An absolute marvel! The Syracuse Cathedral is not only a stunning example of Baroque architecture, but also a place where history truly comes alive. Built directly over the ancient Temple of Athena, it still preserves the original Doric columns, seamlessly integrated into the cathedral walls — a breathtaking fusion of ancient Greek and Christian heritage. Located in Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse and an island of extraordinary charm, the cathedral stands as a symbol of a city that was once among the greatest in the ancient world. Long before the Roman Empire flourished — when Rome had only around 50,000 inhabitants — Syracuse was already a thriving metropolis with over 300,000 people! The entire island is a scenery of an amazing past, echoing the grandeur of a civilization that shaped the Mediterranean. A must-visit for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to walk through millennia of human achievement.

Unfortunately, the facade of the building was under renovation and we couldn't see it, but even so, the visit was worth it because inside you can see and touch the original ancient Doric columns from the Temple of Athena. It's quite impressive how parts of this place have survived nearly 2500 years and are so well preserved.

The Cathedral of Syracuse (Cattedrale metropolitana della Natività di Maria) was built over the ancient Temple of Athena (Minerva), erected in 480 BC after the victory of Himera. Parts of the original Doric columns are still visible in the structure, a reminder of the great monument that once stood here. While the Baroque architecture is remarkable, the transformation came at the cost of destroying an ancient Greek temple. It is an important historical site, but the loss of the original sanctuary cannot be ignored.

A stunning church with breathtaking architecture and rich history. The intricate details of the interior, combined with the peaceful atmosphere, make it a must-visit. The blend of ancient and baroque influences is mesmerizing, and the stained glass windows are truly beautiful. Whether you're here for spiritual reflection or historical interest, it's a place that leaves a lasting impression. Highly recommend taking a moment to admire its beauty and serenity.

Beautiful Baroque church with a stunning façade and serene interior. One of the chapels offers a peaceful moment of reflection. Free entry and popular with visitors — definitely worth a stop while exploring Ortigia.

Unique. A cathedral construction with ancient Greek pillars from the temple of Athena mixed with 18th century Rococo! Set in a lovely plaza. Sit with a beer in the restaurant opposite the cathedral and watch humanity wonder by.

Absolutely breathtaking. I went in with curiosity, but I left completely speechless. The Syracuse Cathedral took me by surprise in the best possible way. Truly one of the highlights of my visit to Sicily. I highly recommend it!

Very interesting history to this place, had much fun walking around and exploring all the beautiful statues. Many people came and it was very busy, also the parking didn’t reall exist and we parked at the side of the road and walked to the front door. But overall it was worth the visit :)

Unfortunately (when i visited), most of the ancient theatre was covered over by modern wooden benches and a stage which is such a pity! You could not even go down into the orchestra area. The views are great and there is a nice ancient fountain at the top. It's just disappointing that you can not see most of the ancient theatre, hence the average 3 star review. However, it is still worth a look if you're in the Neapolis archaeological park, which has loads of other great stuff.

We paid 14 € per person to visit the Greek Theater and the surrounding ruins. While the setting itself is undeniably impressive — you can easily imagine the grandeur this amphitheater once had — the experience overall was underwhelming. There’s very little signage or explanation, and almost no context provided for what you’re looking at. Without a guide or advance research, it’s hard to appreciate the full history of the site. For what’s essentially an unmarked collection of ruins, the admission price feels steep. At the very least, there should be better documentation or a lower entry fee. Honestly, this one should have been free.

Beautiful site near the heart is the city in then archaeological park. If you have time to stop in, this is totally worth the trip. Lots of other Art installations to see and excellent descriptions of each piece.

Amazing place. The art work installation of sculptures was amazing. The information about specific areas of the site was absent. The book shop was closed and so we learnt less than we could have done. My advice is to purchase/ research before you go.

Beautiful, historic place. Amazing how long it stayed in shape. Highly recommend everyone to visit.

Stunning place! You can walk through it! In the middle of the hills, so quiet, just the wind. Open view to the sea.

One of my favourite places on a trip to Sicily. Quaint, wonderful architecture, excellent market with grocery and stalls to eat. Some of the best cheeses and calamari. Wear running shoes and take lots of water. It is hot - little shade. We parked in Syracuse just before the bridge in a parking lot. Well work not driving on the island.

A must do destination if you are in Sicily.... Its got everything, markets, churches, fab food, quaint streets, ruins, friendly people, swim in the sea, lots of shops with local handmade clothes and other items

Ortigia, Sicily is a captivating place to explore—rich in history, charming streets, and stunning landmarks. We visited in May when the weather was pleasantly warm but not too crowded. Sunscreen, a hat, and comfy walking shoes are essential. It felt very safe, and the local Sicilian cuisine is a highlight—fresh, flavourful, and varied. Booking a guided tour is highly recommended to truly appreciate the history and stories behind the key sights. A perfect blend of culture, food, and relaxation.

Love Ortigia! So many interesting stories, so much to see and do and taste. If you are in Sicily you need to out this on the list. Tip: take one of those convertible piaggio tours, perfect to see everything

Ortigia came as a ‘must do’ when on Sicily from one of my Italian colleagues And we weren’t disappointed It’s a charming little place to lose yourself in small alleys or just follow the coastline When crossing on of the bridges from Siracusa, make sure to say hi to Arcimede’s statue. If you use your eyes you can find some artisinal treasures amongst the mass produced tourist junk. There’s no shortage of places to sit and enjoy food and drinks Where Ortigia is reasonably well kept snd efforts are being made to keep it that way, sadly Siracusa itself doesn’t fare as well. Still, a nice place to spend a day The one thing we absolutely didn’t like was the sudden influx of elderly tourists when a huge cruise liner moored.

