SURROUNDINGS OF ORBETELLO

The surrounding area, with its wealth of natural, cultural, archaeological and environmental resources, holds out remarkable opportunities. After time on the beach and a refreshing shower at Toni and Judi’s B&B, take a trip through the still unspoilt countryside of the Tuscan Maremma, in the heart of central Etruria. Within a radius of a few kilometres you will come to: Saturnia, famed for its spa waters; Cosa, a city first Etruscan then Roman, with its famous “cutting” in the rock, near Ansedonia; Capalbio, a mediaeval town that the centuries have left intact; Pitigliano, another wonderful town, originally Etruscan then mediaeval; Sovana , with its subterranean tombs, among which the monumental Tomba Ildebranda stands out, and lots of other sites well worth just a single stop to savour the old-time flavours and scents of the old, authentic Maremma. A tour of the famous Presidi (garrisons), the Spanish fortifications in Orbetello, Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole that made the Argentario an impregnable fortress, is a must. The same is true of a visit to the Orbetello Tourist Office (Pro Loco), where you can admire the terracotta pediment of the second century BC Etrusco-Roman Temple, brought to light on the Talamonaccio near Talamone. In addition to being courteous hosts, Toni and Judi will be only too pleased to give you full directions regarding the archaeology trails, the museums, the best and nearest beaches, the most captivating, romantic spots and the best and cheapest restaurants. In other words, they will be with you all the way.