Porto Santo StefanoTuscany · Italy

All About Porto Santo Stefano

Porto Santo Stefano is a port town that straddles the northern coast of a promontory created by Monte Argentario hill, which stands guard over the entire area. Linked to mainland Italy by three narrow causeways, the town is part of the Province of Grosseto in the region of Tuscany.

Threatened by pirates for much of its history, Porto Santo Stefano is able to boast a series of defensive structures dating from the sixteenth century onwards, in addition to a myriad of attractive homes and villas around the waterfront.

Ideally located on the west coast of Italy, on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Porto Santo Stefano lies on a fine region of coast between Piombino to the north and Civitavecchia to the south, and is just 150 kilometers from Rome. One of the main ways to reach the island of Giglio, those looking for ferry tickets to Porto Santo Stefano should head straight to Ferryscanner. The Ferryscanner website allows you to compare ferry schedules and pick the best option for you.
 

Routes and Ferries to Porto Santo Stefano

Stand on the coast in Porto Santo Stefano and the ferries you’ll see arriving and departing into the port are likely to be those heading to Giglio, one of the seven small islands that make up the Tuscan Archipelago and the Arcipelago Toscano National Park. This is not only because those looking to reach Giglio regularly opt for ferry tickets to Porto Santo Stefano and vice versa, but also because of the number of ferries that ply this route together with the fact that this is realistically the only way to reach an island with no airport.

Toremar operates up to four vessels each day in either direction between Porto Santo Stefano and Giglio. One of the most important ferry companies serving the region, passengers can expect reliable and punctual sailings whatever the time of year. Its modern fleet of vessels is both well equipped for passenger comfort and fitted with roll stabilizers to make the sailings as smooth as possible. Their vessels are fitted with air-conditioning, soft seating, and cafeterias for onboard refreshments for the one-hour journey.

Adult foot passengers can usually use Ferryscanner to find one-way ferry tickets to Porto Santo Stefano for €10. Motorbikes and motor vehicles can also be brought on board at an additional cost.

The main route by road onto the promontory that’s home to Porto Santo Stefano is the SP161, which passes through the town of Orbetello on the central causeway. On the far side of this causeway, you’ll also find the closest railway station, which receives both intercity and regional train services. An alternative route by road is the Strada Provinciale della Giannella on the northernmost causeway. The nearest airport to Porto Santo Stefano is Florence Peretola Airport, which sees flights from all over Europe.
 

Ports of Porto Santo Stefano

One of Italy’s more visually appealing harbors, the ports of Porto Santo Stefano consist of moorings at the Porto Vecchio, or ‘old port’, and others at the Porto del Valle. Also sometimes known as Port Argentario, ferries dock on a seawall to the center of the Porto del Valle. Moorings within the sheltered waters of the port itself are reserved for smaller vessels and private yachts. However, both are well-located with regard to the town. The ancient Spanish fort lies to one side, with attractions such as the town’s main shopping district on the other. The Porto Vecchio is slightly further to the north and has none of the facilities of the Porto del Valle.
 

Best Beaches

Further expanding Porto Santo Stefano’s potential as a destination in its own right is the fact that this admirable town has an extraordinary range of beaches to choose between. Suitable for family days out and romantic escapes in equal measure, here are some of the best beaches in Porto Santo Stefano.

Giannella Beach

Reach Porto Santo Stefano via the Strada Provinciale della Giannella and you’ll see Giannella Beach, as it sits on the western edge of the road. Unraveling for kilometer after kilometer, its golden sands are a perennial favorite with local families, who love the combination of facilities and activities available.

Pozzarello Beach

A short distance west of Porto Santo Stefano, Pozzarello Beach cannot compete with Giannella Beach when it comes to length, but it remains popular all the same. Made of smooth grey shingle, there’s a small jetty that’s great for plunging into the Med, as well as a good number of sun loungers for rent.

La Caletta

Ideal for those who have an aversion to sand, La Caletta sits on the borderline between a beach and a jetty. There’s space for just a handful of parasols here, so it’s best to arrive early on the busiest days or make do with enjoying the coastal vistas from any one of the nearby restaurant terraces instead.

Bagni di Domiziano

Lying close to the Giannella causeway, Bagni di Domiziano has a fine location on a gently curving bay. Sandy and relatively secluded, it is also worth exploring the ruins of the Roman villa that can be found immediately behind the sands.
 

Places to Visit

The Roman villa on Bagni di Domiziano is just one attraction that’s not to be missed while in Porto Santo Stefano. For more ideas, look below for our pick of the very best.

Spanish Fort

Signposted as the Fortezza Spagnola, the town’s grand Spanish Fort is thought to have been built in the 1550s. Protecting the ports from their hillside position, this impressive feat of engineering includes bastions, storerooms, and living quarters for the soldiers once garrisoned inside. They provide a home for exhibitions detailing the archaeological history of the town.

Acquario Mediterraneo della Costa d’Argento

This aquarium was first opened to the public in 2001 to help tell the stories of the region’s hidden habitats. Consisting of 17 main tanks holding a total of 50,000 liters of water, it provides realistic homes for 100 local species, including lobster, seahorses, and octopus.
 

Things to Do

There are also plenty of exciting things to do in Porto Santo Stefano, combining culture, history, and the region’s natural beauty.

Take a Boat Trip

It’s very easy to arrange boat trips around Porto Santo Stefano in order to explore the promontory in closer detail from the water. The very best incorporate swims on secluded beaches or snorkeling options, while the more adventurous can instead opt to discover this area of the Tuscan coast by kayak.

Experience Palio Marinario

Time your stay in Porto Santo Stefano for the middle of August and you’ll be able to experience the town’s foremost festival, the palio marinario. This four-kilometer boat race sees teams of oarsmen steering traditional ‘gozzi’ across the harbor area, with four teams made up of the town’s four historic districts.
 

Transportation Around Porto Santo Stefano

Public transportation is limited to buses and taxis in Porto Santo Stefano. However, the town is laid out in such a way that if you’re staying close to the ports it’s unlikely you’ll need any transport at all. While generally reliable, it can be difficult to know which bus routes will be of use, making taxis a better option for many short-term visitors. They can be hailed from the street or pre-booked by phone, and use electronic meters to determine fares.