Monte Argentario, Southern Tuscany is popular primarily with wealthy Italians. The area boasts a nature reserve and some un-spoilt beaches. Long ago this sizeable outpost of Tuscany was an island; later it became joined to the mainland by three sand bars, which are now covered in woodland and separated by lagoons.

The two main towns at Monte Argentario are Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole. These charming and fashionable sailing harbours are inhabited by casually elegant yachts men and provide the ideal base for a relaxing holiday on the Tuscan coast. Porto Santo Stefano is the largest town, served by ferries to the Tuscan islands whilst Porto Ercole is the smaller of the two harbour settlements.

Get to Monte Argentario
The most convenient airports for this stretch of Tuscan coast are Rome (Fiumicino or Ciampino) and Pisa. Either driving or by train.

Get around
The train station for Monte Argentario is called Orbetello - Monte Argentario, and it's located at Orbetello Scalo, just inland from the causeways. Trains to and from Rome take approximately two hours. Buses run from the station to Porto Santo Stefano, Porto Ercole and Orbetello, and link the towns together (see link at the foot of page for timetables). From Porto Santo Stefano ferries run to the Isola del Giglio, a picturesque island, and the smaller Giannutri.