Villages of Argentario, The Most Beautiful to Visit

Argentario is one of the most precious gems of Tuscany, located in the Grosseto Maremma, it is a region of immense natural beauty, with pristine beaches, a rugged and impressive coastline, and a rich and varied inland.

It is one of the most famous destinations in central Italy for a holiday of pure relaxation, amid the sea, history, breathtaking views, and superb culinary offerings.

There isn't a perfect time to visit Argentario, but certainly autumn and spring, with milder temperatures, provide stunning days to explore these original and charming villages, rich in tradition, architecture, art, and breathtaking shorelines.

The municipality of Monte Argentario consists of two districts: Porto Santo Stefano, located on the northwestern coast, and Porto Ercole, which is on the southeastern coast.

Let's discover what these two pearls of Argentario hold.

Porto Santo Stefano is one of the districts that make up the municipality of Monte Argentario. Here is the municipal seat, and it is the ideal place to breathe the suggestive atmosphere of a seaside village, with the unique scents and colors that can be admired only on the coast.

Among the main attractions of the Argentario village is the Spanish Fortress, built between the 16th and 17th centuries and located in the center of the town.

Once it served to protect against possible incursions from the sea, today it hosts two permanent exhibitions that are part of the Maremma Museums circuit: Submerged Memories and Masters of the Sea.

Among the things to see in Porto Santo Stefano is also its beautiful aquarium located on the waterfront of the Navigators, inaugurated in 2001. Inside, there are 17 tanks, of which 7 are panoramic, housing numerous marine species.

Porto Santo Stefano has two ports: Porto del Valle, from which connections to Giglio Island and Giannutri Island depart, and the Old Port.

Naturally, Porto Santo Stefano has its beautiful beaches: wonderful bays where you can relax, sunbathe, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Among the most beautiful and important is definitely Cala del Gesso, considered by many to be the most beautiful in Argentario, with a truly breathtaking view.

To the south is Cala Piccola and the beach of Mar Morto, featuring some suggestive natural pools that form among the rocks.

For those who do not want to stray too far from the center of Porto Santo Stefano, there are the beaches "La Cantoniera" and "La Bionda."

The second village that makes up the municipality of Monte Argentario, as mentioned, is called Porto Ercole.

The historic center is an absolute gem, accessible through a gothic door with the suggestive Clock Tower and reaching Santa Barbara Square, the ideal place to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Old Port, the new town, and the sea of Argentario.

Also in the historic center of Porto Ercole is the Governor's Palace, a beautiful building in late Renaissance style that was once the residence of the Spanish governors.

To delve even deeper into the historic center, you can follow the so-called "Caravaggio Path" that leads visitors to the suggestive Church of Sant'Erasmo, dedicated to the patron saint of Porto Ercole and protector of sailors and fishermen.

Not far from the church is what remains of the Confraternity of Santa Croce where the sanatorium of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice welcomed Caravaggio in his last days. Once here - in a mausoleum at the beginning of Via Nuova - were his remains, now moved to the new cemetery of Porto Ercole. Where the tomb of the famous artist once stood, there is now a monument in his memory.

Among the main attractions of the village of Argentario is the Spanish Fortress. Built under the Aldobrandeschi dominion, the fort has been expanded several times to become a true "citadel" that houses palaces, streets, and gardens.

The structure that can be admired today relates to the expansion of the 16th century when the Fortress was equipped with bastions and earthen walls. In the northeastern corner of the fortress, you can admire the Porto Ercole Lighthouse, built in the 19th century.

Traveling down the panoramic road to the south leads to another main attraction of Porto Ercole: Forte Stella.

It is a truly imposing construction, consisting of a square-based stronghold, with corner bastions and the stronghold located at the center. From here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Argentario and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

It is important to note that Porto Ercole has two ports, one called the "Old Port" located near the old town and the "Cala Galera Port," which is located in the more modern part of the village.

On the promontory that divides the two ports of Porto Ercole, there are two other fortifications built by the Spaniards: the imposing Forte Filippo dating back to the 16th century and Forte Santa Caterina.

In Porto Ercole, of course, there are beaches to relax on. One of the most important is definitely Cala Galera.

Located between the Cala Galera marina and Poggio Pertuso, this sandy bay is easily accessible and has both equipped beach facilities and free beach areas.

Another beach to visit in Porto Ercole is Feniglia, a shoreline with fine, light sand and crystal-clear waters. Behind the bay, there is a huge and impressive pine forest that is part of the Feniglia Nature Reserve.

The beaches "Le Viste," which consist of sand and pebbles, the "Spiaggia Lunga," which is divided between sand and rocks, and "L'Acqua Dolce" are also worth a visit.

Orbetello

For those who love medieval history and are looking for a village to breathe in the typical atmosphere of that time, Argentario beckons to Orbetello.

Founded by the Etruscans in the 7th century BC, the town was later conquered by the Romans, Byzantines, Lombards, and Saracens. In the 12th century, the village was annexed to the Republic of Siena, and in the 14th century, it was definitively conquered by the Republic of Florence.

The traces of these various dominations are clearly visible among the suggestive streets of Orbetello and in its historic center, there are numerous interesting testimonies such as the Rocca Albornoziana, the Orsini Fortress, and the Church of San Francesco. Additionally, Orbetello is strategically located in the center of three lakes, one natural - San Rocco - and two artificial - Levante and Ponente - offering visitors numerous options for leisure activities.

Capalbio

It is one of the most famous locations in Argentario, symbolic of a territory rich in beauty and traditions. The village is located near the border with Lazio, between the Chiarone River and the old Papal Customs.

Visitors can stroll through its wonderful historic center, visit the spectacular Rocca Aldobrandesca, a majestic fortress that dominates the surrounding landscape, and offers breathtaking views of Tuscan Maremma.

Don't miss the famous Tarocchi Garden, a unique work by artist Niki de Saint Phalle made up of giant colorful sculptures representing the tarot cards, creating a unique visual experience.

For those who love unspoiled nature, a visit to the nearby Feniglia Nature Reserve is a must, a long strip of land that extends for about 6 kilometers, with pristine beaches and a rich flora and fauna: the perfect place to relax in the sun or take a walk on foot or by bike.

Talamone

Peace, relaxation, tranquility, history, culture, sea: Talamone is among the most beautiful villages of Argentario, the ideal destination for a dream vacation in the heart of Maremma.

The town is surrounded by a still visible wall, and its landscape is dominated by the majestic Fortress - built in the 15th century by the Republic of Siena - and a very interesting viewpoint.

Montemerano

Rightfully this wonderful little village has been included among the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" and is situated on a gentle hill surrounded by Tuscan Maremma.

It is protected by three rings of walls and has preserved the medieval atmosphere in its streets and its historic center, with stone paving, the church, the fortress, and the suggestive little square of the castle.