Porto Santo Stefano

Travel guide to Maremma Tuscany

Porto Santo Stefano Travel Guide Tours and Things to Do

What to do in Porto Santo Stefano?

Giuseppe Baldassarri reviews the best places in Italy.

Here are some of the top attractions you might consider visiting:

Porto Santo Stefano is a charming coastal town located in the municipality of Monte Argentario, in Tuscany, Italy. It is situated on the Monte Argentario peninsula, which extends into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Porto Santo Stefano is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, picturesque harbor, and maritime atmosphere.

The town is characterized by its colorful houses, narrow streets, and a lively waterfront promenade. The harbor is the heart of Porto Santo Stefano, where fishing boats, yachts, and ferries come and go, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. There are several bars, restaurants, and shops along the waterfront, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the local cuisine and browse for souvenirs.

One of the main attractions in Porto Santo Stefano is the Spanish Fortress, also known as Fortezza Spagnola. Built in the 17th century, the fortress offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding coastline. It now houses a museum that showcases the history and maritime heritage of the area.

For beach lovers, Porto Santo Stefano offers a range of beautiful beaches and coves. Some of the popular ones include La Cantoniera, La Cacciarella, and Le Viste. These beaches feature clear waters and are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

From Porto Santo Stefano, it is possible to take boat trips to explore the nearby islands. The most famous of these is Isola del Giglio, known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Ferries and private boat tours are available for visitors to enjoy a day trip or spend more time exploring the island.

In addition to its natural beauty, Porto Santo Stefano is also known for its seafood. The town is dotted with seafood restaurants offering fresh catches from the sea, including fish, shellfish, and other local specialties.

Overall, Porto Santo Stefano is a delightful coastal town that combines natural beauty, maritime heritage, and a relaxed atmosphere. It is a great destination for those seeking a beach getaway, exploring the Tuscan coast, or enjoying fresh seafood in a picturesque setting.

7-day itinerary To Porto Santo Stefano and its surroundings and local food and wine specialties.

Day 1: Arrival in Porto Santo Stefano

- Arrive in Porto Santo Stefano and check into your accommodation.

- Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade and soak in the charming atmosphere of the town.

- Enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant, trying specialties like spaghetti alle vongole (clams) or pesce all'acqua pazza (fish cooked in "crazy water" sauce).

Day 2: Explore Monte Argentario

- Rent a car and drive around the Monte Argentario peninsula.

- Visit the Spanish Fortress (Fortezza Spagnola) in Porto Santo Stefano and explore the museum showcasing the area's maritime history.

- Drive to Cala del Gesso, a beautiful cove with turquoise waters, and spend the day relaxing on the beach.

- In the evening, head to a local enoteca (wine bar) and sample regional wines such as Morellino di Scansano or Ansonica.

Day 3: Day Trip to Isola del Giglio

- Take a ferry from Porto Santo Stefano to Isola del Giglio.

- Spend the day exploring the island's pristine beaches, such as Campese or Cannelle.

- Enjoy a seafood lunch at a beachfront restaurant, savoring dishes like fritto misto di mare (mixed fried seafood) or grilled fish.

- Explore the charming village of Giglio Castello, known for its medieval walls and narrow streets.

- Return to Porto Santo Stefano in the evening.

Day 4: Wine Tasting in Maremma

- Take a day trip to the Maremma region, known for its vineyards and wineries.

- Visit a local winery and indulge in a wine-tasting session, sampling renowned Tuscan wines like Brunello di Montalcino or Chianti.

- Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the vineyards, pairing local cheeses and cured meats with the wines.

- Visit the picturesque town of Pitigliano, known for its Etruscan heritage and impressive tuff stone buildings.

- Return to Porto Santo Stefano in the evening and have a relaxing dinner at a traditional trattoria, trying dishes like wild boar stew or pici pasta with ragù sauce.

Day 5: Beach Day and Sunset Cruise

- Spend the day at one of the beautiful beaches near Porto Santo Stefano, such as La Cantoniera or La Cacciarella.

- Relax on the sandy shores, swim in the clear waters, and soak up the sun.

- In the evening, embark on a sunset cruise along the coastline, enjoying breathtaking views of the sea and the colorful sky.

- Indulge in a seafood dinner on board, accompanied by local sparkling wine or Vermentino.

Day 6: Thermal Spa Experience

- Visit the nearby Terme di Saturnia, a renowned thermal spa complex.

- Relax in the natural hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties.

- Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment or massage.

- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local trattoria, savoring Tuscan specialties like ribollita (vegetable and bread soup) or bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine-style steak).

- Return to Porto Santo Stefano and spend the evening exploring the town's shops and boutiques.

Day 7: Cooking Class and Farewell Dinner

- Take a cooking class in Porto Santo Stefano and learn to prepare traditional local dishes under the guidance of a professional chef.

- Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious lunch, paired with local wines.

- Spend the afternoon exploring Porto Santo Stefano's historic center, visiting the local shops and boutiques.

- In the evening, have a farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant, indulging in a variety of seafood delicacies and toasting to a wonderful week in Porto Santo Stefano.

Note: This itinerary provides a general outline and can be customized based on your preferences and the time of year. It's always a good idea to check the opening hours and availability of attractions and activities in advance.

Can you recommend any specific vineyards in Maremma for wine tasting?

Certainly! Here are a few vineyards in the Maremma region of Tuscany that you might consider for wine tasting:

1. Fattoria Le Pupille: Located in the heart of the Maremma, Fattoria Le Pupille is known for producing excellent wines, including its renowned Morellino di Scansano. They offer guided tours of their vineyards and cellars, followed by tastings of their wines.

1. Petra: Petra is a stunning winery situated near Suvereto in the Val di Cornia area of Maremma. The architecture of the winery is striking, and it specializes in producing high-quality wines, particularly their Bordeaux-style blends. They offer guided tours and tastings, allowing visitors to explore their modern winemaking techniques.

1. Rocca di Frassinello: This winery is a collaboration between Italian winemaking tradition and French expertise. Located near Gavorrano, Rocca di Frassinello produces a range of wines, including their flagship Super Tuscan blend. Visitors can enjoy tours of the winery, vineyards, and cellars, followed by tastings of their wines.

1. Poggio Argentiera: Situated near the medieval town of Scansano, Poggio Argentiera is known for its organic and biodynamic winemaking practices. They produce a variety of wines, including Morellino di Scansano and Vermentino. The winery offers guided tours, tastings, and even cooking classes that pair their wines with local cuisine.

1. Castello di Terriccio: Located near Castagneto Carducci, Castello di Terriccio is a historic estate that produces exceptional wines, including their Super Tuscan blends. The castle and vineyards are set in a picturesque landscape, and visitors can enjoy guided tours and tastings of their wines.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other wonderful vineyards and wineries to explore in the Maremma region. It's always a good idea to check the winery's website or contact them in advance to confirm their opening hours and availability for tours and tastings.

Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:

Porto Santo Stefano: where to stay?

Great discounts on stays in Italy. Book on line. Read guest reviews and find the accommodation that's right for you for you Look for offers on hotels, houses and much more...

Booking.com

View the map of Porto Santo Stefano in real-time.

Find local businesses, view maps and find directions. Your location. Cycle paths. Cycle paths. The roads are suitable for cyclists. Itineraries gravel/dirt. Real-time traffic.