The old town is a nice size. A leisure walk to see it all

I loved spending a day at Ortigia for its stunning architecture, warm climate, vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and cultural heritage. It is worth to take the side streets. A truly charming and unforgettable place to explore !

This city park is really lovely and very pleasant to walk around. There’s plenty of space with wide paths and lots of benches, perfect for sitting and enjoying the surroundings. The greenery is beautiful, a mix of palm trees and regular trees, and in the late afternoon when the sun starts to set, it looks especially nice. There are small fountains with fresh drinking water, several decorative fountains, and even a historic building adding some charm. There’s also an outdoor gym with various exercise machines, though a few of them are slightly damaged. A few small vendors sell ice cream, drinks, or snacks. From some spots in the park you can enjoy views of the rocks and the sea. There’s a playground for children and overall it’s quiet and peaceful, a great place to relax and spend time outdoors.

Wonderful place! Such tall cacti there so beautifully placed. We took a lot of pictures and the sea view was amazing. Totally worth to come back to Taormina.

The park was stunning. We made sure to dine close by so we could wander back after nightfall and experience it in a different light. Darkness didn’t make it unsettling—it felt timeless, almost like walking through a preserved moment in history.

The Villa Comunale, Taormina is a beautiful gem tucked away that we came across while wondering through the city. It is filled with so much history and serenity. It's so calming and quiet. My boys even played on the little playground in the middle of the park. Picturesque ocean views can be seen at certain points and there are tons of photo opportunities throughout. A great family place to just stroll through after the hustle and bustle of the center city to gather ones self before dinner or even early in the morning. This is a must see on your itinerary.

Such a gorgeous and unique place! Definitely visit, you won't regret it. It's absolutely stunning and has amazing views over the bay

Sit here a while. Let the silence speak. In this suspended garden above the sea, even time forgets to hurry, between the sky and the Ionian Sea, Villa Comunale feels like a secret garden dreamt by someone who once loved too deeply. Built upon the vision of Lady Florence Trevelyan, an English noblewoman who found exile and rebirth in Sicily, the park carries her quiet longing — a dialogue between stone, sea, and solitude. Walking through its shaded paths, you move through fragments of her memory: terracotta towers draped in ivy, benches kissed by sun and time, and the whisper of jasmine carried by the wind. Every corner feels like a page of an old diary — half-forgotten, yet still alive. Then, as you reach the terrace, the world opens. Below, the coastline curves like a sleeping myth; beyond, Mount Etna breathes faint smoke against the horizon. You can almost hear the sea humming — a slow, endless hymn that has watched lovers come and go, artists paint and dream, and strangers rediscover the beauty of stillness.

Wonderful park on walking distance fron the center of taormina. Beautiful large trees and lots of cozy benches and shadow places to escape the heating sun. The view is amazing too. There are a few old buildings that remain from the english garden era. Also there is a great playground for the youngsters among us. The park is very well maintained.

⭐ A truly extraordinary site. The Ancient Theatre of Taormina is stunning — its size, location, and breathtaking views make it unforgettable. The setting is fantastic, especially with the sunlight shining through the old stone arches, creating a magical atmosphere. The ticket price is around €14–15 per person, which may feel a bit high, but it’s worth it. We planned to stay for a short visit and ended up spending about an hour, simply because the place is so peaceful and makes you want to linger. A must-see in Taormina. 🌿

Brilliant piece of history and still in use today. Not overly priced and the views are fabulous on a good day. We spent 2 hrs going around in the late afternoon so it wasn't too busy or to the point, too hot. Take a breather and soak up all the beauty that surrounds you and watch as the stage hands prepare for the evenings musical event. So glad we did it and would recommend it to you all while here in this beautiful part of Sicily.

One of the most stunning ancient sites I have ever visited, with fantastic views over the Ionian Sea. We had a guided tour which I would thoroughly recommend as it was really interesting to understand a more in depth history of the site compared to the information boards on site. Our tour guide was an archaeologist and her enthusiasm for the subject was palpable. Great cafe/bar on site with great views and draft beer!

At 16 Euro entry its an absolute steal. If you enjoy history and unbelievably stunning views you cannot go wrong. It is probably the most photographed spot in Sicily. Carved into a natural amphitheatre there was 5400 spectator seats. Built in the Hellenistic style in the 3rd century BC with Later Roman additions. Also referred to as the Greek theatre due to this part of Sicily at the time being a Greek colony.

Another must see place to put onto the list when visiting Sicily. Greek theatre is an atmosphere of ancient ruins with great views over the city of Taormina, Ionian sea and mount Etna. The price was €16 per adult, it was quite quiet, not overcrowded - maybe because we were there right at opening just after 9am, and it was November. But even then weather was great. Fantastic views!

Here's a polished version of your review: This location is truly breathtaking, with its stunning scenery. However, the prices are steep - we paid almost $50 for a family visit that lasted only 15 minutes. On the plus side, there's a convenient free shuttle from the parking area, and the walk to the attraction isn't too long. We visited with a stroller and toddler, and managed okay. Long line to buy tickets, original website didn’t work for me to buy tickets in advance.

Nice to visit just to sit on top of the sitting area and enjoy remarkable view towards the stage with panoramic view on Mount Etna in the background. The designers knew their job back then in 300 BC.

Lovely place to walk and take in the sights of this lovely city. Reggio Calabria is also working hard to improve the area as can be seen in the plans for future developments. Also a number of great restaurants right by the water. Highly recommend

The Soul of Reggio - A Beautiful Walk with Epic Views. This is an absolutely amazing place for a walk along the sea. The promenade is wide and beautiful, but what makes it truly breathtaking is the stunning view of Mount Etna in the background across the strait to Sicily. The area is clearly the heartbeat of the city and is always buzzing with great energy. During our visit, it seemed like there was always something happening, from a gelato festival to live music, which added to the fantastic atmosphere. My advice is simple: take a long walk, find a good restaurant with a sea view, and just enjoy the incredible sunset and the wonderful vibes. A must-do experience when in Reggio Calabria.

