Porto Ercole on the eastern shore of Argentario was a little Etruscan fishing village, then conquered by the Romans to serve as a port along the sea route from Rome to Provence in France. In the middle ages it was held and fortified by various powerful regional families before it was bought by the republic of Siena who ushered in a period of prosperity until the Spanish, allied with Florence, took it in a fierce battle.

Today the town hosts a large marina for private yachts, medieval churches, modern villas, and exclusive resorts and spas guarded by the massive Spanish forts and towers on the promotories overlooking the bay. It’s an excellent gateway to the lovely southern coastline of Argentario, including our favorite rocky beach around the corner at Le Viste.