Porto Ercole - The Harbor by the Fortress
After a long and difficult history, the town of Porto Ercole has come to more peaceful times. Today, only tourists walk up to the forts to get a better view of the bay and the Tuscan countryside. This is the ideal place for a quiet, low-key yet adventurous holiday.
General Info
If in the Middle Ages this town was a strongpoint for defending the entire Monte Argentatio region, today, Porto Ercole is one of the most famous Yacht Charter destinations in Tuscany. It is situated on a promontory that has fortresses dominating the hillside above the natural harbor in which it sits.
Travel & Arrival
Tuscany is undoubtedly one of those places that you have to see before you die and that’s why every year so many curious Yacht Charter journeymen come here to see what Italy is all about. For this Tuscan town the airport servicing it is Leonardo da Vinci in Fiumicino, which is 137 km further down the coast.
The good thing about being on a island is that there’s only one road leading in, so you can’t miss it. Just follow the E80 to Ortebello Scato and from there take the SS440 to Porto Ercole. There is an alternative route for Yacht Charter tourists coming from the north of the country, via the SP36 that also links to the E80.
Avant & Apres Sail
The first thing you’ll see even before getting to town are the forts, built by the Spanish in the 15th century, they have been today turned into museums. The Phillip Fort, the Stella and the La Roca are the ones that draw in the most Yacht Charter visitors.
The old Town is nestled in between defensive walls dating back to the Renaissance. Within these walls visiting Yacht Charter parties will see the Palace of Rulers in the Piazzetta Santa Barbara, just above the harbor.
A beautiful place to see is also the Giardino Corsini, which is like a bothanical garden that houses rare tropical and subtropical plants. And just outside of Porto Ercole, the Yacht Charter seamen can visit the Duna Feniglia Nature Reserve. This is where famous painter Caravagio lived his last days, and there’s even a stele commemorating the place where he died.
How much are you willing to bet that the local food has something to do with fish? Well, you don’t get that many points for guessing right, but here are some of the Tuscan recipes your Yacht Charter group should order in restaurants: the Caldaro (fish with vegetables), the fish soup, mare e monti (made with cuttlefish, porcini mushrooms and condiments) and for desert deep fried San Giuseppes (local donuts). Sprinkle liberally with wine, the local brands, of course.
The nightlife is limited to clubs and restaurants, but there’s always the option of you and your Yacht Charter crew going in for a romantic evening at one of the piano bars in town. The name just about says it all.
Events & Actions
Sailing and tanning are the preferred methods of passing the time while in Porto Ercole, especially if you’re an avid Yacht Charter enthusiast, the perfect way to spend an afternoon is to rent a boat and sail up the bay.
However, while on dry land, make sure your Yacht Charter group brings their clubs because there’s a top notch golf club in town where you can shoot a couple of holes. There is also tennis, horse riding and the ever-popular evening stroll on the promenade. Who among you can resist a Tuscan sunset?
As far as events go, there’s something to do or see all year round. In April, the town turns into a den of thieves as they celebrate the Pirates’ Night, in June there’s the Fiesta dedicated to the patron saint (Saint Erasmo) and in July there’s a international music festival (Concerte in Monte Argentario).