Porto Ercole is a charming little town on the seashore situated on the promontory of Monte Argentario. The first inhabitants of Porto Ercole were fishermen who still nowadays are walking along the little harbour and you can will see them repairing their fishing nets.

The historic part of Porto Ercole is located on the right hand side of the harbour bay all gathered inside the town walls at the base of the Spanish fortress. We suggest that you enter through the antique city gate “Porta Pisana” and take a walk in the heart of the historic part along streets and small squares that overlook the sea.

A long ramp of steps directly right hand side when you enter the city gate will lead you up to the small church and the Rocca (the Spanish fortress). As long as the access by car is forbidden, you will be able to admire the landscape and hear only the noise of the sea and the seagulls.

Over the years the town has developed along the natural bay which became the local harbour. On the left side of the bay you find the more recent part of Porto Ercole with town houses and apartments. . Here you can take a walk along the seafront road, whit lot of snack bars and restaurants with terraces overlooking the sea. We recommend "IL PIRATA" with great pizzas and pasta dishes not to forget the rich salad buffet right located on the seafront road with great views on the splendid white motor yachts anchoring right in front.

Try also the sea food restaurant "GROTTA DEL PESCATORE" on the left end of the harbour just up a ramp of ten steps. The best fish and seafood dishes you will find here. One plate of Spagetti allo scoglio will serve easy 2 persons. Most shops and restaurants have been built over what has been once the local fishermen’s storehouses. At the end of the seashore you can still observe the sites dedicated to the boat repairing and fish unload from the fishing vessels which return from the sea.

In addition to its natural beauty, the charm of Porto Ercole is derived from the three impressive Spanish forts that were built in the 16th century, during the rule of the “State of Defences”: Forte Filippo, the Rocca and Forte Stella are three perfectly preserved fortresses from where it is possible to admire beautiful panorama of the sea.

To fully enjoy the sea and the coast of Porto Ercole, we recommend to rent at the harbour a small motorboat called “Gommone” if made of rubber or “Gozzo” if made of wood. Price for a full day aprox. 100.- to 150.- euro. It holds 6 to 8 persons easy and you don’t need a licence o drive it. You will have the most exiting day trip discovering small natural bays and beaches that you can access only from the water. Bring snorkel, mask and fins and you will be astonished about the quantity of fishes and the clear water conditions.

Alternatively, those who love sandy and easily reachable beaches, may choose the beach Feniglia, accessed by a clearly visible trail on the right side along the road, just a few kilometres before entering the village. For lovers of the backdrop and the crystal clear water, we recommend to take the scenic route (which is also a wonderful trip by car) and walk down along the paths that lead to three beautiful beaches such as Le Viste, the Spiagia Lunga or the Long Beach and the Acqua Dolce.

Two kilometers before you enter Porto Ercole, is located the tourist’s harbour of Cala Galera where many celebrities have their sail boats and stunning motor yachts anchoring. At Cala Galera there are two famous discotheques; Red Carpet and Kings Club. A curiosity to conclude: at Porto Ercole in July 1610 died Michelangelo Merisi well-known as “il Caravaggio” in very mysterious circumstances.