A beautiful landmark with art installations all along the walking sidewalk right on the sea side , facing beautiful Sicily from one side and a remarkable architecture scene from the other side. Historical and rich place to revisit again.

The Lungomare Falcomara in Reggio Calabria is a wonderful place to visit. You can enjoy a relaxing walk along the sea with beautiful views and fresh air. In the evenings, the promenade comes alive — it’s full of people, music, and a lively atmosphere. There are plenty of benches to sit and watch the sunset, as well as cafés and gelaterias nearby. It’s a perfect spot both for a peaceful stroll during the day and for enjoying the vibrant energy of the city at night.

Simply beautiful walk. Look at the sunset pics….

Nice promenade along the seaside with beaches, bars and restaurant at the heart of reggio calabria...

The best place inside the city centre to visit the sea overlooking the island and Mediterranean sea.

Excellent museum! We were 2 of 20 people allowed in the room at a time to see the Riace bronzes! What a luxury compared to incredibly packed museums in Rome! It is a beautiful, clean building with clear directions to take you through all the artifacts. The Riace Bronzes are incredible and it’s hard to comprehend how perfect & how old they are. Worth a visit while in the lovely city of Reggio Calabria

Really worth the visit, particularly enjoyed the smiling figurines on the bottom floor that seemed to be quite typical of the region. Well curated with a chronological structure starting from oldest period on the top floor to earliest, a lot of well preserved artifacts and historical context on these

Very nice museum. Not big, but having impressive two bronze statues from the Greek period in Calabria. Those are two out of totally five survived statues. Manybother interestibg expinats to be seen. You will need about two hours, maximum three, to explore the museum. However worthwike to visit it!

The bronze statues are amazing. Admission is free on the first weekend of the month. It's an interesting place to learn a little about the history of Reggio Calabria.

The museum is very well organised and it’s very welcoming. There’s a lot to learn. The statues are also very beautiful but it was very disappointing to see they’re in a room with white walls and no context whatsoever (contrary to the rest of the museum). Good thing we read about them before visiting because otherwise we wouldn’t know exactly what we were looking for.

Wow! Seriously impressed! Perfectly organized with clear paths to follow, explanations in Italian and perfect English, touch panel with 3D reconstructions, perfect diffused lighting. Very interesting collection from the Neolithic and Greek time, very informative, I discovered brand new facts I didn't know (i.e. there were lead bullets you would throw with your hand during war). Impressed despite I've visited Louvre, El Prado, British museum, Vatican museum etc. An unexpected gem

Really interesting explosion about other bronze statues. I felt really immersed in the atmosphere. Also at some point I was the only visitor in that room, which felt very cool. They even let me to come back to see Bronzi statues up close due to the fact it was closed for investigation and could see only through glass.

The unique beach with white sand under the rock has ceased to exist. The beach is surrounded by picturesque cliffs and offers a breathtaking view of the historic town center and the Santa Maria dell’Isola church.This is an amazing beach. Pretty crowded but all Italian beaches are if they are any good. Water was a little dirty at the shore but once you got out of it it was amazing.The beach is beautiful but be aware it is full of people during peak time.The sea has a bustling color like in the Caribbean. No Garbage and packages in the water. The sand is soft.

A sandy beach with a crystal clear blue sea. If you need some relaxation then the public beach at Tropea will help. It has an amazing backdrop with the old town perched above on the cliffs and the church on top of the rock. There is a beach bar also which sells cold drinks and coffees etc.

The beach in Tropea is undeniably beautiful and the view of the town from the shore is breathtaking. The rock formations are stunning and worth seeing, especially if you can get closer by boat which we did and it was much more enjoyable. However, the sheer number of people can be overwhelming and for me it was just too much. If you don’t mind the crowds you will probably love it but if you prefer peace and space there are plenty of other beaches nearby that are far less crowded. Because of the mass of people my rating is lower which is a shame given how beautiful this place really is.

A really unique beach with soft white sand tucked under the cliffs where the town of Tropea sits. The views are amazing, with dramatic cliffs all around, and there’s even a beach inside a big cave! You’ll see lots of people cliff jumping too. The water near the shore was a bit murky, but once you swim out, it’s crystal clear and beautiful. It can get super crowded during peak times and really hot since there’s not much shade—definitely bring sun protection. Still, it’s a stunning place and totally worth a visit.

The place is amazing! So vivid and so peaceful at the same time. And the water is just perfect, clear and refreshing. The people are very friendly and nice. It’s a great place to be with friends or family, but it’s also a place for a wonderful solo experience. 🥳

Very wonderful place! Beautiful white good beach. Convenient descent to the water. The sea has a bustling color like in the Caribbean. No Garbage and packages in the water. The sand is soft. View on the background of the white cliff and the sea: a great surroundings for unusual photos! In the evening you can see Stromboli volcano! I recommend this beach for all who love silence and clear sea! It is unfortunate, but at 7.30 am on April 7, 2023, part of the island fell ashore into the sea. The unique beach with white sand under the rock has ceased to exist. I hope the local authorities have enough resources to restore and strengthen the coast in this place!

Very populated but great water and view

Very nice church (5€ entry), nice sculptures, also great beach outside, with warm water and some fishes

Have to give it a 5 star rating just because of the story behind the church and in fact its position on the beach and built into the rocks. It is not your standard church visit but you get these sculptures all in the rocks behind the church facade. Read the story behind the church from the sign, which is In Italian and English, and you will get a better understanding of its history. It is a walk down and up again, so be prepared. It is only a 10 min visit to see it all. There is as an entry charge of 5€, which can be paid by card. It is a small price to pay to ensure it continues to exist. We had no problem parking as we are traveling on bicycles 😀.

