Baia d'Argento Sosta Camper

The historic centre of Taranto is separated from the rest of the city by a canal overlooked by the 15th-century Castello Aragonese fortress. Wander around the narrow streets and alleyways, admiring ancient churches, checking out the artefacts at the underground Museo Ipogeo Spartano and stopping for delicious regional food specialities. Go snorkelling at the Marine Protected Area Porto Cesareo (1 hour), where you might spot seahorses, moray eels and other residents of the clear waters of the Ionian Sea. If you’re into scuba diving, the area also has interesting underwater caves. Acquazzurra Acquapark Metaponto (1 hour), in the neighbouring region of Basilicata, is a vast waterpark with twisty slides, a spin bowl and an area for young children, including a pirate-inspired playground.