15 MINUTES FROM THE RELAIS
Convento dei Frati Passionisti
You can visit the chapel of the convent, built in 1737 by San Paolo della Croce. From here, you can admire Orbetello with the Ponente Lagoon and the Tombolo della Giannella. Nearby, you can reach the Monumental Cross, which is 19 meters high, and the highest point of Monte Argentario (Punta Telegrafo), reaching an elevation of 635 meters above sea level. From there, you can enjoy a view of Giglio and Giannutri Islands.
Giannella Beach
The “Giannella Tombolo” is a strip of land approximately 6 km long, bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea to the northwest and the Orbetello Lagoon to the southeast. The beach is sandy, and the waters are shallow. In the locality of Saline, near the Albegna River, you can find Spanish fortifications: the Forte delle Saline and the Casale Spagnolo.
Porto Santo Stefano
A charming seaside village with two harbors, one for commercial purposes and one for tourism, from which you can reach Giglio Island and Giannutri Island. It overlooks a bay dominated by fortresses, including the Spanish Fortezza, built between the late 16th century and the early 17th century, which now houses a museum and exhibition space. Along the waterfront, there are various bars and restaurants.
Orbetello
The city is located in the center of the homonymous lagoon, which is an important nature reserve managed by the WWF. Among its attractions, there is the Gothic-style Cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, the picturesque Diga Bridge that divides two lagoon water bodies and connects Orbetello to the Argentario Promontory, and the “Guzman” gun powder storage, an historic building constructed by the Spanish in 1692, which now houses the Archaeological Museum of Orbetello.
Don’t miss the sunset over the Ponente Lagoon, where the Orbetello Windmill will provide a stunning backdrop for your social media photos. It is the only surviving windmill out of the nine in the area and was built by the people of Siena in the 15th century. In earlier times, the movement of the millstones was powered by the force of the tides. In the 17th century, the mills were restored by the Spanish, with the addition of sail blades that also harnessed the power of the wind. The Orbetello Lagoon is home to various fish species that have become part of the local food chain. A typical specialty is Orbetello bottarga, a Slow Food Presidium, derived from the maturation of the ovarian sacs of the mullet species Mugil cephalus.
Duna Feniglia Nature Reserve
This is a 7-kilometer-long sand dune that separates the open sea from the Levante Lagoon of Orbetello. It is an ideal area for running, walking, and cycling in a green environment. The part facing the lagoon is equipped with birdwatching huts, while the part facing the Mediterranean Sea is a mostly free sandy beach with some beach resorts.
Ansedonia
This tourist destination is located on a small promontory surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation. It is situated amidst the ruins of the ancient Roman city of “Cosa”. The archaeological area is notable for the towers of San Pancrazio, San Biagio, and Torre Puccini. At the foot of the promontory, there is a sandy beach with beach resorts and restaurants along the shore.
Porto Ercole
The historic center is surrounded by the 15th-century senese city walls and boasts the charming Piazza di Santa Barbara, from which you can admire the harbor. The surrounding area is characterized by a series of forts and towers, including Forte Stella, Forte Filippo, Forte Santa Caterina, and the Torre del Mulinaccio. Along the waterfront, there are various bars and restaurants.
Fortresses
On Monte Argentario, there are numerous fortifications dating back to the time of senese and spanish dominations between the 16th and 17th centuries. This historical and landscape heritage of extraordinary value deserves to be preserved and enhanced. There are about twenty towers and fortresses built to guard the coasts of Argentario against pirate raids.
Such a large number of military structures is explained by the strategic importance of Argentario, which overlooked the Tyrrhenian Sea halfway between the commercial routes connecting the north and south of the Italian peninsula, bordering the Papal States and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
30/45 MINUTES FROM THE RELAIS
Talamone
The town is located on a rocky promontory overlooking the entire stretch of coastline up to Monte Argentario. It is dominated by the impressive Rocca and features a characteristic harbor that was a stopover for Garibaldi’s “Thousand” expedition and mentioned by Dante in a canto of the Divine Comedy. It is a highly sought-after destination for kite surfing enthusiasts.