Extremely interesting experience. This church - cave is located just next to the beach, so beautiful and magic to be there and hear the waves sounds.

Very interesting story behind this unusual church. Definitely worthy visiting. Impressive.

The current opening hours on Google are not correct. From November till March the church is only open on Saturdays and Sundays (see the attached picture) and only in the good weather. It might be something that's good to know in advance...

If you are in the obscure places to visit this one's for you. Very interesting shrine to the shipwrecked. Look for JFK and apparently Castro within the cast of characters.

Beautiful & very interesting place to visit. Parking at the top for €5 & a stunning view on the way down (lots of steps). I think the entrance fee of €5 per adult (€3 per child) is too much. Don't forget to take your swimming things & picnic with as there is a beautiful bay at the bottom to enjoy!

It's interesting. Sad to see some caged birds cramped up in tiny spaces. Would have liked to have done the walks if we'd had longer. Cafe is average.

Disappointed about the status of the playgrounds, rusty and ruined games. Looks abandoned

Peaceful and relaxing place

Beautiful garden to visit.

Beautiful place to stop for a walk during a road trip! Highly recommend.

Interesting sculptures and vegetation. Didn't like to see the caged birds though. Good restaurant bar.

We did the family rafting route, about an hour-long trip with our 6- and 9-year-old kids. It was a lot of fun—the place and staff were professional, welcoming, and fully equipped with everything needed to get ready. The route was suitable for children. There were a few small rapids that weren’t a problem—on the contrary, they added to the kids' sense of adventure and made it even more enjoyable.

Worth it! As my first experience doing the rafting it was incredibly amazing .Andrea our guide did a great job .the track was plenty of discoveries. Good luck guys The presence of WI-Fi was very pleasant also .

Lao rafting is an amazing experience and i recommend it 100%. The rafting guide Mimmo was very nice person and also Johnny the photographer was also very nice. The views were beautiful and there is a very nice waterfall. It is also very fun and exciting.

Superfun experience to do in a beatiful location. Everything is well organized and the staff is very prepared. Our guide Leandro is such a cool and chill guy. Very reccomended!

We had a wonderful time with Lao Rafting! The staff was very friendly and professional. A cool thing was that they didn't mix the groups, so even if we were two families of three, we got our own boat and guide. We would have loved to do the long one ride, but the shorter one seem more adapted to our 4yo son. He loved the experience! . Next time well go for the long one! We also got the photos they took of us during the ride and I'm glad we did!!

Can’t speak highly enough of this organisation. Francesco and Amy took us on the canyon trip, stunningly gorgeous scenery and exhilarating rafting between steep cliffs, boulders and waterfalls. They paid every attention to safety while telling us all about the history of the gorge and the river as we went along. Calm, professional, supportive and fun people. Loved every minute and well worth the money. Thanks Francesco and Amy!!

Beautiful experience. The canyon is amaźing and we did not expect such a great view. Mefisto is a highly recommended guide. Will come back!

(Translated by Google) B&B with exquisite hospitality! Very nice rooms of adequate size, cleaned and accommodated every day with Japanese punctuality and dedication. The breakfast (based on homemade sweets and biscuits made on the same day) is not only good and plentiful, but can be customized according to tastes with due notice. (Original) B&B dall'ospitalità squisita! Camere molto belle e di dimensione adeguata, pulite e accomodate ogni giorno con puntualità e dedizione nipponiche. La colazione (a base di dolci e biscotti fatti in casa ed in giornata) non solo è buona e abbondante, ma personalizzabile a seconda dei gusti con il dovuto preavviso.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful holiday as well as the memory of the managers especially PIERINO! Antonella and Lorenzo da Padova always remember you with pleasure! (Original) Vacanza bellissima così come il ricordo dei gestori in modo particolare di PIERINO! Antonella e Lorenzo da Padova vi ricordano sempre con piacere!

(Translated by Google) Family welcome... Courtesy...sympathy.... Efficiency and cleanliness... Fantastic breakfast with excellent products... Really happy..😊😊 5 stars..truly deserved..... (Original) Accoglienza familiare... Cordialita ...simpatia.... Efficenza e pulizia... Colazione fantastica con prodotti ottimi ... Veramente contento..😊😊 5 stelle..veramente meritate .....

(Translated by Google) Magnificent place, clean rooms, absolutely recommended♥️ (Original) Posto magnifico camere pulite assolutamente da consigliare♥️

(Translated by Google) It's fantastic, it's a shame that its unpaved surroundings have been neglected in true Italian fashion. The restaurant on the main square of Civita is unmissable (Original) Fantasztikus,kár hogy a kőzvetlen kőrnyezete igazi olaszosan elhanyagolt.Civita főterén a étterm kihagyhatatlan

(Translated by Google) Lovely place, welcome and helpfulness, excellent. (Original) Posto incantevole, accoglienza e disponibilità, eccellente.

(Translated by Google) beautiful place, worth visiting (Original) posto bellissimo, da visitare

Amazing place, although a little difficult to find. Well worth the hunt!

Although it appears unloved and certainly not as well kept or clean as it deserves to be, this Museum is worthy a detour to enjoy all the excavation exhibits discovered over the last few decades in different locations of Salento. Apart from the odd coach party visiting for a few minutes you will almost have it to yourself, making the visit a rare and delightful pleasure.

