Argentario
MONTE ARGENTARIO
Monte Argentario was once an island but gradually became joined to the mainland when the shallow waters began to silt up, creating two sandy spits of land, known as tomboli (Giannella and Feniglia). These unusual geological phenomena created a shallow lagoon, which is divided into two by a causeway leading to Orbetello.
Argentario rises steeply from the sea, notched by high cliffs and bays, its highest point being Mt. Telegrafo (635m). It is covered almost everywhere by Mediterranean scrub. Produce of the land is chiefly olives, fruit trees and vines. Argentario is rich in grottoes and evidence of human habitation has been found in some of them dating back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages. From the Panoramic Road there are enchanting views over rocky coves, cliffs and bays.
PORTO SANTO STEFANO
Porto S. Stefano is situated in a picturesque bay, with a population of 13,000 inhabitants. It is an important centre for fishing and a popular resort for holidaymakers, particularly during the month of August, when it becomes a bustling and lively town.
In the 15th century fishermen from Elba and Liguria began to settle here and urban development began to take place under the authority of the Republic of Siena. In the mid-1500’s the Spanish seized control of Argentario and decided to make Porto Santo Stefano the base for their powerful mercantile fleet since it was in such a strategic position - thus a series of coastal watchtowers were erected to defend the land. One of these, the fortress at Porto Santo Stefano, is today the town’s most interesting architectural nucleus and was one of the few buildings to emerge almost unharmed from the bombardments of the Second World War that razed the town to the ground.
GIGLIO & GIANNUTRI
Ferries from Porto S. Stefano go to the nearby islands of GIGLIO and GIANNUTRI.
Giglio boasts superb scenery and bird life, several hotels, three little villages, one of them medieval – Giglio Castello – and fine small beaches.
Giannutri is a tiny, pretty island without roads. It was once an important island to both the Greeks and the Romans, and Roman ruins can be found there.
PORTO ERCOLE
Porto Ercole is set in a bay and climbs up a little headland on the eastern coast. Four Spanish fortresses dominate the harbour and sea. The old part of the town is formed by a maze of narrow streets surmounted by arches, dark alleys and steep flights of steps cut into the rock. The oldest church, S. Erasmo, is where the painter Caravaggio was buried after his dramatic death in 1610.
GIANNELLA
Giannella is the long stretch (8 km) of land connecting Argentario with the mainland and into the town of Albinia. There is a good road for the whole length and on one side a continuous sandy beach with some hotels, beach bars and villas. In the summer, Giannella is thriving with people but the rest of the year it is a tranquil place. (NB. Properties for Giannella are to be found under the district of Orbetello).
FENIGLIA
At Feniglia, also around 8 kms. long, no cars are allowed. A gravel pathway runs the whole length to Ansedonia and is very popular for cycling and hiking. The whole area is a beautiful nature reserve of pine trees with views of the lagoon on one side and access to the sandy beach on the other. There are only a few buildings at either end of Feniglia.