Taranto is a fantastic city to explore on foot, especially because of its rich mix of ancient ruins, vibrant local life, and scenic surroundings. Unlike more polished tourist spots, Taranto offers authentic pathways through history, culture, and tradition. One of our favorite experiences is the Puglia Olive Oil Tasting Experience with Olive Grove Walk, which immerses you in the region’s agricultural roots among centuries-old olive trees. Whether you’re strolling through historic streets or exploring nearby olive groves, Taranto’s walking tours give a real sense of place.
Among the options, you’ll find a variety of styles—from short, intimate city walks to full-day explorations and regional adventures. Some tours emphasize local history, others focus on food and drink, and a few combine both. Whatever your interest, Taranto’s walking tours offer authentic ways to see and experience this unique corner of Italy.
1. Puglia Olive Oil Tasting Experience with Olive Grove Walk
At number 1, this olive oil tasting experience is a standout for anyone interested in Puglia’s agricultural heritage. The tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes and begins with a scenic walk among centuries-old olive trees, some over 2000 years old. You’ll visit underground olive mills, which are like stepping into a time capsule, and learn about the process of making extra virgin olive oil.
What makes this experience truly special is the blend of history, culture, and flavor. The guide is passionate and knowledgeable, sharing insider stories about the region’s olive-growing traditions. The underground mills are atmospheric and give a tangible sense of how oil was produced in the past. The tasting component is the highlight—sampling different oils and learning how regional flavors differ. It’s an eye-opening intro to Puglia’s most iconic product and a perfect activity for food lovers.
Bottom line: This tour offers a well-rounded experience—combining scenic walks, cultural discovery, and delicious tastings. It’s ideal if you want a manageable yet meaningful taste of the region’s farming roots.
2. Walking tour Ostuni “the white city”
Taking the number 2 spot, this small-group walk of Ostuni captures the essence of the “White City.” It’s perfect if you want a quick but packed introduction to one of Puglia’s most photogenic spots. The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and includes a walk through the alleys around the Cathedral of Santa Maria dell’Assunzione.
What makes this tour stand out is its intimate size—capped at 15 participants—and the local insight from your guide. You’ll learn about Ostuni’s history, how its whitewashed buildings stay cool in the summer, and enjoy views of the sea and surrounding countryside. The route takes you through narrow streets that are great for photos, and a stop to sample the region’s best gelato is often included, offering a sweet reward after the walk.
Reviews note the guide’s passion and expertise, with comments like “Lucia’s knowledge of Ostuni’s history is unbeatable,” and “Floriana led us on a very interesting walk.” It’s a good choice for travelers short on time but eager to soak in the atmosphere.
Bottom line: This is a perfect short, guided exploration for lovers of picturesque towns, ideal for those wanting a taste of Ostuni’s charm without dedicating a full day.
3. TARANTO PUGLIA WALKING TOUR UP AND DOWN
For around $23 per person, the Taranto Puglia Walking Tour Up and Down offers an accessible and flexible way to see Taranto’s highlights. Lasting about 1.5 hours, it combines city sights with cultural insights, starting at the Colonne del Tempio Dorico, a Greek temple from the 6th century BC.
This tour hits key sites like the Cathedral of San Cataldo, and includes an overview of Taranto’s 3,000-year history. It’s quite a good value—covering a lot in a short time—especially for travelers who want an overview without committing to a longer tour. The route can be customized with hop-on hop-off options or on foot, making it suitable for different fitness levels.
What’s particularly appealing is the focus on sustainable transportation and the opportunity to see elite historical sites. Reviews highlight the engaging narration and the chance to see the magnificent interior of San Cataldo.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for budget-conscious travelers wanting a quick, informative introduction to Taranto’s most significant landmarks.
$23 per person
4. TARANTO WALKING TOUR
Taking a full-day approach, the Taranto Walking Tour is a comprehensive way to explore the city’s oldest districts. Starting from the Chiesa of San Domenico and ending at the Aragonese Castle, it offers a deeper dive into Taranto’s artistic and archaeological treasures.
This tour emphasizes art and history, with visits to Castel Sant’Angelo, the Cathedral of San Cataldo, and the Martyr Archaeological Museum. It’s ideal for those with a full day to spare and a genuine interest in exploring beyond the surface.
While it’s a full package, the tour’s strength lies in its detailed storytelling and focus on artistic exclusives, making it suitable for history and culture enthusiasts. The itinerary provides a natural flow through Taranto’s most iconic sites, and the walk itself is comfortable and well-paced.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a thorough, guided experience of Taranto’s cultural and historic highlights within one day.
$23 per person
5. Vineyard Walk and Tasting at a Masseria Winery in Taranto
Finally, the Vineyard Walk and Tasting at a Masseria Winery offers a different flavor of walking—through vineyards and wine cellars. Priced at $52 per person, this 1-hour tour combines a scenic walk among traditional bush-trained vines with an in-depth wine tasting.
Inside the winery, you explore oak barrels and ceramic wine-aging rooms, gaining insight into the grape-to-glass process. The tasting includes three local wines paired with regional delicacies, making it ideal for wine lovers or those curious about regional food and drink.
What sets this experience apart is its setting in an ancient masseria, blending tradition with modern winemaking. The panoramic hall offers sweeping views of the vineyards, enhancing the sensory experience. Guests often comment on the quality of the wines and the friendliness of the staff.
Bottom line: Best suited for those who appreciate wine and want a relaxed, educational experience that combines walking with tasting.
$52 per person
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Taranto
When selecting your ideal walking tour, consider your interests, budget, and time availability. If you’re a foodie or love olive oil, the Puglia Olive Oil Tasting Experience is a memorable choice. For a quick immersion into Ostuni’s charm, the White City tour is ideal. Budget travelers will appreciate the Taranto Puglia Walking Tour Up and Down, while those with a full day interested in art and history should consider the Taranto Walk.
Lastly, wine lovers shouldn’t miss the Vineyard Walk and Tasting, which combines walking with regional wine tasting.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, as tours can fill quickly. Think about your physical comfort—shorter city walks are more relaxed, while the full-day tour demands more stamina.
Final Thoughts
Taranto offers a broad spectrum of walking-based experiences, from cultural city walks to scenic countryside tastings. If you’re pressed for time, the short city tours provide a solid overview. For deeper exploration, the full-day tour or the olive oil walk will satisfy curiosity and appetite alike.
Whether you’re interested in learning about ancient ruins, sampling regional products, or simply enjoying a beautiful stroll, Taranto’s walking tours promise authentic, memorable experiences. Be sure to book early, especially in peak seasons, and prepare to see Italy in a way only walking can reveal.