What Are the Best Day Trips from Porto Ercole?

The Porto Ercole Harbour and Renaissance Fort above

Porto Ercole is a marvelous destination if you’re looking to spend your vacation along the Tuscan coast in Italy. Picture turquoise water, beautiful beaches, picturesque villas on the hills, and scenic views of the distant islands. Porto Ercole is one of the favorite summer destinations for wealthy Romans looking to unwind and relax by the sea. Not only is it one of the most charming places you’ll ever see, but it’s also a magical base camp for exciting day trips. In this blog, we’ll tell you all about the top four day trips from Porto Ercole we like to recommend, and why each one will be an unforgettable adventure for you and your family. Read on, take notes, and make your Italian getaway a reality. 

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Capalbio

Capalbio is a scenic medieval village a few minutes away from the coast and only 30 minutes away from Porto Ercole. It’s a fabulous little destination if you want to dive deeper into Tuscany’s history and roam the cobblestone streets filled with restaurants and shops. You’ll be enchanted by the view of the village up the hill as you drive to it. Its great walls and gray towers will make you feel like you stepped back in time. 

You can start by walking around town and gazing at the impressive medieval walls that surround the castle. Go along the ramparts to get a good view of the scenic countryside and the glittering Mediterranean water in the distance. Visit the church of St. Nicola to see beautiful frescoes, then head over to Palazzo Collacchioni. We also recommend checking out the Tarot Garden. This beautiful garden was designed by the French artist Niki de Saint Phalle (if you’ve been to the Musee Pompidou in Paris, you’ll be familiar with her work) and inspired by Gaudi’s Park Guell in Barcelona. 

Isola del Giglio

The Isola del Giglio is one of the islands facing Porto Ercole, and you can take a day trip there! All you have to do is hop on the ferry and let yourself be transported into this real-life Italian oasis. It’s one of the seven islands that form the Tuscan Archipelago and one of our favorites due to its proximity to Porto Ercole. The ferry trip takes about 40 minutes and drops you straight to the main city, Giglio Porto. 

Isola del Giglio is ideal if you’re looking for a laid-back adventure and water activities. You can start by enjoying delicious, authentic Italian cuisine in the numerous restaurants at the port. One of our favorites is La Vecchia Pergola. Every dish looks like a masterpiece and tastes heavenly. We highly recommend sitting outside and ordering their seafood pasta. It’s the best you’ll ever taste! You can then rent several boats at the port and go for a ride on the turquoise water (you’ve never seen it so clear anywhere else!), or go on a snorkeling and diving trip. 

Saturnia

Saturnia is the place to go for relaxation. It’s only an hour away from Porto Ercole and has some of the most famous baths in Tuscany. This spa town in the province of Grosseto is small in population but widely renowned around the world. It’s the perfect day trip for couples or girlfriends. 

The main thing to do in Saturnia is to enjoy the thermal baths. Picture cascades of warm water nestled in the Tuscan hills. It’s so dreamy you have to see it for yourself. You can also bring a picnic to enjoy along the river. Stop by a local market to buy delicious cheese, grapes, and fresh bread. 

Grosseto

Another one of our favorite day trips from Porto Ercole is the city of Grosseto. It’s the capital of the Maremma region and is 14 kilometers away from the coast. Did you know the city walls were actually rebuilt by the Medici family in the 16th century? The history buffs in your group will absolutely love it.

There are several great historical places to visit in Grosseto. First, start with the archeological museum. It was recently renovated and features a great collection of Etruscan relics and findings. Indeed, the famous Etruscan town of Roselle is only a few miles away. Next, head over to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Its duomo is a sight to behold! Lastly, enjoy a stroll along the Corso Carducci Street and indulge in a little retail therapy. 

Pitigliano, Solvano, and Sorana

For your fifth day, discover the charming hill towns of Pitigliano, Solvano, and Sorana. They’re all located North of Grosseto and boast stunning volcano stone cliffs. Walk through the Medieval streets of Pitigliano and discover remains of history dating back to the Bronze Age, neolithic times, and Copper Age. 

There, you can taste the original flavors of Tuscany’s white grape with the iconic wine Bianco di Pitigliano or, if you fancy red wine better, go for the Morellino di Scansano. If you happen to be in the area in September, we highly recommend you attend their famous event Settembredivino where wineries open their “cantinas” (wine cellars) within the stone cliffs themselves. 

Find Your Home in Porto Ercole with Commendable Rentals

We know reading all of that made you dream about your vacation at Porto Ercole, so why delay it? It’s time to find your villa there with the help of Commendable Rentals. We offer a selection of high-end family houses, villas, and apartments, each more beautiful than the last. Take a look at our gorgeous Favoloso luxurious villa, for example. You can’t find a better place to stay with your friends and family. This incredible seaside villa features seven bedrooms and bathrooms and can sleep up to 15 guests. It’s located at the foot of the sea in Porto Stefano, an area of Monte Argentario you’ll fall in love with the minute you see it. The property also has a grand terrace where you can have dinner or a drink facing the water at sunset. Did we mention the infinity pool? You also don’t have to worry about the crowds. This villa is located within a gated area, so privacy is guaranteed.
You’ll love the interior just as much as the exterior. The decor is elegant and mixes elements of the original house (like tiling and stone) with modern furniture reminiscent of 1960s architecture. The villa also offers a fully equipped kitchen, cable TV, air conditioning, and a combo of a washer and dryer. It’s so perfect you’ll feel right at home away from home.