover San Pietro in Bevagna and Punta Prosciutto?

This itinerary of about 60 km (round trip) takes you to some of the most wild and tranquil beaches in Puglia. In San Pietro in Bevagna, you will find long sandy beaches and shallow waters, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. It is the perfect place for a relaxing walk.

In Punta Prosciutto, dunes, pine forests, and one of the clearest seas in Italy await you. The coastal road SP340 offers spectacular views, especially at sunset.

Near these beaches is the Salina dei Monaci, a nature reserve where you can observe flamingos and walk immersed in the Mediterranean scrub.

What practical tips are needed for this route?

In summer, it is advisable to use private paid parking to save money. Bring along water shoes for rocky stretches. Rely on GPS, but be careful of the narrow streets in historic centers, often difficult for large cars.

How to organize a trip from Taranto to Gallipoli?

An itinerary of about 80 km connects Taranto to Gallipoli and can last one or two days. In Taranto, you can visit the MArTA Archaeological Museum to admire the Gold of Taranto. Along the way, stop at Campomarino di Maruggio for the dunes and salt flats.

Upon arriving in Gallipoli, the "Pearl of the Ionian Sea," explore the old town with its baroque alleys and the castle by the sea. The Purità beach, with its golden sand, offers a unique relaxing experience.

What local experiences to enjoy along the way to Gallipoli?

If you travel at Easter, you can witness the evocative procession of penitents during Holy Week in Taranto. In Gallipoli, do not miss typical sweets like pasticciotto leccese and Salento street food.

The SP359 route is spectacular at sunset, but in summer it can be crowded: it is advisable to travel in the morning or on internal roads like the SS7.

When is the best time to explore the coast of Taranto?

Spring and autumn are the ideal times, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists. Summer is perfect for beach lovers, but you must deal with traffic and intense heat.

In every season, the Taranto coast offers authentic experiences and postcard-like landscapes.

What are the general tips for a road trip in Puglia?

It is advisable to rent a car in Taranto or at Brindisi airport. Be mindful of ZTLs in historic centers to avoid fines. Do not leave valuables in the car and look for family-run trattorias along the coast to enjoy panzerotti, fresh fish, and Primitivo wine.

Those with more time can extend the itinerary to Santa Maria di Leuca, passing through Otranto, along the Salento Coastal Road: a route that unites the Adriatic and Ionian seas in a single experiential journey.