Golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and wetlands—a natural treasure nestled between two seas.
Taranto, an Ionian city with a millennia-old history, boasts a coastline of exceptional beauty and diversity. Bordered by two seas, the Mar Grande and the Mar Piccolo, its shores create a mosaic of unique coastal ecosystems.
The Mar Grande, a wide gulf opening onto the Ionian Sea, is known for its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, often nationally awarded for their quality. Destinations like Campomarino feature vast sandy shores, perfect for relaxation and water sports. The alternating rugged cliffs and sandy beaches create stunning landscapes and provide ideal habitats for marine wildlife.
The Mar Piccolo, a smaller inland basin, is a biodiversity hotspot. With its lagoons, reed beds, and muddy seabeds, it serves as an ideal habitat for numerous aquatic bird and fish species.
The Taranto coastline is an environmental treasure of inestimable value, safeguarded by various conservation and enhancement initiatives. The presence of marine protected areas, such as the Mar Piccolo National Park, plays a crucial role in preserving the ecosystem and promoting sustainable tourism.
Enhancing Taranto’s extraordinary landscape diversity is its coastline, where nature and history intertwine in perfect harmony. One of its natural gems is the Salina dei Monaci, part of the Eastern Taranto Coastal Regional Nature Reserve. This protected area is home to rich biodiversity and serves as a resting point for many migratory bird species, including the iconic pink flamingos, which have become permanent residents and can be admired year-round.
The coastal towers, such as Torre Colimena, stand as historical witnesses to a past where these fortified structures served as watchtowers and defense outposts against enemy incursions. Built primarily in the 16th century during the reign of Charles V, these towers represent an architectural heritage of great significance, telling the story of an era when territorial protection was paramount.
The fusion of natural beauty and historical heritage makes the Taranto coastline a must-visit destination for those eager to immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes while rediscovering traces of a fascinating past.