For only 2.50 euros you get one of the greatest collections of Ancient Greek materials. A large display of vessels, jars and jugs. The new section on numbers and formulas was impressive. A true gem. We had the place to ourselves.

well worth a visit 2,5y for people under 26 even cheaper. but the photo is taken at another place. If you want to see those pillars, search for "Tavole Palatine"

The museum is great and the exhibits are superb but the gardens and car park need two blokes with brush cutters for a month

Very interesting and incredibly big for this small village. The temple of hera is interesting too

Excellent guide very interesting

We visited a traditional cave dwelling in the Sassi Caveoso area, and it was definitely worth the stop. Although we had to wait a few minutes before entering, the staff was very friendly and welcoming, which made the experience feel relaxed and unhurried. The visit offers a fascinating glimpse into how people lived in these caves until the 1950s. It’s quite remarkable—and a little humbling—to see how entire families shared these spaces not only with each other but also with their animals, including chickens and even horses. The interior has been thoughtfully restored and laid out, with everyday objects and furniture that help bring the past to life. While you may have read about this part of Matera’s history, standing inside the cave really gives it a whole new dimension. It’s something else entirely to physically be in the space and imagine what daily life was like. A short but meaningful visit that adds depth to your understanding of Matera’s unique heritage.

Very interesting reconstruction of life and objects in Sassi di Matera. It is amazing that this was not so long ago. It consists of 3 parts, of which only the living room and the natural refrigerator are worth seeing. There is a paid entrance fee of 5 euros for which you get a recorded audio guide through your phone, which is quite crazy, but it is what it is.

A Fascinating Step Back in Time - A Must-See in Matera. Visiting the Casa Grotta nei Sassi was a truly eye-opening experience. It's an amazing place to discover what a traditional peasant home looked like, and it's incredible to think that families lived this way until they were relocated in the 1950s. The recreation is very well done and gives you a powerful feel for their daily life. What makes this a fantastic value is that the same ticket also gives you access to two other nearby sites: an ancient snow cave used for storing ice and a small cave church that was later converted into a dwelling. This is an absolute must-see when you are in the area. It doesn't take long to visit, but it provides incredible context for understanding the unique history of the Sassi. Highly recommended.

Wonderful guide who took the time to answer our questions at Casa Grotto. Much like life in Finland at the same time. Of course, people didn't live in caves in Finland. Interesting history. No queues.

It was fascinating to see how people once lived in Matera, sharing their homes with animals and even preserving ice from winter through the summer

Unique experience inside the cave, very interesting to find the cellar temperature cold even without any closed doors

Very beautiful, the biggest attraction of Matera, Cassa grotta and Madonna de Idris e San Giovani in Monterronne. I highly recommend it.

The castle are still a functional and working marine barracs, so you have to take the free tour. Otherwise no entry. It didn't work with our schedule

Astonishing scenes of old and new. The Ponte Girevole (swing bridge ) opens for ships and connects too seas. Castello has free tours but in Italian only

Entry is only by the free guided tour at set times during the day and evening. It is still an Italian Navy facility therefore the restrictions. It is still is worth viewing from the outside. We couldn’t wait 2 hours for the next tour so we had to skip it. Definitely would do it next time.

A very nice visit at the castle. A navy official provides a guided tour for free (in Italian) every hour. The tour gives information over the history of Taranto and the castle. I found it very informative and entertaining. I would recommend doing it if you are visiting Taranto. Also I was amazed that by the sunset, they displayed the Italian flag with lights on one of the sides of the Costello while playing some anthem (I wish I knew what was it), I loved that moment.

A beautiful castle belongs to the Italian navy, but an unpleasant surprise awaited us, you must have booked a tour guide, that's the only way you can enter...!!! It doesn't even matter so it's worth a visit. Highly recommended.

Very interesting history and friendly staff! Visit with the group is free and scheduled.

We wanted to visit the castle, but the experience at the reception was rather unpleasant. The information provided was very insufficient. We asked for a tour in English, but it was not available, and they also refused to let us join the Italian-language group.

This museum and Museo Sigismondo Castromediano in Lecce will give you excellent overview of the history of this region. It is impressive what artefacts they have from Ancient Greek and Roman times. The collection comes mostly from necropolis. Definitively worth a visit, we were in November and we were the only people here while visiting the museum … If you buy ticket for MUDI you will get discount for this museum and vice versa. Kudos to friendly stuff.

World class antiquities museum. Lovely female guide on one of the floors gave us a tour of the highlights in English. Advice: taking your time in the pre Greek and Greek colony period of Taranto might push you into three hour plus visit. We had to leave for our bus and missed lots of other exhibits which was sad but an opportunity to return. Wish they had a snack bar and a proper gift shop. This place has so much potential.

What a gem! Such a beautiful collection. The highlights for us included the collection of Medusa faces and the incredible array of jewelry. A couple of lovely temporary exhibitions rounded it out. Worth the visit and a good audio guide as well.

This is one of the most surprising and jaw dropping museums I have ever visited. I would very rarely suggest driving hours out of your way for a museum but if you are a fan of Greco-Romano culture this gas artefacts that are just outstanding. The audio guide gives you a pretty good background but I could have spent hours and hours here - instead we only spent 2.5 hours in this museum as it was just so overwhelming. The athletes section is amazing, especially if you have an interest in pan-Atheneum games.

Pretty good for the history before BC, but minimal history after that! I really enjoyed the videos and want more of them to give 5 stars. I went on a Sunday and it wasn’t crowded. But don’t use the elevator/lifts is you have a fear of small, packed , and hot stuffy spaces.

We spent a couple of hours here and it was worth every penny - a really epic display of history with so many items and so much detail! The huge mosaics were a highlight. Even though it wasn't applicable to us we also appreciated the accessibility with several sensory exhibits for people without vision, and ramps and lifts.

Really interesting ancient Greek and Roman collections. Including subtle jewelry, mosaics, vases. Unique and very well presented. Must visit!

We visited Togo Bay Beach Club twice last week and absolutely loved it. As a couple traveling with a baby, I couldn’t recommend a better spot in Puglia. It’s simply perfect — the vibe is just what you’d want at the beach: calm, peaceful, relaxing, and incredibly comfortable. The beach itself is beautiful, with clear, shallow water that’s ideal for babies and kids. The infrastructure is excellent — everything is clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed. Every detail, from the service to the atmosphere, made us feel at ease. We would go back in a heartbeat.

