The Tuscan Coast is less well-regarded and famous internationally than its inland counterparts, from famous cities like Pisa and Florence to its iconic rolling green hills and lines of cypresses. Yet, despite this, it is an excellent place to holiday, offering unbridled opportunity to explore. With a holiday rental on the Tuscan Coast, you can spend time discovering the different islands (each with their own unique characters), the charming and sleepy little seaside villages, the bustling promenades and bright lights of the larger resort towns, the natural wonders of the Orbetello Lagoon and the Maremma, and the absolutely picture-perfect beaches. The area in and around Monte Argentario, in particular, boasts a lot of exceptional beaches. Just find a vacation rental in Monte Argentario and come discover her many incredible beaches for yourself!
Located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, nestled between Giglio Island and the mainland Tuscan province of Grosseto, Monte Argentario was once an independent island but, around 4,000 years ago, two narrow strips of land called Isthmuses formed with water on either side and connected the north eastern and eastern side of Monte Argentario Island to the mainland, making it into the peninsula and comune that exists today.
Located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, nestled between Giglio Island and the mainland Tuscan province of Grosseto, Monte Argentario was once an independent island but, around 4,000 years ago, two narrow strips of land called Isthmuses formed with water on either side and connected the north eastern and eastern side of Monte Argentario Island to the mainland, making it into the peninsula and comune that exists today.
The two main towns of Monte Argentario are called Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole and between, and either side of, these towns are beloved sandy beaches with rich blue waters and lush and scenic surroundings that attract flocks of tourists each summer. And for good reason! There is quite the range of excellent beaches but we have chosen just five of the best among them to highlight. If you’re looking for a great seaside destination in Italy, this is it.
La Soda
La Soda Beach is so named because there was once a soda factory on the site. Today, however, nothing remains of this industrial site, which is a good thing as you will now find a relaxed and picturesque beach with the most unforgettable emerald green waters and a beach that is perfect for sunbathing and swimming and set up with a bathing premises called the Due Pini with chair and umbrella rentals and an adjoining bar and restaurant. Remote, relaxing but with all the facilities you could need, this is an ideal spot to chill out.
La Bionda
Speaking of interesting names, this beach, “The Blonde”, was originally called Cala dei Tonni, or Tuna Cove, due to the tradition of tuna fishing in the area but was renamed in the 20th century after a blonde resident that struck a major chord and left an impression on locals. It is pretty little pebble beach lapped by crystal-clear water in vivid shades of green and located just a kilometre from Porto Santo Stefano, readily reached by foot from the town. The water is nearly always calm, making a nice and peaceful spot, perfect for families but keep in mind that there are no real beach facilities and that it is very popular among locals, getting very busy during summer weekends.
Le Cannelle
Located on the west coast of Monte Argentario and overlooked by the La Torre Delle Cannelle, a medieval tower, this partly sandy and partly stony beach is a pretty and cinematic little cove that also boasts a private and exclusive swimming pool club also named Le Cannelle. The swimming club, Club Piscina delle Cannelle, is secluded and lovely, giving visitors to the area the option of another place to swim should the beach be busy or the waters choppy. It boasts lots of lounge chairs, tables, parasols, shaded seating areas, a lifeguard, and a nice little bar for drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), ice-creams, and toasted sandwiches at lunchtime. There is also a restaurant built into the hill above the pool but keep in mind that reservations for lunch are essential as there are few tables. To use the club, you can buy tickets from the club’s secretary at the pool.
Cala Moresca
Cala Moresca (also known as Cala Marisca and Cala Merisia) is a rugged and scenic cove named for Turkish and Barbary pirates, who were referred to as “Moors”. Rocky and remote, this romantic spot was clearly a good spot for pirates to hide out. Today, it is a pleasant place to walk and take in the scenery, to brave jumping off rocks into the sea, and to lay out and work on your tan.
Spiaggia Lunga
Spiaggia Lunga is a long, sandy beach that is framed by some more of those same rugged hills that dominate the area of Monte Argentario. Located just off the Strada Panoramica, heading away from Porto Ercole, the beach boasts good southern exposure and clear water, lots of space, lounger and umbrella rentals, and a view of the imposing Forte Stella fortress in the background and is an idyllic and scenic spot. Just be aware that it is a steep path down to the beach and it can take up to twenty minutes to make your way down – but, when you do, you’ll see it was well worth the effort!
So, if you’re planning on arranging a trip to Tuscany this summer, just find a vacation rental in Monte Argentario and you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of some truly excellent beaches on the Tuscan Coast. Come, forget all of your daily concerns and routines, relax, and just unwind by the sea in this magical and beautiful part of the world.
Photo credit: Marco Bellucci / CC BY 2.0
