Porto Ercole

Porto Ercole, an exclusive Tuscan seaside resort, sits on the south-eastern shore of Argentario and makes an excellent base for exploring the area.
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Overlooking the Argentario headland, with views stretching eastwards, Porto Ercole is one of the most exclusive destinations in the area and throughout the Grosseto province. Its reputation as a glamorous resort derives largely from its marina, which attracts numerous yachts and private boats during the summer season.

But visitors come to Porto Ercole mainly for the stunning views that surround it, the beautiful coves and inlets found in its immediate vicinity, and to unwind with a drink by the harbour or in the historic centre.

The town is characterised by its natural division into two distinct areas: the newer part, which is by far the most touristy, faces directly onto the sea with its beating heart around the marina, whilst the historic medieval village sits on the hillside to the south of the port, reached in 10-15 minutes on foot, or alternatively by bus or car.

Porto Ercole’s beaches

Spiaggia Lunga

Thanks to its favourable position on the eastern side of the Argentario, Porto Ercole provides easy access to some of the headland’s finest beaches. Numerous boat trips depart from the marina, allowing you to reach them effortlessly and visit several in a single day; alternatively, you can hire a speedboat or sailing boat.

As is often the case on the Argentario, beaches are accessed by parking along the scenic road or in designated car parks, then continuing on foot along downhill paths, some straightforward and suitable for everyone, others quite steep and challenging. We recommend researching your chosen beach in advance, especially if you’re on holiday with young children or elderly relatives.

Spiaggia Lunga

Spiaggia Lunga is reached via a well-marked path of about 200 metres, though it is quite steep and therefore not suitable for families with children or older visitors. From Porto Ercole, take the scenic road and turn onto the path near the junction for Forte Stella. Once you arrive, you’ll find a sandy beach exposed to southerly winds, bordered by low cliffs.

Free beach

258019 Monte Argentario, Province of Grosseto, Italy

If steep paths aren’t for you, head straight for the Spiaggia delle Viste. It’s the closest to town: simply take the scenic road and walk about 100 metres, park your car and follow the path, which reaches the beach after roughly 200 metres. It’s a pebble and sand beach, part of which is free, whilst the rest is occupied by a few beach clubs.

Acqua Dolce Beach

The beautiful Acqua Dolce beach lies south of Porto Ercole and is reached via a simple path behind the Pellicano hotel. Upon arrival, you’ll find crystal-clear waters and a lovely sandy beach with small pebbles. The seabed is initially rocky before turning sandy. The beach is partly free and partly equipped with sun loungers and parasols available for hire.

Cala Galera

4spiaggia cala galera, 58018 Porto Ercole GR, Italy

Cala Galera is a beautiful beach situated just north of Porto Ercole. Unlike other beaches in the area, it’s very easy to reach, making it one of the busiest in summer. It’s located right beside the Cala Galera marina, with free parking available.

It’s a shallow, sandy beach, perfect for families with children, who might find it challenging to navigate the steep paths down to the prettier coves elsewhere on the Argentario. There’s a free section and a beach club for those who prefer to rent sun loungers and parasols.

Things to see in Porto Ercole

Forte Filippo at Porto Ercole, on the Argentario

Porto Ercole is charming to explore, and whilst small, it’s certainly possible to spend a day discovering its highlights. Start with the lovely Spanish Fortress5, which dominates from above on the northern side. Then make your way down and stroll along the harbour promenade, where you’ll enjoy splendid views.

There’s another fortress on the southern side: Forte Stella6, a medieval fortress of which only ruins remain, but well worth visiting, especially at sunset, when it offers magnificent vistas. In August, it’s open daily from 5pm to 9pm, whilst opening times vary in other months depending on daylight hours.

Medieval historic centre

The medieval historic village is definitely worth a visit, part of the association of Italy’s most beautiful villages, offering splendid views of the harbour and surroundings. The walk up from the port to the historic centre isn’t strenuous, and there’s a picturesque pedestrian staircase as an alternative to the main road.