The set up was very nice. Great sandy beaches comfy day beds. Reservations kinda easy but hard to contact the club. Fill out form on website and they send you back an offer within 48 hours. Staff very attentive, helpful and they are constantly cleaning glasses plates and all garbage. We spent the entire day here with our small children. The public beach next door sells everything you would need for a day at the beach too

Absolutely exceptional. From A to Z. With the only negative thing is quite high prices. High season- 2 lounges and an umbrella are 95 euros . But let me tell you that everything is super impeccable there. The area I superb, the beach is sandy, and the water is turquoise clear and very shallow. The service is OMG!!! Everyone is extremely friendly, but when you tip, the service becomes even better . Top level . The lounges are very comfortable, with mattresses. You can buy their own towels or bring yours. Their towels are huge . We bought them))) very nice. And gods was out of this world. The chef is preparing everything on spot, very fast and extremely delicious. We had THE BEST lobster sandwich ever!!!! Eggplants , tiramisu, simply everything was delicious!!!! Absolutely exceptional. From A to Z. With the only negative thing is quite high prices. High season- 2 lounges and an umbrella are 95 euros . But let me tell you that everything is super impeccable there. The area I superb, the beach is sandy, and the water is turquoise clear and very shallow. The service is OMG!!! Everyone is extremely friendly, but when you tip, the service becomes even better . Top level . The lounges are very comfortable, with mattresses. You can buy their own towels or bring yours. Their towels are huge . We bought them))) very nice. And gods was out of this world. The chef is preparing everything on spot, very fast and extremely delicious. We had THE BEST lobster sandwich ever!!!! Eggplants , tiramisu, simply everything was delicious!!!! They have live Dj on weekends, during the weekdays they play music . It gets very busy on a weekend, so you want to reserve your spot beforehand. Enough parking spaces . Great job. We will be back for sure.

Avoid this beach club if you’re looking for a relaxing, well-managed seaside experience. While the coastline is stunning, the overall experience is ruined by the management and front desk staff — incredibly rude and unhelpful. Booking a sunbed or even getting clear information is nearly impossible. You’re expected to fill out vague online inquiry forms, and even then, there’s no guarantee you’ll actually get a spot. Despite spending a decent amount of money here over a few days, the service at the reception remained consistently poor. The only saving grace was the waitstaff — they were fantastic. Unfortunately, the food situation is equally disappointing: no proper meals, just bland snacks that aren’t worth the price. There’s nowhere decent to eat. In short: great view, great waiters, terrible management, zero hospitality. I strongly do not recommend this beach club.

Great place with excellent service, fantastic music, and an amazing DJ after 4 pm. Our waiter. Alexander (the waiter), was very attentive to all our requests and guided us perfectly in choosing the right food. The Fino rosé wine wasn’t really worth it, but everything else more than made up for it.

Absolutely fantastic place! Gorgeous beach- gorgeous setting! Music, ambiance, service, food- love every part of this experience!

Togo Bay is visually stunning, splendid clear water like the Caribbean. The chairs are generous in size and with plenty of space between you and your neighbors. Service was good, but should have been better given the very high prices for chairs and umbrellas, food, wine and even water. Lunch was delicious, but the prices were quite high for Salento. At times it was hard to get a waiter and we had to ask several times to get what we wanted. I will definitely go back in the off season, but the service didn’t warrant the prices they were charging.

I visited this place recently and it was amazing!I saw saturn and the moon from a telescope that was on top and it was amazing.The view is stupendous. The people that worked there were very nice!Overall I had a great experience.

Iconic tower of the Salento western coast. Beautiful and well preserved.

This is maybe one of the most amazing towers to visit on the southern side of Puglia, the view on top is priceles as is the fresh breeze relieving from the summer hotness!

Is was the and of may, so it was not open, but still it was worth it walk over there and fight with mosquitoes 🦟

I came to visit this tower twice during my vacation. The first time it was closed to only private visits, but to compensate they made a really interesting show in collaboration with the local dance club, I quite enjoyed it. The lesson I learned here is that one should always inform him/herself about the location to visit. It's not too bad that you can't enter, the tower is still quite impressive from the outside too and at night it gets illuminated. During the day you can also chill on the small open pond there and enjoy the sea.

One of the many incredibly well preserved watchtower that dot Apulia coast.

EN: Exciting experience going inside this medieval tower used in past to defend local people against Saracens. The view from the top is really nice IT: Bellissima. E' possibile visitare l'interno di questa antica torre di difesa contro i saraceni e perfino salire su in cima per godersi un bel panorama ES: Hermosa! Antigua torre de defensa contra los sarracenos hoy abierta a todos para visitarla adentro y subir hasta la parte superior desde donde se puede disfrutar un panorama precioso

I honestly can’t stress enough how important it is to book this wonderful tour if you are planning a trip to Alberobello! Especially if the wonderful Mimo is your tour guide. He is funny, informative and educational and makes for a very insightful and informative tour ending in visiting an actual Trulli house doubling as a museum then a perfectly prepared lunch served in a secret garden whilst being serenaded by a beautiful live music! Epic experience!

Great and experienced tour guiding company, they have a house museum of their own.

nice

(Translated by Google) Beautiful city already visited twice, you always discover something new. Anyone who has time and is in Puglia should take a look at the trulli in Alberobello. (Original) Wunderschöne Stadt bereits zum 2 mal besichtigt, man entdeckt immer wieder etwas neues. Jeder der Zeit hat und sich in Apulien befindet sollte sich die Trullis in Alberobello ansehen.

