Podere del Sole farmhouse
The Tuscan coves
1. Feniglia beach (36 km from us)
La Feniglia, located in the municipality of Orbetello, is a sandbar, called Tombolo, which connects the Ansedonia hill to the east and Monte Argentario to the west. It extends for about 6 km and is characterized by an expanse of white and very fine sand, with a pine forest behind it and a Mediterranean scrub forest that gathers various protected species.
2. Baths of Domitian (35 km from us)
I Bagni di Domiziano, also known as the Gerini beach due to the presence of the villa that once belonged to the Marquises Gerini, is a small free sandy beach (no bathing establishments) located along the road that leads to Porto Santo Stefano. From the road, however, the beach is not visible and even the access path is barely visible, half hidden among the olive trees. This is also a beach suitable for children due to the low seabed. The main feature of this beach is that it is located in front of the ancient residence of the Domizi Enobarbi, a family of imperial Rome from which the emperor Nero descended. Even today, during the days of low tide, the remains of the ancient tanks used to raise fish emerge from the sea; furthermore, immediately behind the tip on the left, the ruins of the ancient villa dating back to 36 BC are visible
3. La Soda (36 km from us)
We find this beach continuing towards Porto Santo Stefano, it is visible from the road and access is easily identifiable. Divided in two by a small pier, on the right there is the free beach, on the left the bathing establishment. It is a beach made up of small pebbles, we also find a bar and a restaurant right in front of the sea. It is also frequented by divers who are at their "beginnings", as here they can easily access the sea with all the equipment without the need to use a boat.
4. The Blonde (37 km from us)
La Bionda is a pretty and quiet cove located after the Pozzarello. From Porto Santo Stefano it can also be reached on foot (the stretch is not short but it is all flat and suggestive) passing under the tunnels where the train used to pass from 1913 to 1944; at the end of the three tunnels you will find this pretty beach and its barrier of rocks, inside which the sea is always calm. The beach is free, there are no bars or bathing establishments. It can also be reached from the road that leads to Porto Santo Stefano, taking the small road that runs along the sea at the end of the Pozzarello bay.
5. The Cantoniera (37 km from us)
Small pebble and sandy beach that can be reached on foot from the town of Porto Santo Stefano, passing under the tunnel, which from 1913 to 1944 allowed the passage of the train coming from Orbetello. Access is also suitable for the handicapped. The beach is free but you will also find a sun lounger and umbrella rental service. La Cantoniera is a cheerful and very popular beach, especially in the afternoon. The cliff on the left is a paradise for local kids, who spend hours diving off the rocks. On the days when the sirocco wind beats, the sea is particularly calm and crystalline.
6. Giannella beach (39 km from us)
The Giannella is the tombolo north of the Argentario, you will meet it on the right a handful of km before arriving in Porto Santo Stefano. It is a sandy beach of about 8 km, with bathing establishments, free beach, bars and restaurants by the sea. The sea slopes very gently and therefore makes this beach very suitable for small children. To access the sea, you just need to walk along the tombolo to meet the numerous access points. This beach is well suited for sailing sports. Finally, remember that close to the beach there is a pine forest that covers almost the entire Tombolo in length.
7. The Cacciarella (40 km from us)
Leaving the town of Porto Santo Stefano and taking the panoramic road, the first beach accessible from land is Cacciarella. It is very small, made of sand and positioned between two cliffs. There are no bars or bathing establishments. It can be reached on foot along a steep path for about 500 meters. Don't forget mask and snorkel as the seabed is beautiful. On the cliff on the east side is the Grotta del Turco, the access is semi-hidden, but the inside of the cave is very large. A well-known local legend has attributed the name to this cave: it is said that Santostefanese fishermen managed to hide here with the whole boat, thus escaping the capture of the Saracen pirates, who after a long chase saw the fishermen disappear between the rocks and beyond. they managed to locate the entrance to the cave. Finally, we point out that the statue of Christ the Redeemer is placed on a depth of 15 meters, indicated by a plaque affixed to the rocks on the surface.
8. Cala del Gesso (46 km from us)
Cala del Gesso is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Argentario. To reach it, take the panoramic road from Porto Santo Stefano until you reach km 5.9 immediately after cala moresca, where on the right you will take the road called via dei Pionieri. At the end of the descent, cross a gate with a pedestrian crossing, and you will descend on an asphalted path about 700 meters long which ends with a short but steep staircase. We suggest you wear comfortable shoes. During the descent you will enjoy breathtaking views! The return uphill is not recommended in the hottest hours. The path is tiring, but you will be amply rewarded by the beauty of this cove. The beach is made up of very small and smooth pebbles, in front there is the islet of Argentarola, while on the end of the cliff on the right, there are the remains of a Spanish tower of the sixteenth century. The beach is completely free, there are no bathing establishments or bars, it is excellent for snorkeling, the sea is crystal clear, you will be immersed in the nature of the Argentario. Do not forget to bring an umbrella and water, here the sun "makes itself felt". In high season we advise you to arrive in the morning around 10:00, or to stay late in order to appreciate this jewel of the beach in a surreal quiet that you will hardly be able to forget
9. Cala del Bove (46 km from us)
Cala del Bove is located a few hundred meters ahead of Cala del Gesso. The path that leads to the sea is only accessible on foot, it is not in excellent condition and is more or less 700 meters long. Cala del Bove is a cliff with no beach, those accustomed to the comfort of beach beds will not be at ease, however the rocks are smooth and you can lie down relatively comfortably. This area is never very busy and snorkelers will find a first level seabed
10. Dead Sea (48 km from us)
The Dead Sea is the wildest cove of the Argentario reachable by land. From Porto S. Stefano take the road of the campone, go all the way up, pass the crossroads for the Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola, go always forward, at the end of a descent you will find a crossroads and take the direction on the left, still 4.3 km and on the right of the road you will find a path that leads to the sea. Sneakers are recommended, the path is 500 meters long but except for the very first stretch, it is not too demanding. The name Dead Sea derives from its characteristic natural reef barrier, which forms natural pools behind it where the water is always calm. Bring a mask because here you will find the most beautiful backdrops of the Argentario, made even more fascinating by the quantity and variety of fish that populate them. The sun in this area "beats down" and since there are no natural shelters or bars, it is necessary to bring an umbrella, water and sunscreen, even if for a few years there has been an umbrella rental service. Once you arrive, we advise you not to position yourself on the small beach close to the escarpment, since from there access to the sea will not be the easiest, moreover it is the point where the heat is stronger. Instead, the rocks closest to the pools are better, or the barrier in front of the open sea. Remember, however, that the Dead Sea is not a place where you sit still and sunbathe all day, go and explore the many forms of life in the pools, and walk the length and breadth of all the facing seabeds, it is certainly worth the visit. penalty