Orbetello

Orbetello

Orbetello lies on the Tuscany coast, in the heart of the Maremma region, less than two hours from Rome, Florence, Siena and Pisa.

Pearl of Costa d'Argento, in the centre of a sparkling lagoon, Orbetello is joined to the Argentario promontory by two long, golden sand dunes, known as the “Tomboli della Feniglia e della Giannella” that offer the visitor kilometres of enchanting, unspoilt beaches interrupted here and there by inviting pine woods. The spectacular views around the Argentario offers a range of breathtaking scenery; high cliffs rising sheer from the sea that alternate with inlets and bays where the transparent blue sea invites visitors to enjoy a relaxing swim. Just in front of Orbetello, in less than an hour by ferry, are the islands of Giglio and Giannutri with their crystalline water and limpid seabeds that offer scuba divers an unforgettable experience. Among the many places close to Orbetello worth visiting, Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole, with their distinctive coloured houses and their picturesque fishing ports are certainly not to be missed.

All this plus 50 kilometres of unspoilt beaches and rocky coastlines set between two of the biggest protected natural reserves in Italy, make Orbetello an ideal place for a study holiday in one of the most beautiful areas of Tuscany.

Nature

In the Maremma its natural beauty is well preserved, with its particular landscapes and the quality of its products. There are many protected areas in parks and natural reserves. It unveils itself as a beautiful and untamed land, unspoiled and abundant, caressed by sun and sea, brimming with those natural perfumes that only a carefully protected natural environment can provide. From Talamone to Capalbio you will find kilometres of beaches and inlets; Giglio, a large and beautiful pearly island in the sea, or Montecristo, a deserted island, or Giannutri with the ruins of the Roman villas are well worth your visit. And the Argentario, a headland which appears to be a vessel, moored to the coast at both ends, the Tomboli of Giannella and Feniglia. Between the two is the backwater of Orbetello.

Art

Surely to visit, is the S. Maria Assunta's Cathedral, built probably on a preceding temple of V century
b.C. in honor to Jupiter; a curiosity is represented by the Mulino Spagnolo at the begin of the "dam" that join the city to the Argentario Mountain. Really interesting is the S. Francesco di Paola church and also the one consecrated to the Madonna delle Grazie (this one finely frescoed). Etruscan towns and burial sites scattered trough the Maremma hinterland form the destination for fascinating excursions and archeological visits. Enchanting medieval villages preserved in their original condition are also characteristic of this area. Capalbio with medieval architecture and wild Mediterranean scrub evoke a sense of unforgettable tranquility. For Modern Art the fantastic Tarot Garden of Niki De Saint Phalle, an artist of international renown, whose works, made of mirrors and brightly colored ceramics, represent the mysterious symbols of the Tarots.

Well-being

It is possible to make the most of Saturnian therapeutic spa properties all year round. This legendary place, well known to the Etruscans and the ancient Romans for its cosmetic properties and regenerating powers, still exists today. At Saturnia, sulphurous water, at a constant temperature of 37°, rises from the thermal springs providing therapeutic properties together with extraordinary sensations that are pleasant in themselves. Whoever steps into this water can never forget the feeling of well-being, relaxation and calm given by the warmth that surrounds your body and the way one's mind relaxes on contact with the unique countryside of the Maremma area in Tuscany.

Gastronomy

Orbetellan cuisine focuses on the variety of fish from the lagoon. Shrimp, sea bass, gilthead breams, oysters, grey mullet and eel are all fished there. To name some of the delicious specialties, there are the grey mullet filet, spaghetti "alla bottarga", and smoked eel. Some delicious specialities: the grey mullet filet, spaghetti "alla bottarga", smoked eel. For those who appreciate a good meat dish there are a number of Maremman delicacies to choose from. To complete your selection choose a glass of fine white or red Tuscan wine.

How to get to Orbetello

By train 

• From Rome: Rome-Pisa line to Orbetello
• From Pisa: Pisa-Rome line to Orbetello
• From Florence: Florence-Orbetello line via Siena
• Train timetable  

By car 

• From Rome: Take the motorway A12 Rome-Civitavecchia and then the Aurelia to Orbetello
• From Pisa: Drive to Grosseto and then the Aurelia southbound to Orbetello
• From Florence: Drive to Grosseto via Siena and then the Aurelia southbound to Orbetello. 

By air 

• Pisa airport Galileo Galilei or Rome airport Leonardo Da Vinci, Fiumicino.  

Distances from major cities

Orbetello is an ideal study-holiday location as it is an enchanting place and very close to the most important and interesting cities.

Distances from Orbetello:  

• Rome: 140 km
• Siena: 110 km
• Florence: 180 km
• Pisa: 180 km
• Lucca: 200 km
• Orvieto: 100 km
• Assisi: 190 km
• Perugia: 200 km