Porto Santo Stefano
Situated in a picturesque bay, Port Santo Stefano is not only an important centre for fishing and a lively beach resort in its own right, but it is also the place of the seat of public administration in the area.
Open to the continuous movement of tourists who leave from here to go to the beautiful island of Giglio; the bay of Santo Stefano was used by ships scouring the Mediterranean even in ancient times. However it was only when Elban and Ligurian fishermen began to settle here between the 15th and 16th centuries that real urbanization was commenced. The town then became the base for the powerful mercantile fleet of the Spanish, who took control from the Republic of Siena. As the bay of Argentario was in a perfect strategic position, a series of coastal watch-towers were erected to defend it. One of these, The Fortress, still stands today and its unique Aragonese stylistic elements make it a building of significant historical beauty.
Port Santo Stefano is also a link to some of the most amazing areas in the bay, which can easily be reached by boat. One such place is the summit of Punta Telegrafo, which on a clear day, has an astoundingly beautiful view of the Tuscan Archipelago, Corsica, the Tyrrhenian coast and Mount Amiata.
