Porto Santo Stefano

Of course, the sea is the absolute protagonist of this village, with numerous beaches, all different from each other: from little coves hidden among the rocks to strips of golden sand, the most famous of which include Cala del Gesso, which gets its name from the gypsum quarries that were once active in this area, a free pebble beach, without services, but that offers breathtaking views and is perfect for snorkeling. Cala Piccola also has crystal-clear waters and is a pebble beach with the coral rock, a spot for diving that rises from a depth of 45 meters almost to the surface, and is a favorite destination for divers. Another pebble beach, ideal for snorkeling, but less suitable for children or the elderly, is Cala Grande: it is the widest along the entire Argentario coast and can be accessed via a 500-meter path. The Beach of Giannella, on the other hand, is sandy and also has a pine forest and services. Free beach lovers will appreciate the Bagni di Domiziano, a beach with shallow waters, known for the remains of ancient cetarian baths (used for fish farming), and a villa dating back to 36 BC that belonged to several emperors, including Nero.

Also dating back to this period and highly recommended is the Spanish Fortress, built for defensive purposes, becoming an important cultural center over time: today it accommodates permanent exhibitions like "Memorie Sommerse," (Underwater Memories) featuring archaeological finds recovered from the nearby seabeds, and "Maestri d’Ascia," (Shipwrights) dedicated to old fishing boat and ship builders. 

For marine life enthusiasts there is the Acquario Mediterraneo della Costa d'Argento (Argentario Aquarium). which offers an accurate reconstruction of the typical Argentario seabed environments.

The Scenic Road that connects Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano offers an unforgettable experience, with breathtaking landscapes overlooking the open sea. Along the way, as well as the natural beauty, you can also admire the remains of ancient watchtowers built during the period of the Spanish Dominion. 

Also worth seeing is the Convent of the Passionist Friars, a sanctuary built in the 18th century by St. Paul of the Cross. A few kilometers from Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano, along the scenic road, is the Argentario Golf Club, a place where exciting polo tournaments are held every year from May to September, with horses reaching impressive speeds of 70 km/h.

Lastly, a few kilometers away, there is a unique little town positioned on a narrow strip of land jutting out from the Maremma coast towards Argentario: Orbetello, famous for its lagoon, an important nature reserve and rich in plant life and wildlife, particularly migratory birds.

In mid-August every year, the seafaring tradition comes to life, with the Palio dell'Argentario, an evocative competition between the town's four districts. The festivities begin the week before, with the various districts’ contrada dinners and a historical parade.

The Argentario area is also known for its delicious wines, perfect for savoring during moments of total relaxation. In fact, let's remember Ansonica Costa dell'Argentario DOC wine, with a straw-yellow color, a fresh, slightly fruity and delicate scent and an average high alcohol content.