A mountain island linked to the coast by sandbars, with coves and Spanish forts
Monte Argentario was once an island; over the centuries two long sandbars, the tomboli of Giannella and Feniglia, joined it to the mainland, enclosing the lagoon of Orbetello, a town built on a narrow spit in the middle of the water. The headland rises to over 600 metres, covered with Mediterranean scrub.
Its two harbours have different personalities: Porto Santo Stefano, a lively fishing and ferry port for Giglio, and Porto Ercole, smaller and elegant, where the painter Caravaggio died in 1610. Spanish fortresses from the time of the Stato dei Presidi watch over the coast, and the panoramic road around the headland reveals coves such as Cala Grande and Cala del Gesso.
Tip: the Feniglia sandbar, a pine forest with a long beach, can be walked or cycled; in the lagoon of Orbetello, look out for flamingos and taste the smoked eel and the bottarga.
Where it is
More things to see in Tuscany
Where to stay near Monte Argentario
Tours and activities nearby
Offers from GetYourGuide. Some links are affiliate links: if you book we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.