Ionian Coast: Low And Sandy Coasts

One of the parts I loved the most is the old town and its harbor, the area where we will park the car. From here we will continue on foot. Behind the parking lot are the beautiful historic fishermen's cottages, many now converted a beautiful bed and breakfast.

The Cathedral of San Cataldo is located in the heart of the old city of Taranto and is a sight to behold as well as being the oldest in Apulia. Look up and admire the wooden coffered ceiling and the gilded decorations that characterise the building. (admission is free).
Once out, we cross the entire island where the old part of the city is located in the direction of the Aragonese castle.
My advice is to take a few small alleys and let your instincts guide you, you will find glimpses as beautiful as they are authentic, amidst old shop signs, some of which are now closed.

The Literary Café struck me because of the inscription drawn on the door and visible when this is closed: "that of the bicycle is the only chain that sets us free." Beautiful!
Let's stop for a coffee or refill our water bottle before starting the guided tour of the castle.

Taranto Castle possesses in its walls the history of successive dominations, in the true sense of the word, as successive buildings were placed on top of each other. We can admire Greek, Byzantine and Norman-Swabian-Angevin remains.
The part I loved the most was the dungeons with the hole in the ceiling from where ammunition was passed from below to above, today more a window to the sky.
The Aragonese Castle can be visited every day thanks to the work of the Italian Navy, which took charge of the renovations and cultural dissemination of the history of the structure.
To visit it for free call +39 0997753438 and book at the time that suits you best, the visits in fact take place from 06:00 to 03:00 in the morning, it may sound strange but that's just how it is. He admits that I would have loved to visit in the middle of the night but I succumbed to sleep and missed this experience.
Here the official website of the Castle.

The bridge that connects the old city with the new one has a special feature, a true jewel of engineering ingenuity: it is revolving. It is one of the rare examples of this type and although it is still functioning today it is rarely activated.
During your visit to the castle, you will also be shown the ancient hydraulic pump used to turn it, which is kept within its walls.

Piazza Marinai D'Italia is a marvellous terrace overlooking the sea, overlooked by one of the city's examples of Fascist architecture: the Palazzo del Governo.
On the rocks just below, the statues of the city's mermaids lie placidly.

It's not Italy without pizza, and at Ricci's we can take the opportunity not to miss the chance to enjoy a great one! In addition to pizza, you can try the typical Apulian puccia or panzerotti, with all the leavened products you will be on the safe side.
It is open every day from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, 6 pm to 1 am, this is the number to book: +39 099 994 5890.

We are at the end of our walk through downtown Taranto and will cross the streets of the new city to return to the car.

We officially leave Taranto and head south in the direction of Torre Colimena.

Torre Colimena is one of the many constructions built by Charles V around 1500 to protect the territories from Turkish invasions.
All of these towers rise along the sea and stood as lookouts of the seas, close enough to be able to communicate with each other. Some of them are open and can be visited, others allow us to climb their steps, and still others have been fenced off because they are no longer safe.

Welcome to the Caribbean! Ah no, it's Puglia!
After a full day of sightseeing and walking, you've earned a moment to relax: grab your swimsuit and beach towel, it's time for a dip.
The sand here is fine and very white, the water turquoise and transparent.

It may not be the most beautiful bar in the world, but in my opinion it has the most beautiful view of the Porto Cesareo sunset!
Enjoy an aperitif with some taralli and olives while watching the sea turn silver before going to dinner.
You will park here in the area and then continue on foot until the next morning when we leave Porto Cesareo.
The bar is open daily, Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 23:00 and on weekends from 10:00 to 02:00. Here the official website.

The restaurant at the Prawn has a beautiful view of the sea; call to request a table in the area with the windows facing that direction.
Apulians normally start meals with a wide selection of appetizers that they share, so you will find many, including raw fish on the menu.
If you feel like trying a typical dessert, I suggest the spumone.
The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays while other days it is open from 12:00 to 15:00 and 19:30 to 23:59.

I chose this facility because of the beautiful restaurant terrace where breakfasts are held, to start the day with eyes full of beauty as well as a belly full of pastries, fruits and coffee!