Once at the top, wander aimlessly through the village’s narrow streets, making your way to the Palazzo dei Governanti7, dating from the sixteenth century, which overlooks a charming little square, bordered by the Santa Barbara Bastion, from where you can admire a beautiful panorama of Porto Ercole and Feniglia beach.

Map

In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.

What to do in the evening at Porto Ercole

Small Porto Ercole comes alive during summer evenings, though nightlife mainly comprises waterfront strolls, excellent seafood dinners and the occasional bar for an evening drink before bed. There aren’t many venues for serious partying, but given its proximity to Orbetello and Porto Santo Stefano, you can visit their beach clubs and discotheques if you’re looking to stay out late.

Where to stay in Porto Ercole

Porto Ercole is a small town, but well equipped with accommodation. Most facilities are located in the lower part, near the marina: there are several hotels, along with bed and breakfasts and apartments. Be aware that the area, especially in summer, becomes very crowded and busy: if you’re seeking peace and quiet with easy parking, choose your accommodation carefully or consider staying in the surrounding area.

The historic centre has few accommodation options and wouldn’t be particularly practical anyway, as it’s pedestrianised and some distance from the sea.

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Recommended hotels in Porto Ercole

We offer a selection of hotels at Porto Ercole to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Porto Ercole, sorted by number of reviews.

Hotel
A Point Porto Ercole Resort & Spa
Porto Ercole - Via Caravaggio Int. Via Tramontana
8.2Very good 479 reviews
Set 2 km from Feniglia Beach, this 5-star design hotel is located in the peninsula of Monte Argentario.
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Hotel
Hotel Conchiglia
Porto Ercole - Via Della Marina 4
9.0Superb 246 reviews
Just 50 metres from Porto Ercole, Hotel Conchiglia is on the Argentario peninsula.
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Hotel
Bi Hotel
Porto Ercole - Lungomare Andrea Doria 30
8.5Fabulous 213 reviews
Featuring a terrace, Bi Hotel is located in Porto Ercole in the Tuscany region, 1.
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Apartments and vacation homes in Porto Ercole

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Porto Ercole. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Porto Ercole are in high demand.

Residence
Le Dimore di Terrarossa Argentario
Porto Ercole - Località Terrarossa
8.3Very good 295 reviews
Set on the peninsula of Monte Argentario, Le Dimore di Terrarossa Argentario offers discounts at Argentario Golf Club 2 km away.
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Country house
Country Relais La Mortella
Porto Ercole - Via Acquedotto Leopoldino 54
9.3Superb 183 reviews
Set on Monte Argentario in the Tuscan Maremma, this restored hunting lodge offers a summer outdoor pool and a garden.
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Vacation homes
Il Molino
Porto Ercole - Via dei Molini
9.4Superb 88 reviews
Boasting garden views, Il Molino provides accommodation with patio, around 1.
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How to get to Porto Ercole

Located on the Argentario headland, at the southern tip of the Tuscan coast, Porto Ercole isn’t particularly close to other cities. From Florence it takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes, passing through Siena and Grosseto, then continuing along the SS1 Aurelia road to Orbetello, crossing its lagoon and finally entering Monte Argentario municipality.

From the Tuscan coast, distances are slightly shorter: from Pisa it takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes via the A12 motorway heading south to its terminus at Rosignano Marittimo, then continuing along the SS1 Aurelia, whilst from Livorno the journey is under 2 hours.

Note that these travel times can increase considerably during summer, as heavy traffic is common once you reach Orbetello, as well as at Porto Ercole’s entrance.

Porto Ercole Weather

What's the weather at Porto Ercole? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Porto Ercole for the next few days.

Thursday 18
22°
30°
Friday 19
22°
27°
Saturday 20
22°
28°
Sunday 21
22°
28°
Monday 22
23°
29°
Tuesday 23
23°
28°

Where is located Porto Ercole

Porto Ercole is part of the municipality of Monte Argentario, in the province of Grosseto. It sits on the southern coast of the headland, facing east towards Feniglia beach.

Location around