The Argentario has the charm of an island and is a fantastic destination for cycling fans! Its winding roads, in many places overlooking the sea, offer unforgettable views (and emotions).

Among the many routes and itineraries, I chose the complete tour of the promontory, with departure and arrival in Porto Santo Stefano. A part of the route is on a dirt road, so… you will need a mountain bike.
After a hearty breakfast at BARitorno, a harbourfront bar, we leave Porto Santo Stefano through the “Holes” and ride along the lagoon. This part of road is easy and flat, on one side the Mediterranean flora and on the other the charm of the lagoon with its views of the “tomboli” and the Orbetello dam.

We cross Porto Ercole and take the Porta Pisana to enjoy the view of the port and admire the old town.
Once out of the town you can admire the first views of cliffs and the open sea, views that will appear at intervals (and many ups and downs) until you complete the tour.
Right after the diversions to the Hotel Il Pellicano the dirt track begins.
The climbs are quite challenging and the road bumpy so, if you are not trained, it is better to use a mountain e-bike (as in my case) and be very careful. The effort is repaid by the scents of the rich vegetation and the views. Your gaze will open on the cliffs of the coast, on the open sea, Giannutri and Giglio Island.

In summer a stop at Cala Mar Morto is a must! In addition to a swim in the magnificent cove, you can recover your energy with lunch or a snack at the kiosk, which is located at the entrance of the path to the cove. Another challenging climb (but on a paved road) awaits us! With the view of “Isola Rossa” (Red Island) and the Towers. We follow the “Panoramica” road until we reach Porto Santo Stefano again… with the necessary stops to admire and photograph the view.

INFO:

• Difficulty: medium (mountain bike with pedal assistance recommended)
• Distance: 41 km
• Time: the route can be covered in about 2 hours and 30 minutes, but I suggest dedicating a whole day to this tour, enjoying long breaks to appreciate the view, take a path that makes you curious, reach some coves and appreciate the Argentario 100%, letting your curiosity guide you.
• Bikes and other itineraries: Bike&Boat Argentario Hotel (Porto Santo Stefano) and Argentario Bike Tour (Porto Ercole) are at your disposal for bike rentals, directions for this and other itineraries and guided tours.

Have fun and… see you next time with “Argentario Experience”. Ebe Montresor
Want more information or want to share your experience? Write us! info@argentariolifestyle.it