Jonian Dolphin Conservation is an institute that aims to make a positive difference in the lives of marine animals by conducting research. The foundation is often visited by tourists who are interested in learning more about lesser-known aspects of aquatic life.
An amazing experience. It is magnificent to see the beauty, power and elegance of those wonderful creatures. It is unbelievable how close they came to our observation deck and seeing them in their natural environment and behaviour made us simply speechless. The local guides on board are very skilled biologists and they really know what they are talking about. An appropriate English translation was offered, which makes it a wonderful half-day trip also for non-italian speakers like us. We would join this trip for sure the next time we visit Puglia. A big thanks to the entire staff.
Patrick O — Google review
We went on the 20/7 and saw 2 large groups of dolphins (more than 50 in total). It was an amazing and beautiful experience to see them in their natural habitat. The crew is passionate and dedicated to nature preservation and they share their passion with all passengers. A wonderful way to increase awareness on how to help dolphins at individual level. Thank you for you work!
Aurélien Duplicy — Google review
I had an incredible experience with Jonian Dolphin Conservation! The sight of "grampus" dolphins resting was truly breathtaking. The team's dedication to dolphin conservation and their expertise in marine life made the trip informative and unforgettable. Highly recommend this unique and meaningful adventure! 🐬🌊
Edmondo Perrone — Google review
From A to Z a wonderful, professional and animal friendly experience. I highly appreciated the explanations and availability of staff for any questions. To observe Dolphins and to learn about them was very fulfilling. I would do it again anytime!
Hannah Kemper — Google review
This excursion was definitely a highlight of our trip to Italy. It was well organized and highly informative. Being able to observe these dolfins in their natural habitat was like nothing I had ever experienced. The well being of these animals is of paramount importance to the staff and crew. When we would come upon a family of dolfins they would shut off the catamaran's engine and ask us to speak quietly so as to not agitate the animals. It was an amazing opportunity and one that I would highly recommend.
Cybèle D'Ambrosio — Google review
A day that we will always remember and changed our perspective forever.
We spent the day with the association on their boat with our 3 daughters (the youngest is 4), and it was amazing.
We could see more dolphins that we could dream of (stripped and buttlenose dolphins), playing and jumping in front of our boat.
The association members are passionate and do everything to transmit their love for cetaces' and explain how to protect them. The dolphins were never attracted by food or tracked down.
If they seem shy, we just stopped following them but the stripped ones were amazingly curious.
Even though everyone else spoke English, Juli was kind enough to translate everything for us, which made the tour as educational as it was impressive.
Just remember that you need to bring your lunch (drinks are provided for) and sunscreen. No need for swimming equipment since it is no allowed to swim with the dolphins.
Virginie G — Google review
We took a day tour on one of the catamerans of the Jonian Dolphin Conservation. The idea is that visitors and tourists support the scientific research of the conservation while enjoying a day at sea. We had a really nice team, very open, knowledable and welcoming. Due to the sickness of one guest on board we had to return early to port but they offered to make a new tour on their invitation or refund of our money!
A very nice form of tourism where you know that you support the protection of the marine habitat while spending a perfect day at sea!
Ingo Eden — Google review
Wonderfully relaxing day learning about the dolphins and enjoying dolphin sitings. Highly recommend a day with this organization.
Castello Aragonese is a beautiful fortress located on an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. It has a rich history, dating back more than 1000 years, and it's interesting to explore on a tour. The castle is also home to two cafes and a bookshop, which are great places to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Nice tour, enthusiastic tour guide. Need to call for tour reservations, which are free. The tour was only in Italian.
Eric Hirsch — Google review
Castello Aragonese, Italy
Castello Aragonese is a medieval castle located in Ischia Ponte and is perhaps the most iconic and intriguing of all Ischia's sights. It dates back nearly 2,500 years when the original fortress was built by Hiero I, a tyrant from the Sicilian region of Syracusa. In the early days after its creation, the site comprised of two watch-towers to guard against attacks from enemy forces, while the sea surrounding it offered its greatest source of protection from any potential raids. Control of the rock-fortress changed hands between Neopolitan and Roman forces for many years with its strategic position in the region seen as vital for trade and protection of the island's resources.
