From Spartan dungeons to dolphins in the Ionian Sea

Taranto is bolstering its tourist offering for the international cruise industry with new experiences designed to appeal to families, intergenerational groups and visitors seeking authentic activities during their stopover at the Ionian port.

In the heart of the Old Town, just a short walk from the sea, visitors can descend up to 16 metres below street level into the Spartan Museum of Taranto –  “Ipogeo Bellacicco”, a unique site that preserves over 2,700 years of history. Amidst ancient quarries, underground chambers and artefacts from Greek and Roman Taranto, the tour takes visitors on a true journey through time, from the city’s Spartan foundation to the Baroque era.

The hypogeum, fully restored thanks to the efforts of the Bellacicco family, is now one of the symbols of ‘Underground Taranto’, a heritage site capable of astonishing international visitors seeking authentic experiences off the beaten track.

Alongside its cultural heritage, Taranto is also focusing on nature-based and sustainable tourism thanks to the work of Jonian Dolphin Conservation. Through the “RESEARCHERS FOR A DAY” programme, young and old alike can take part in genuine scientific research activities in the Gulf of Taranto aboard catamarans led by experts.

Binoculars in hand, adults and children become key players in a real research expedition in the Ionian Sea, with the chance of spotting dolphins, turtles, manta rays and even sharks in the wild. An educational and engaging experience that combines sustainability, excitement and discovery.

Furthermore, Taranto is gearing up to host the 20th Mediterranean Games, a major international sporting event that will transform the Ionian capital into a vibrant Mediterranean stage, welcoming thousands of athletes and visitors from numerous countries. The event will provide a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on Taranto, boosting its international profile and inviting the public to discover its authentic charm, set against a backdrop of the sea, millennia of history and local traditions that reveal the city’s deepest identity.

Read more in the GPH News Summer 2026