One of the most captivating seaside villages along Tuscany’s Maremma coastline, Porto Ercole is a pocket-sized harbor town on the “almost island” of Monte Argentario—a lush outcrop connected to the mainland by two thin stretches of sand. The 16th-century Rocca Spagnola and Forte Filippo bookend its old town, which charms with cobblestone lanes, balcony flower boxes, and sea views. Head to the marina for boat rentals and tours—the two top things to do in Porto Ercole. Dazzling beaches, reserves teeming with wildlife, and postcard-perfect seaside hamlets beckon outside of town.
Though this seaside town has year-round residents, many hotels and restaurants close in the quiet winter. From April to October, however, the old town bustles with seasonal visitors, and pleasure boats churn in and out of the marina. The top time to visit is at the end of April and the beginning of May when the town transforms into a pirate’s lair for the Notte dei Pirati (Night of the Pirates) festival.
This compact town is easy to cover on foot. Limited parking and areas limited to resident traffic make getting around by car a hassle. To reach Porto Ercole by public transportation, take the train to nearby Orbetello and then connect to the local bus that stops on the central Via Caravaggio. You can also visit the town by sea as a stop on a boat tour along the Monte Argentario coast.
The Monte Argentario island is connected to Tuscany’s coast by two thin strips of land, and between them lies the protected reserve of the Orbetello Lagoon (Laguna di Orbetello). This pristine wetland is home to thousands of migrating birds, including rare Italian stilts, flashy flamingos, and endless varieties of herons, cranes, and birds of prey. The World Wildlife Foundation manages the area, which maintains the walking paths, observation towers, and other facilities.