Porto Ercole

Porto  Ercole​

Latest page update: 2 May 2025
By: Dion Protani
​The seaside town of Porto Ercole is situated in the region of Tuscany, on the Ligurian Sea and within the Province of Grosseto.
It has a population of around 3,000 residents while the main highlights include the beach and the old town, the centro storico. 

The town belongs to the Comune of Monte Argentario, the peninsula which is connected to the Tuscan mainland.

What People Ask About Porto Ercole

Where is Porto Ercole located?
Porto Ercole is located on the Monte Argentario promontory in southern Tuscany, within the province of Grosseto. It faces the Tyrrhenian Sea and lies about 10 km from Orbetello and 45 km from Grosseto.
What is Porto Ercole known for?
Porto Ercole is known for its harbour, beaches, and historic Spanish fortresses. It’s a popular summer destination and was once home to the painter Caravaggio, who died here in 1610. The town also offers access to scenic coastal drives and walking trails.
Is Porto Ercole worth visiting?
Yes, Porto Ercole is worth visiting for its blend of natural beauty, history, and seaside atmosphere. It’s quieter than many other Tuscan coastal towns and offers good beaches, historic sites, and nearby walking routes with sea views.
What can you see in Porto Ercole?
Highlights include the old town, the Spanish fortresses of Forte Filippo and Forte Stella, and the Church of Sant’Erasmo. There are also small beaches such as Spiaggia Lunga and scenic spots along the coastal road around Monte Argentario.
Related links
Caravaggio's old haunt
Porto Ercole is synonymous with the Italian artist Caravaggio who died in the town on 18th July 1610. The town ​also included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy).

​Places of interest nearby include the port town of Porto Santo Stefano from where you can catch ferries to the islands of Giglio and Giannutri which both belong to the island group and national park known as the Tuscan Archipelago.
Monte Argentario
The Monte Argentario peninsula to which Porto Ercole belongs, is attached to the mainland via three narrow strips of land, two of which are roads and the third, a beach.

​Occupying that middle section of land is the town of Orbetello, at the centre of the lagoon of the same name: Laguna di Orbetello, which is also a nature reserve. Slightly further afield and on the mainland south of Orbetello is the beach resort of Ansedonia, while inland there's another of the borghi più belli d'Italia, the hill town of Capalbio. 
The Maremma
The whole area that includes Porto Ercole, Monte Argentario and the mainland within the province of Grosseto is known as the Maremma.

​Typically described as a coastal region, the Maremma includes large tracts of hinterland, with a radius of between 75 and 130 kilometres from Monte Argentario, north-east and inland to Monte Amiata, north along the coast to Cecina, and south-east down the coast to the city of Civitavecchia in the Lazio region. 

The area to the south of Monte Argentario is particularly well-known for its Etruscan heritage and includes the archaeological site of Vulci (46 km east of Porto Ercole), and the historic town of Tuscania (70 km east of Porto Ercole). 
Porto Ercole - frazione di Monte Argentario
Comune: ​Monte Argentario

Province: Grosseto

Region: Tuscany

Highlights: port, old town

Close by: ​Porto Santo Stefano, Orbetello, Ansedonia, Capalbio
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: L'Approdo di Caravaggio (The Berth of Caravaggio)
My recommended accommodation options for Porto Ercole:
  • Hotel Il Pellicano Located just outside Porto Ercole, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms with stunning views of the Mediterranean, a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a renowned restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. Guests appreciate the exceptional service, the peaceful setting, and the proximity to both the beach and the historic centre of Porto Ercole. €€€ (high-end)
  • La Cacciata Set in a peaceful location near Porto Ercole, this charming agriturismo offers spacious rooms with views of the surrounding countryside, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests enjoy the rural setting, the authentic Tuscan experience, and the short drive to Porto Ercole’s attractions and beaches. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Capo d'Uomo Situated near the beach, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms with sea views, a restaurant serving traditional Tuscan dishes, and a bar. Guests enjoy the welcoming service, the beautiful coastal setting, and the proximity to Porto Ercole’s main attractions, including its historic sites and the nearby Monte Argentario. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B La Casa di Gioia Located just outside Porto Ercole, this cozy bed and breakfast features modern rooms, a lovely garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the peaceful surroundings, the personal touch of the hosts, and the easy access to the town’s beaches and cultural sites. €€ (mid-range)
  • Residence Il Casale A collection of self-catering apartments located a short drive from Porto Ercole, offering kitchenettes, private balconies, and air conditioning. Guests appreciate the flexibility of apartment living, the outdoor pool, and the short drive to Porto Ercole’s beaches, restaurants, and local attractions. €€ (mid-range)

Porto  Ercole​​​​  Gallery

Tuscany Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Tuscany

1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. ​San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. ​Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany

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