(Translated by Google) Pleasant, uncrowded during the week in June (Original) Agréable peu fréquenté en semaine de juin

(Translated by Google) Very beautiful and characteristic, one of the most beautiful cities in Puglia (Original) Molto bello e caratteristico , una delle più belle come città pugliesi

(Translated by Google) Wonderful experience (Original) Meravigliosa esperienza

Amazing experience! We took the train from Bari and a bus from the train station + a 30 min walk from Fasano, as there was no shuttle bus during weekdays, but was totally worth it. We did not have a car, and were planning to take the bus, but we were given a spare car, which made the experience unforgettable.

Amazing experience! One literally feeds giraffes amd zebras out of the car window. Animals are so near that it cannot be compared with any other zoo. Bring 3-5 kg Carrots and buy peanuts for the monkeys! Totally worth it for any age.

The safari tour was great but the rest more la la.. Rest is the second part of walking tour including a funny train and many closed attractions. Also they forced me to pay extra parking 4 EUR although I paid a family ticket 140 EUR and they know the tour ends with parking and proceeding by foot once through the safari with the car🤣 . Pretty low and embarrassing 👎 But!! The camels are over cool. 🐫

Loved it! Safari from the car was definitely the best part! Bring carrots with you, animals will love it. It can get slow and crowded in the season, so have patience and enjoy the ride. Bring water with you cause it can take 2 hours to just go through the first part in car. You don’t have to buy tickets in advance, you can do it at the gate from your car when you arrive.

Great time spent with the family in the Safari and the park! The park is huge, you can see the animals very close, pet them! The animals are well looked after, there is no bad smell at all! Their territory is large, it looks like the animals are happy in the park! I highly recommend it!

Me and my family had a great time! Every penny was worth it :). The animals seemed happy and freely ran around the park. After our family went through the safari we left without knowing how much is left there,so make sure you don’t make the same mistake! But even if you do,you can come back the same day with the same tickets and you can make sure you don’t miss any more fun! 5 stars❤️

It's well managed and unique (for Europe) place to see lots of exotic animals considerably free in a wide space from the close but safe approach of your car. There are many areas that you are allowed to touch and feed the animals (please don't give them junk or human food, you can buy carrots, peanuts etc. specially for them at the entrance) and areas where you need to stay in your car at all times but it's all worth it. The animals looks like the staff take good care of them which is very important for me considering other similar places or zoo parks in Europe. It's really family/kids friendly place. In the pedestrian area you can find other animals and different zones like reptiles and insects, lake with birds and monkeys where you can have a paid boat ride, there is a rail car (zoo metro) which you can take from one zone to another, a special monkey zone which you can visit with a caged safari style truck and feed peanuts to the animals through a special holes. There is an amusement park in the pedestrian area where you can find food and drinks and have some fun before you take off. Overall a great place for kids and families, we had amazing time there.

Monumento a Domenico Modugno is a must-see in Polignano a Mare. The statue overlooks the sea and celebrates the iconic singer of “Volare.” It’s a popular photo spot, especially with the beautiful coastal backdrop. The surrounding area has a lively vibe, and it’s a great place to take a short break while walking through the town. Domenico Modugno, born in Polignano a Mare, co-wrote and performed “Nel blu dipinto di blu” (“Volare”), which became one of Italy’s most internationally famous songs—and even won two Grammy Awards in 1958!

I absolutely love the statue — and the artist who created it! As boats glide into the harbour, “Volare” starts playing and suddenly everyone’s singing and dancing together. The whole place comes alive. The pose is what made him famous when he performed the song for the first time in front of a large audience. He sang with immense passion, bringing a new style and energy that no one had ever seen before. The audience went wild — completely captivated by his performance. His story is truly amazing.

Been there done that! It’s a pity that there’s no details about this symbolism statue, so I asked AI for the explanation. Here’s what it says: “The statue is a monument to Domenico Modugno, a famous Italian singer-songwriter who was born in Polignano a Mare. He is best known for his hit song "Nel blu dipinto di blu," often referred to by its chorus, "Volare." The statue, a three-meter-tall bronze sculpture by Argentine artist Hermann Mejer, was unveiled on May 31, 2009. It depicts Modugno with his arms wide open, an iconic gesture that recalls his performance of "Volare" at the 1958 Sanremo Music Festival. The statue is located on the seafront of Polignano a Mare, looking out over the town and the sea. ＂ Btw. I would definitely recommend you to look for the song to play along for a “dolce” Italian vibes 🥰！

Nice statute in a fabulous location. Hard to get a good photo in the morning, much better in the evening light.

For a moment, I felt like I was flying over Polignano a Mare, just like in the song — light, dreamy, full of Italian magic.

Very beautiful view point! Nice area to chill and have a spritz or coffee.

Lovely town with beautiful views and places to fall in love, the landscape is very nice clean and not too crowded

Pretty but... I can't help feel that Polignano is a victim of its own "beauty". Certainly worth a visit, but I felt I kept on waiting for it to deliver, and it never did. It does have an impressive setting, built above and into the shallow cliffs, and it had the typical bars and restaurants to enjoy, with a "new" viaduct where an old Roman one used to be, above THE beach - pebble and crowded, so for viewing from a distance rather than enjoying as a beach. You also run out of things to experience pretty quickly, so give it an hour for a coffee, beer or glass of wine, and move on! Free parking up by the station.

A special place to visit! The tall narrow houses clinging to the cliffs with the crashing waves below. Let your eyes soak up the beautiful clear Adriatic sea. Walk the narrow passages in centro storico. Experience the poetry of the little village. Dive back to Roma times.

What a charming place to stay for a long weekend. Polignano a Mare looks like it is straight out of a movie set. This part of Italy (the heel) does not suffer over-tourism so I found it peaceful. The small town is very eye catching, as it's perched precariously on steep sea cliffs. The houses have flower laden balconies and are separated by tight alleyways. You really feel like you are stepping back in time by decades. Your standard run of the mill restaurant here, would be a top class Italian restaurant at home, and the prices are great. There is a statue here dedicated to their favourite son - the famous Italian singer, composer, and actor Domenico Modugno. There is not much English spoken here, so you are better off making the effort to learn some Italian words. If you are in the Bari area, I would advise coming here for a day trip at least, it's that special here.

