Famous for its fishing and even more famous for its seafood restaurants, Porto Santo Stefano is not that old, it was first mentioned by the Spanish in 1557 when they turned it into one of the most secure military ports in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Today Porto Santo Stefano wears this young – in comparison to the rest of the Maremma – but colourful history on its sleeve.

The countryside that surrounds the seaside town is dotted with fortresses and towers built by the Spanish to keep an eye on their many enemies. Beautifully conserved, these historical relics can be visited almost all year round.

Sure, they’re not going to hold the same appeal as, say Montemerano with its gorgeous medieval essence, but the locals are proud of their castles anyway, and far too busy admiring their incredible sea panorama and even better culinary reputation to care what others think.

But Porto Santo Stefano isn’t all good food and great views.

Look a little closer and it’s hard not to notice the crumbled walls and ravaged corners of certain buildings – reminders of the heavy shelling the town suffered during WWII, reminders that are yet to be healed.

Luckily, the odd hole here and cracked facade there doesn’t take away from the overwhelming charm of Porto Santo Stefano.

The town is a working port and with that comes great restaurants, beautiful boats and blissful afternoons spent walking up and down the boardwalk admiring the kitsch knick knack stores and watching the fishermen bring in their afternoon catch.

SIGHTS:

Rocca Spagnola As its name suggests, this fortress was built by the Spanish in the late 16th – early 17th century and is a gorgeous symbol of their proud military history.

Chiesa di Santo Stefano Built and rebuilt, this battle-worn church is a little worse for wear, but is home to a beautiful and very famous statue of Santo Stefano himself.

Acquario Mediterraneo dell’Argentario Fourteen tanks filled with hundreds of different plant, fish and mollusk species including moray eels, sharks, sea horses and other fascinating creatures.

Porto Nuovo and Porto Vecchio Two old Spanish archways that are extremely popular in the summer, mostly because they boast the best views of the town, the sea and the arriving boats.

Diving It’s not hard to find a diving school in the port if that’s what you’re itching to do. And you should. The underwater wonders will leave you speechless.

EVENTS:

Palio Marinaro dell’Argentario – July- Aug While Monte Argentario hosts a range of cultural and religious-themed events throughout the year, none of them are quite like the Palio Marinaro.