A Guide to Porto Ercole, Tuscany's Dreamiest Coastal Spot

01.10.2024 - 00:17 / cntraveler.com

For centuries, Porto Ercole has been one of the ultimate summer hubs for elite Italian travelers. Today, it still retains this reputation of being a bite-sized, chic destination to spend a few days—think sun-soaked beaches, generations-old family restaurants, and sleek yachts bobbing in the bay. It's easy to access—located on Tuscany’s Monte Argentario peninsula, you can drive to this coastal village in under two hours from Rome, or take a one and a half hour train journey into Orbetello. Here, days pass by at a slow, leisurely pace; take picturesque strolls along sandy stretches, feast on Tuscan delights, or explore one of the three impressive fortresses towering over the village. In this guide, we highlight some of the very best things to do, places to eat, shop, and drink in Porto Ercole.

Feniglia beach is just a five-minute drive away from Porto Ercole's city center.

Stroll through L'Orto Botanico Corsini

In 2020, Alessandro Corsini decided to open this plant-filled botanical garden to the public, but the story began officially in the 19th century. Tuscan-born General Ricasoli followed his passion for botanical science and created an experimental garden to test the survival of plant species that originate from much warmer climates. The first exotic plants in the garden came from Australia, South Africa, and Mexico—today, generations later, the space counts over 1,300 trees and shrubs belonging to about 150 species (including 24 species of Eucalyptus). During summer, the botanical garden hosts weekly events that include live music, performances, guided tours, and art exhibitions which can be booked on the website.

Website: ortobotanicocorsini.com

La Parrina is home to 1,500 acres of land where local whites and reds are cultivated alongside cheeses.

Wine tasting at La Parrina

The agricultural estate La Parrina extends across 1,500 acres of vineyards, orchards, and farmland, with a 19th-century stone manor housing 15 rooms and five apartments for guests. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re strolling around the estate with your little ones to visit the farm animals, browsing the bottega for fresh produce grown on-site, or enjoying a wine tasting that showcases the local flavors of Maremma. Sample La Parrina’s white and red wines paired with an incredible selection of cheeses made on the estate for a real treat—the Parrina Merlot Radaia paired with Gutus cheese is a match made in heaven.

Website: parrina.it

Local bakery Il Forno del Porto and pizzeria Grano are excellent lunch options for a day spent island-hopping around Porto Ercole.

Take a motorboat to the neighboring islands

If you're spending a few days in Porto Ercole, a boat day is the perfect way to soak up the wild