A very nice small city with narrow streets and fresh sea air. If you dare, you can try swimming down at the rocks because this area is always full of visitors and tourists. While walking at the streets don't miss the beautiful sea view!

I had the pleasure of visiting the historic center of Polignano a Mare at night, and it was truly breathtaking. The area was bustling with tourists, yet it maintained a charming, intimate atmosphere. The streets were lined with numerous eateries, offering delicious gelato and pizza, perfect for a late-night snack. The art on the walls and light installations added a magical touch, making every corner a visual delight. The small churches scattered throughout the area were adorned with stunning religious art, a testament to the town’s rich cultural heritage. Walking through the narrow alleys, I discovered hidden gems like the Vicolo della Poesia, where poetry adorns the walls, and the picturesque Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Polignano a Mare’s historic center is a must-visit, especially at night when it transforms into a vibrant yet serene haven. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply enjoying local cuisine, this place has something for everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore its beauty and charm!

If the weather is good, it will be even more beautiful! It's beautiful here

Not a bad city centre but very busy even in the off season.

The place in general is good but the restrictions are so many that really spoil the fun for the kids.For big rides a parent needs to accompany the kid so i had to be with my 14 year old to go for the rides!!🤔 And if you have 2 kids like me I have to wait 30 minutes with one to do the ride and then wait another 30 minutes plus to go with the second...I understand safety is a priority but this really spoils the fun for the kids.The staff was really polite and the park was clean.At busy times it is crowded and you will have to wait a long time to go to the popular rides.

The water park wasn’t full but big queues on the most fun slide. Many silly rules, my kids 1 too big for some slides and the other too small and they didn’t play together . They closed the only fast food at 14:00 .

Really nice place especially on a Monday in July, there were not too many people and the kids (3 and 4) had fun. Some strange rules on the water slides, but the food was nice for being a park, kind people and fun (in house) show for the kids at the end. Not expensive. I wouldn't go on a holiday though.

We went there for my son's 7th birthday. Most of the slides were too big for him and we ended up wondering from here to there. It was very strange to see that staff was making small children queue for the small slides area. At times the slides were empty, while the queue was becoming bigger. Didn't see the point of that. Poor activity for such a big territory - there were no shows - just staff taking pictures that you can buy at the end for a ridiculous price (10€ or the 1st photo and 7€ for the next ones). Music was too loud as well. On the good side we found the place very clean and they have a good variety of (Italian) food at the cafe. Lasagna was great and the aubergine as well. Tip: Follow their Instagram account for a 3€ discount for each follower. Show this at the ticket counter when buying the tickets and they will apply the discount immediately. All in all - I would maybe recommend the park for children above 10yo. I would not go back.

The rides are ok. The guys at the rides let you wait on purpose and the regulations are really stupid sometimes, but we can't change that. The music at the waves bath is much too loud. It's anyway nice to spend the day (if too windy for the beach).

Kids love the aqua park great value and reasonably priced inside. Lots of wadeable areas. 7 pools and slides. Nice and clean free Sun loungers and parking. Bring your own picnic and BBQ space is provided.

This is the worst aquapark , we ever been. First of all the slides stop working for 2-3 hours at lunch time. There is no working restaurant and the only food is chips and ice cream. The safety measures are very expensive. Our children are around 8 years old and there is only 1 slide for them. Everything is above 135-150 m height. The aqua park is in the middle of nowhere and we drive around 2 hours to there and we are very very disappointed.

Beautiful beaches. During the off season we were almost the only ones as you basically need a bike to get to the ones more east. Unfortunately there is a lot of plastic everywhere but you cannot blame the national park for that...

Our favourite beach in Ostuni area. White sand and beautiful sea, we didnt witness any plastic garbage on the beach.

Interesting natural reserve with lots of animals, like birds and snakes.

This is a fine example of a conservation area and yet very accessible to the public . A shuttle bus service is provided from the main parking area. There are different zones of protection , no fishing , sailing and water sport areas and swimming is not encouraged in some areas . The areas are clearly designated and the public seem to be cooperating. There is a turtle hospital not open to the public due to stress that this would cause the animals. There are long scenic , tranquil paths to walk but beware of the erosions and danger in some of the cliff tops. The beaches and bays are a haven for wildlife and the public alike this place deserves more publicity but maybe its better left to the public to discover how wonderful it is?

Sorry but calling Torre Guaceto a natural reserve is a joke... The beach is dirty, with microplastics and other waste, and due to the shallow water the dirt remains in the water almost up to the buoys. Beach is overcrowded in August as could be expected, yet it has only two toilets and not even a shower. Booking online or not makes no difference: the parking is huge and accepts anyone who pays the 5€ at the entrance, and then everyone queues up for the shuttle. But the small „train“ doesn’t bring you to the beach, instead it drops you off some 700m away... and even in peak periods there is only one "train". Queues under the scorching sun are very long for both journeys (wait at least 20 minutes). The sea is ok, but neither better nor worse than the other coves along the coast. Don‘t waste your time & money here!

Just beautiful, a bit of everything white beachside, grotto's, ruins. Love that so much of this area from Bari on down the coast isn't the over devolved beaches of Spain and France.

- It's a wonderful place for a good walk along the seaside, the sea is simply amazing, only downside the rubbish coming from the sea get stuck on the beaches and doesn't get removed because "it's a reserve". - Posto fantastico per una giornata di mare immersi nella selvaggia macchia mediterranea, è un peccato però che i rifiuti portati dalle mareggiate non vengano rimossi