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 held annually in Argentario, we highlight:
- March: The Gran Fondo dell’’Argentario.
- Easter period: Pasquavela.
- May: La Notte dei Pirati (The Night of the Pirates) and the Scarpinata dei 4 Forti Spagnoli (Hike of the Four Spanish Forts).
- June: The Patron Saint Festival of Porto Ercole, celebrating St. Erasmus with a sea procession, and the Argentario Sailing Week.
- Summer season: I Notturni dell’Orto Botanico Corsini (The Nocturnes of the Corsini Botanical Garden).
- July: The Pop Corn Short Film Festival.
- August: The Patron Saint Festival of Porto Santo Stefano with a sea procession, Da Porto a Porto, and the Palio Marinaro dell’Argentario (August 15).
- From October through winter: Argentario Trail, Corri nella Riserva (Run in the Reserve), the Winter Sailing Championships, and the Presepe Vivente (Living Nativity Scene) in December and January.
There are many events, constantly evolving. We invite you to discover them through the official channels of the Municipality of Monte Argentario.