In the middle ages the castle gained its current name due to the tenancy of the Aragonese royal family whom created much of the structure of the castle as it is seen today. In 1441 one of the most important events in the castle's history took place when it was connected to the land by the same stone bridge that still stands. The previously wooden bridge and comparatively weak fortifications of the fortress were deemed as insufficient protection against modern pirates, plunderers and raiders which inspired King Alfonso V to set about creating the magnificent citadel. The castle has had several incarnations in its long long history. At one stage it was the home to 2,000 inhabitants of the island and has also been used as a prison in times of conflict.
For modern-day visitors to Ischia, Castello Aragonese offers a fascinating glimpse in to the history of the island as well as providing a beautiful and dramatic addition to the landscape. As the ferries and hydrofoils approach Ischia, the first thing people notice is the huge green mass of Mount Epomeo, followed by iconic sight of the castle as they get closer to port.
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Nice location, freshly restored buildings. Inside some small rooms with old cannons. A nice location is down the stairs below the moveable bridge. Important: Building needs special permission from navy to enter.
Christian Hendrich (Henner) — Google review
A pure gem.
The museum is free and open from 9am until 1 in the morning. Just book it over the phone. Make sure you mention a tour guide in English in case you need one.
The guided tour is around 45mins and given directly by the Naval army. They have plenty of stories to tell.
Don't miss it.
Angelo Brindani — Google review
the Aragonese Castle is located on a small island. It is an impressive fortress with more than 1000 years of history. This complex not only served to defend the city, but was also used as a prison at times. It's nice to walk around there and you can take good photos if you have a good camera.
Tilman Benecke — Google review
Taranto, Castello Aragonese, free to enter, lots of steps, very informative info boards in English highlight of the town!
John Hampson — Google review
It’s a FOC unique destination while in Taranto. If you are lucky, you’ll be able to admire there moored, the most beautiful vessel in the world !
Legends and history are extraordinary kept alive within those walls.
Visits are free
el remei — Google review
Very entertaining visit and very interesting history. Definitely a must go
The tour is free but you need to book a slot, they have the number in the website
They have tours even at night
This archaeological museum has a vast collection of artefacts from Paleolithic carvings to early Middle Age vessels. It is situated in the new town of Taranto and is one of Italy's most important museums.
Impressive museum with artefacts from glorious past of Taranto. It is a must for visiting.
Boyan Aleksandrov — Google review
I have never before seen so disagreeable staff as here. We had to come back, as buying a ticket was impossible on the same day and only online. Then, in full Covid, we had to stay in a group to listen to Italian explanations, while my children don't speak that language. And that all aggressively communicated.
Concerning the collection - beautiful pieces, but presented as a gathering of artefacts only. No story available. No archaeological context. This type of exposition fosters pillage. I had to go to Wikipedia to learn of the details of the athlete grave.
The museum building itself is ok, but the staircase in the style of an elementary school.
Ulrike Guerin — Google review
This museum starts in prehistory, and mostly has Greek and Roman artifacts. I thought it was great! I needed about 4 hours in the museum, at least. Normal people will only need 1-1.5 hours, unless they are interested in ceramics.
Cliff — Google review
Great museum, I just didn't like that the visit time was limited for the restrictions, we had to hurry up for each room to be free for other visitors...there was always someone from the museum breathing on my neck..could be better organised
Camilla Carlea — Google review
A very extensive collection, we did not expect such interesting exhibits. All descriptions are in English, well worth a visit
Panetka — Google review
Fabulous place, descriptors in Italian And English, so much history to look at... thank heavens for the arrows on the floor!! Or we would have missed half of it. Look out for the random Egyptian babboon 😀
Katy Pover — Google review
There are discounts for youngsters and students. See them online! There was no wait to enter. I'm amazed by the recopilation of Corinthian, Greek, Roman and Italian archeological History, they tell a story of many by-gone generations and a continuous struggle for Civilization Construction.
Alejandro Flavián — Google review
MARTA is that kind of museum where one loses one’s head.