→ Porto Santo Stefano

Porto Santo Stefano is one of two urban conglomerates in the municipality of Monte Argentario. The other is Porto Ercole located on the diametrically opposite side. The gulf the village overlooks faces the Giannella coastline. One must bypass the Argentario promontory to the west to see the islands of Giglio and Giannutri. The first thing that jumps to the eye and that one breathes as one arrives from the provincial road leading into the village is a strong and long-standing seafaring tradition, of which the Portosantostefanesi are proud and which they celebrate every year on August 15, with what is the most important and awaited event: the Palio Marinaro. A tradition that began in the early 1950s, but has its roots in ancient legends and historical events. The rowing regatta, one of the longest in the world, sees the four districts compete: Valley, Fortress, Cross and Pilarella; into which the town is divided. In addition to its tourist vocation, Porto Santo Stefano is an active commercial, seaside and fishing center as evidenced by the many fishing boats moored in the Valle commercial harbor, just beyond the departure of scheduled ferries to the islands, and a center of international significance for sailing and yachting. Descending precisely from the descent that leads to the village by car of the view opens up to the shipyards, the commercial port of Valle from where ferries depart and where fishing boats are moored, and the beginning of the beautiful waterfront promenade that leads to the Pilarella marina, where luxury yachts are moored instead. On the Navigators’ Promenade, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro is theAquarium inside which the typical marine environment of the Mediterranean is reproduced. Upon entering the village, one need only look up to catch sight of the imposing structure of the Spanish Fortress. Located in a dominant position, it was built to control the harbor in the 17th century, during Spanish rule. The building is in perfect condition, houses the permanent exhibitions Submerged Memories and Shipwrights, and from its terraces you can admire a panorama of extraordinary beauty
There are, in addition, many trekking routes, and scenic roads that can be traveled to admire, medieval fortresses, coastal watchtowers and breathtaking views with sheer vistas of the sea, a Passionist Friars Convent and many beaches and coves located all around Argentario, most of which can only be reached by boat. Porto Santo Stefano and the Argentario in general is not only an ideal place for boat lovers, but also for divers whose sport is one of the most popular. Numerous dive centers are open and active year-round, and there are numerous underwater locations rich in flora and fauna to explore.

Places of Interest

• Waterfront of the Navigators
• Spanish fortress of the 17th century.
• Panoramic Road and Coastal Towers
• Roman Villa of the Domizi Enobarbi
• Passionist Convent and Tower of the
• Telegraph
• Tower of Capo d’Omo
• Argentiera Tower
• Golf Club

The advice, as soon as you arrive in Santo Stefano, if you arrive by car, is to leave it at the first available parking lot, which is the Valle parking lot immediately at the entrance to the village. Or in one of the long-stay pay parking lots.

Where to park in Porto Santo Stefano (Guarded parking lots):

• Parking Argentario
• Asiamel Parking
• Parking Fanciulli
• Economy Parking
• Parking Holiday Travel

Guarded parking lots in Porto Santo Stefano cost 8/10 euros per day, depending on the season and the parking lot. Usually the Economy Parking has even cheaper rates but since it is very small you need to book early.