Orbetello lagoons
- Natural Park
A 870-hectare WWF reserve, a RAMSAR site, with 272 bird species and three trails, including a 1.2 km birdwatching route with nine observation points
311 lieux rated
Explore all of our secret destinations in Tuscany — wild thermal baths, medieval villages, Etruscan trails, Maremma vineyards and much more. Each entry has its rating, how to get there and what you need to know before going.
A 870-hectare WWF reserve, a RAMSAR site, with 272 bird species and three trails, including a 1.2 km birdwatching route with nine observation points
The promontory of Ansedonia preserves the cyclopean walls and Roman ruins of Cosa, with a view over the Argentario from the Arce
Fishing village on a rocky promontory, with 13th-century ramparts, the Rocca Aldobrandesca and southern access to the Maremma park trails
Giglio Castello is a hilltop village at 400 m with intact medieval ramparts and towers, in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park
Village on the Argentario with a paved old town, flowered balconies and 16th-century Spanish fortresses overlooking the bay
Cosa preserves the cyclopean walls, the forum and the baths of a Roman colony from 273 BC
A pebble and rock cove in a sheltered inlet, with clear water ideal for snorkeling, with the Argentarola islet and its underwater cave offshore
The southernmost island of the Tuscan archipelago, with no cars or hotels, very transparent water and Roman shipwrecks at 20 m
Isola del Giglio combines three villages, granite descents to the sea and wild coves in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park
A 16th-century watchtower perched 350 m above the sea, reached by a steep trail through the scrub from the port
A sandy tombolo between the sea and the lagoon, crossed by a track closed to cars, with fallow deer roaming free and birdwatching hides
A wild promontory of pebble coves and rocks, such as Cala del Gesso with its islet and underwater cave, or Cala Grande with its three beaches
Porto Ercole locks down its bay with four 16th-century fortifications, including the six-pointed star-shaped Fort Stella, at €4, and forts with free access
A sheltered natural cove on the northeastern side of the Argentario, with gray sand and dark pebbles, which keeps calm seas even in tramontana wind
Capital of Monte Argentario, Porto Santo Stefano is a lively fishing port and the departure point for Giglio and Giannutri
Fine sandy beach between gentle cliffs, facing Monte Argentario, reachable on foot, by car or by water taxi, with calm swimming and snorkeling without certification
A wild promontory with secret coves and crystal-clear water, paired with the fishing villages of Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole
A small pebble cove below the Torre del Saraceno, with Roman fish ponds and villa foundations a stone's throw from the port of Giglio
Tiny alcove beneath the Torre di Scaciadiavoli, in Monte Argentario, with a statue of the Christ of the Abyss at 15 meters and the Grotta del Turco: an intimate diving spot
A wild cove of the Argentario whose rock barrier forms a natural pool that is always calm, facing the Isola Rossa, a red rock popular with snorkelers
The Strada Panoramica dell'Argentario crosses wild Mediterranean scrub and leads to coves described as secret, with varied sea panoramas
An iconic rock emerging in front of the beach of Campese, on the Isola del Giglio, to be photographed at sunset with the Medici Tower
The Saturday market of Orbetello brings together the lagoon fishermen and their products: mullet bottarga, smoked eels, fish from the cooperative
Ranking by note Toscane Cachée: analysis of traveller reviews and information for each address (our method). Booking links are affiliate links.
Complete your trip
RestaurantsWhere to eat around Porto Santo Stefano14 restaurants within 12 km
Wine tastingsTastings around Porto Santo Stefano4 tastings within 12 km
ActivitiesThings to do around Porto Santo Stefano23 activities within 12 km
AgriturismosAgriturismos around Porto Santo Stefano9 agriturismi within 12 km
AccommodationsWhere to stay around Porto Santo Stefano200 accommodations within 12 km
BoatsBoats around Porto Santo Stefano91 boats within 25 kmExplore
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Hidden Tuscany is an independent travel guide devoted to authentic Tuscany, far from the saturated tourist circuits. Our directory lists the places we have personally visited and documented: free-access wild hot springs, inhabited medieval villages, little-known Etruscan trails, discreet wineries, restaurants of trattoria family-run.
Each listing is rated on five criteria — authenticity, accessibility, value for money, photogenic quality and overall experience — to help you prioritize your visits according to your expectations. Whether you are planning a weekend in the Maremma, a thermal stay in Saturnia, a tour of the tuff villages or an exploration of the Etruscan coast, our directory is designed to be your starting point.
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Our score out of 10 is deliberately demanding: the favourites are the top 10% rated in the hub.