Magliano in Toscana
This small medieval-looking village is situated on a hill covered with olive groves and vineyards. The municipal territory is rich in Etruscan settlements and also includes the characteristic locations of Pereta and Montiano, as well as the Monastery of San Bruzio. The historic center is surrounded by a valuable city wall built between the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance period.
Maremma Natural Park (or Uccellina Park)
Within its 9,800 hectares, you can find the last marshy areas near the mouth of the Ombrone River (which hosts important colonies of marsh birds), some of the most beautiful and unspoiled coastal areas of the Maremma, dense Mediterranean vegetation along the Uccellina Mountains, and vast grassy expanses to the east. To visit the park, you can choose from a variety of seasonal routes on foot, horseback, bicycle, or canoe.
Capalbio
Thanks to its historical and artistic importance acquired during the Renaissance, this village is sometimes nicknamed “Little Athens.” It has received multiple awards for the preservation of its beaches and natural attractions, including the WWF oasis near Lake Burano. From the crenelated tower of the Aldobrandeschi Castle and its walls, you can admire an extraordinarily beautiful panorama. Don’t miss a guided tour and wine tastings at the Monteverro winery and vineyards.
Tarot Garden
It is an esoteric park featuring statues representing the tarot cards. Located in Garavicchio, near Pescia Fiorentina, it was created by the French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle. It is open from April 1st to October 15th, from 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Online booking is recommended.
Scansano
Scansano is an ancient village located in the hills of Grosseto, renowned worldwide for its fine red wine: Morellino di Scansano. Strolling through the narrow streets of the historic center, you can admire numerous medieval buildings and splendid views of the surrounding countryside. The village is known for its picturesque charm and its wine production, which is deeply rooted in the local tradition.
Tarquinia
Tarquinia was one of the oldest and most important Etruscan settlements. It boasts a rich archaeological heritage, including the extensive necropolises, particularly the Monterozzi Necropolis, which houses rock-cut tombs and an extraordinary series of paintings. In the town center, the magnificent Palazzo Vitelleschi, completed in elegant Renaissance style around 1490, serves as the National Museum of Tarquinia, showcasing Etruscan artifacts and art. Tarquinia is a fascinating destination for history and art lovers, offering a glimpse into the ancient Etruscan civilization.
60 MINUTES FROM THE RELAIS
Pitigliano
Pitigliano is a characteristic village located on a tuff spur, overlooking the green surrounding valleys. It was initially an Etruscan settlement and later came under the rule of various families, including the Aldobrandeschi, Orsini, and Medici. It is also known as the “Little Jerusalem” due to the historic presence of a Jewish community, and visitors can still admire the synagogue today.
Saturnia
Situated in the hilly inland of Maremma, this locality is perched on a hilltop overlooking the famous thermal springs of the Saturnia thermal resort, which extends over an area of approximately 30 km. The sulfurous waters at 37.5 degrees Celsius have renowned therapeutic properties and are famous and sought after by clients from all over the world.
Sovana
Sovana is a typical medieval village that boasts one of its main attractions, the Etruscan necropolis, which is home to the famous “Tomba dell’Ildebrando” (Tomb of Ildebrando), whose shape resembles that of a Greek temple. The necropolis contains ancient tombs carved into the rock and offers a glimpse into the fascinating Etruscan civilization. The village itself is charming, with its medieval architecture, narrow streets, and historic buildings.
Giglio and Giannutri Islands
Easily accessible by ferries departing from Porto Santo Stefano, the Isola del Giglio (Giglio Island) and Giannutri Island are part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. These islands are not only important for their diverse flora and fauna but are also renowned for their marine life and popular for diving enthusiasts. From Porto Santo Stefano, it takes about 50 minutes by ferry to reach Giglio Island and 60 minutes to reach Giannutri Island. Besides enjoying the natural beauty of the islands, visitors can explore the remains of an ancient Roman villa on Giannutri Island, with some areas still featuring mosaic flooring.
