The Two Towns
PORTO SANTO STEFANO
Porto Santo Stefano was considered a wonderful holiday resort even by the ancient Romans, and you’ll only be able to fully appreciate this ancient traditional town on foot. Therefore, we recommend that you leave your car in one of the available car parks (in addition to the public car parks, there are some that allow you to book a space in advance).
The large and recently renovated waterfront offers comfortable seats for admiring the view and lovely little places for an aperitif or a quick snack. The aquarium is a great place to visit in order to learn about our sea and the helpful, passionate staff will be delighted to tell you anything you might wish to know. Continuing along the waterfront, you’ll find the old port and the main square, with the town and a docking area for large boats. And beyond this, you’ll reach Siluripedio.
The town is dominated by the Spanish Fortress, built in 1600 by the Spanish to defend the port and the town. If you’ve got some comfortable shoes, we suggest you venture in via the many entrances at various points in the town. Once inside, you’ll be able to see the various artefacts and the history of the art of shipbuilding, and from the terrace, you’ll enjoy a truly unique panoramic view.
In summer, you can also go through “I fori” to reach small pebble and rocky beaches in just a few minutes and bathe in the crystal-clear waters (Cantoniera, Bionda, Punta Nera or the sandy beach of Pozzarello).
PORTO ERCOLE
In the south of Argentario, Porto Ercole is reminiscent of the region’s ancient fishing villages. Just as in Porto Santo Stefano, we recommend a walk along the harbour amongst the boats, fishing boats and faces of the fishermen, marked by the sun and the salty sea air.
The Forts of Forte Filippo, Forte Stella and La Rocca are well-preserved examples of military architecture and provide some spectacular views.
In the cemetery is where the remains of Michelangelo Merisi, known as Caravaggio, lay. He died here on 18 July 1610, and in the town, you’ll find signs of his short stay on the Argentario peninsula.
CURIOSITIES
We began our presentation of Argentario on this site by saying that it has “all the charm of an island with the practicality of the mainland”, but in fact, the peninsula of Argentario was once a real island. First, the sea currents and then the continuous deposits of deposits from the Albegna river formed the two stretches of land known as “tomboli” (Feniglia and Giannella) that connect Argentario to the mainland. This, in turn, created the lagoon of Orbetello, which is home to beautiful pink flamingos and numerous other endangered species (it is a WWF protected reserve), and the long sandy beaches of Giannella and Feniglia.
IMPORTANT EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
Among the traditional events that take place every year in Argentario, there are many which are worth highlighting. The Gran Fondo dell‘Argentario in March (26 March 2023). Pasquavela during Easter (8 – 10 April 2023). The “Night of the Pirates” (6 May 2023) and the “Trek of the 4 Spanish Forts” (21 May 2023). In June there is the Festival of Patron Saint Erasmus with a procession at sea (2 June 2023), the “Regatta of the Four Forts” (3 June 2023) and Argentario Sailing Week (14 – 18 June 2023). During the summer season The Notturni dell’Orto Botanico Corsini (6 July – 30 September 2023). In July there is the Corto Pop Corn Festival (21, 22 and 23 July 2023). In August there is the Feast of the Patron Saint Stephen with a procession at sea (2 August 2023), Da Porto a Porto (7 August 2023) and the Palio Marinaro dell’Argentario (15 August 2023). From October and during the winter months Argentario Fishing Cup (13, 14 and 15 October 2023), Argentario Trail (19 November 2023), Corri nella Riserva (17 December 2023), Winter Sailing Championship (from October to March) and “Living Nativity” in December and January.
