Pretty Italian seaside town named the best place in Europe to visit this year

A charming Italian city is considered one of the top European destinations to visit this summer, with its landmark being voted as the country’s finest.

Situated on the stunning Ionian Sea, Taranto boasts a rich history that makes it a must-see location. The city remains a significant commercial port and serves as the primary naval base for Italy.

Its main attraction is the Castello Aragonese, which has been voted the best landmark to visit this summer by travel experts at Pompeii Tours & Tickets.

Officially known as Castel San Angelo, it was constructed on the remains of older fortifications dating back to the Greek occupation in the third and fourth centuries BC.

Today, the fortress is open for public tours and is a popular destination for tourists. It features wide, short halls—a distinctive element of Norman architecture—as well as spherical rooms and internal walkways.

For those interested in exploring the rich history of Taranto, the Museo Nazionale Archeologico di Taranto is regarded as one of Italy’s most significant archaeological museums.

Focusing on the archaeology of ancient Taranto—originally known as Taras—the museum boasts numerous artefacts, including the world’s largest collection of Greek terracotta figures.

The city also features an 11th-century cathedral dedicated to San Cataldo, an Irish monk who lived and was buried here in the 7th century.

This cathedral, housed in one of Puglia’s oldest Romanesque buildings, is a popular destination for tourists visiting Taranto.

Thanks to the fishermen still active in the city, fresh seafood is a staple at most local restaurants. The blend of fresh and seawater in the bay creates perfect conditions for cultivating shellfish such as mussels and oysters, a tradition in Taranto that dates back to the third century BC.

Other locally grown products frequently featured on menus include artichokes, aubergine, tomatoes, olives, and onions.

The city also attracts visitors who prefer quieter crowds, as many tourists opt for more popular nearby cities and towns.

Travel experts recommend visiting in May, when the queues and crowds at top attractions are at their smallest.