Explore Tuscany off the beaten path at a luxury resort in Monte Argentario

Yes, Tuscany hidden gems still exist.  And I found one while touring Tuscany off the beaten path in a place called Monte Argentario in the Maremma region of Italy.

It’s one of the Tuscany destinations that Romans visit in the summer.  Why?  Because they know that it’s among the most beautiful places in Tuscany.

Monte Argentario was once an island off the coast of Italy, but it’s now connected to the mainland by three large sandbars.  It has a stunning rocky coastline dotted with crumbling forts built by the Spanish kings who once ruled here.

Take this backdrop and add in the perfect place to unwind – – the Argentario Golf Resort & Spa.  It’s a luxury sports and wellness retreat tucked into the Tuscany countryside.  And it’s a recipe for bliss.  Read on to find out why.

Tuscany off the beaten path – how to get to Monte Argentario

The nearest airports to Monte Argentario (green marker on the Monte Argentario map on the left) are Rome (150 kilometres away) and Pisa (190 kilometres).  By train, you can reach the closest station, Orbetello on the railway line along the Tyrrhenian coast.

By car, it takes about an hour and a half to drive from Rome, going north on the E80 to the SP161 in Orbetello.

How to get around in Monte Argentario

There is little public transit available in Monte Argentario, so you will need a car to get around.  I typically use Auto Europe to find good prices on car rentals.

In this case, I visited the best places in Monte Argentario on a photography tour with Rome Photo Fun tours, which took care of the transportation.

The best time to visit Monte Argentario

Monte Argentario has a mild climate so you can enjoy a visit any time of the year.  Even the winter months can be pleasant for a stroll on the beach, although you won’t want to swim in the ocean then.  Note, however, that some restaurants close in the winter.

High season is in July and August when residents of Rome escape the heat of the city.  Keep in mind that this is when the traffic and prices will be at their peak.  Otherwise, it’s relatively quiet in the off-season.

Things to do in Monte Argentario

If you’re planning to visit Monte Argentario, you’re probably looking for a relaxing holiday.  But there is no shortage of things to do in the area.

Here are some highlights on what to see in Monte Argentario.

Drive the via Panoramica

This scenic roadway runs along the coast of Monte Argentario and gives drivers or ambitious cyclists spectacular views of coastal villas, secluded coves, old Spanish forts, and the Tuscan islands.

Relax on the beaches

Tuscany’s coast in this area offers some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Italy.

One of the most incredible beaches in this unexplored part of Tuscany is La Feniglia.  This 10-kilometre strip of sand is located on a “tombolo”, one of the narrow sandbars that connects the island to the mainland.  The beach is in the Duna Feniglia Nature Reserve, so you can only access it by bicycle or by walking about 15 minutes from the parking area.  La Feniglia is just one of over 15 exotic beaches in Monte Argentario.

Visit Porto Santo Stefano

Explore Porto Ercole, one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany

If you want to know what to see in Tuscany off the beaten path, Porto Ercole is considered to be one of the prettiest towns in the region.  It’s a former fishing village with lovely stone buildings.

Its historic centre stretches up the hillside past the Church of Sant-Erasmo, which houses the tombs of Spanish rulers.  At the top of the hill, you reach a Fortress built in the Middle Ages.  The town is also known for being the place were the painter, Caravaggio, died in 1610.

This is where to stay in Tuscany – The  Argentario Golf Resort & Spa in Porto Ercole

The Argentario Golf Resort & Spa is not just one of the best places to stay in Tuscany – – it’s a big part of the destination when you visit Monte Argentario, Italy.

This 5-star resort is an ideal place for travelers with a passion for sports and wellness.  It has a PGA National Golf Course Italy with 18 holes, a wellness centre and two restaurants.  The resort is also committed to sustainable practices to protect the environment.

The first thing you notice about Argentario is the design.  It’s a decidedly different take on the traditional Tuscan rustic look.  The black and white palette and spacious light-filled interiors are elegant and eye-catching.  And yes, that touch of whimsy in the photo below is called a “Pig Table”.

Contemporary and comfortable rooms

The luxury resort in Monte Argentario has 73 rooms and 5 luxury villas, all with incredible views over the landscape.

My Travel Club Junior Suite featured a sophisticated combination of dark woods and chrome, with rich and warm colour tones, a king-size bed and a balcony overlooking the golf course.  I loved the retro sporty photos in the room, a theme that’s carried throughout the resort.

The bathroom was bliss with a luxurious stone tub and a separate rain shower.

Sports activities in Monte Argentario

The stunning 18-hole golf course and driving range is surrounded by olive trees, cork oaks and has views of the ocean and a lagoon.  As the only PGA-licensed facility in Italy, it hosts a a number of international golf tournaments each year.  All products used to maintain the course are certified as natural.  At the Argentario Golf Academy, golfers can have the opportunity to learn from one of the best Pros in Italy.  Given the mild micro-climate in Monte Argentario, you can golf all year-round.

Golf isn’t the only activity at the Argentario Resort.  On the property, there are tennis and padel courts(a cross between tennis and squash), a small soccer field, jogging trails and e-bikes.   The helpful staff can also arrange beach days at exclusive clubs, sailing, diving and fishing excursions, horseback riding and, if you’re really looking for adventure, skydiving!

The Argentario Wellness Centre

My favourite sport has to be the spa (and dinner). The goal at the Espace Wellness Centre is to “pamper you to the fullest”.  This is my kind of place.

The centre has a relaxing atmosphere with a large heated indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a saline water whirlpool and a high-tech gym.  It includes a relaxation area where you can sip herbal teas and  soak in rejuvenating saunas, Turkish baths and massaging waterfalls – the perfect thing to do after an active day.

There’s also a MediSpa at the Centre, which specializes in nutrition and naturopathy to boost your well being.

Argentario offers special spa packages, some specializing in yoga and fitness, a detox retreat, or simply a romantic getaway for two.

The best place to eat in Monte Argentario

The Argentario Resort has two restaurants:  the Golf Clubhouse for lighter fare and the gourmet Dama Dama Restaurant. The restaurant’s menu focuses on the flavours of the local area, using fresh products that come from its own organic vegetable garden or from farms of the Maremma in Tuscany.  Likewise, the wine list showcases producers in southern Tuscany.

The eight-course tasting menu was like a delectable sensory voyage through the region.  It included fresh seafood selections, suckling pig, and pasta dishes like, “homemade tortello stuffed with braised capon, citrus fruit, chestnut cream and cooked wine must”.  Each dish was a work of art, more enticing than the last.

Then came dessert.  And my personal favourite, Tuscany produced Amadei chocolate in five shades.

It was a sweet ending to a fabulous journey off the beaten path in Tuscany to discover the sights, tastes and relaxing ambiance of Monte Argentario.

Travel Bliss Now was a guest at the Argentario Golf Resort & Spa, but my opinions are entirely my own.

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