Porto Santo Stefano is an absolutely lovely seaside town on Argentario just a short drive across the bridge and along the coast from Orbetello, and which still retains much of its fishing village heritage and character. The ancient Romans built magnificent villas and baths here, and it was a port of particular importance between the 15th and 17th centuries, when it was occupied and/or fought over by the Republic of Siena, the Spanish, the French, the Austrians, the Bourbons, and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. And they all battled the Saracens and frequent pirate raids.

During the Second World War it was an important base for the Germans in Italy and was almost completely destroyed in fierce bombing by the Allies. Today it is a thriving town boosted by diving and boat hire companies, plus beautiful nearby beaches, Roman ruins, imposing fortress towers, a lovely esplanade teeming with cafes and restaurants serving fresh seafood brought in each day by the fishing boats, and regular ferry services to nearby Giglio.