Porto Ercole is a stunning historic town on the Monte Argentario, which is the comma of land that juts off the Tuscan coast into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Porto Ercole’s charms make it a popular spot with weekending Romans, and the range of accommodation reflects that. There are resorts and spas, converted historic villas, traditional hotels, and a collection of privately owned apartments and B&Bs. For our Gurus the best places to stay in Porto Ercole are those with the best views, and they have one in particular in mind.

Porto Ercole makes for a romantic, picturesque, backdrop to any escape, but we think it's especially good for sailors, walkers and families. This stretch of Tuscany’s coast is incredibly memorable to boat-board explorers — there are tiny bays and harbours all along it, offering small, private beaches with superb snorkelling opportunities. The portion of Monte Argentario’s landscape that’s actually on land, is run through with walking trails, which often take you between tiny, idyllic beaches too. Monte Argentario also makes a stunningly romantic backdrop for driving, the Via Panoramica does just as its name suggests it will.

Porto Ercole is also a good destination for art lovers and anyone with an interest in history. It is where Caravaggio died of fever (you can visit his grave in a local church), it has three castles, all built by the Spanish when this stretch of coastline belonged to them, and a beautiful collection of both architecture and art.

However it's worth remembering that this gorgeous little spot is incredibly busy during the peak summer months. So if you want to make sure of your room in one of the best places to stay in Porto Ercole, you need to get ahead of the crowds and book early.

The Best Places to Stay in Porto Ercole

For a Special Occasion

• Il Pellicano is a stunning clifftop hotel overlooking a picturesque expanse of rock bay on the Tuscan archipelago. There are 50 rooms and suites, luxuriously decorated, but with traditional tiled floors and exposed beams. In addtion there are two superb restaurants, one being the Michelin starred Il Pelicano. You can take cooking classes too, and there are opportunities to snorkel, play golf, sail or boat, and really relax. Adults only and very spoiling!

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Porto Ercole has a number of local airports. Rome Flumicino is closest, about an hour and 45minutes away by road, and about four hours on the train. The second closest international airport is Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci, which is just shy of three hours drive away, or almost six by train. Some visitors will find it easier to arrive in to Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi International Airport, which is also about three hours drive, but around eight by public transport.
• If you're looking to hire a car, we recommend visiting our online partner Rentalcars.
• Porto Ercole is right on the Tyrrhenian Sea, which opens onto the Mediterranean, and has the hot, dry Mediterranean summers and mild winters. Weather-wise the best time to visit Porto Ercole is probably between May and October, when average maximum temperatures are in the 20°Cs. By July and August temperatures are up near 27°C. Porto Ercole has a pirate festival during May, where people dress as pirates for three days, celebrations during June for Saint Erasmo, and a fish festival during August.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include the best places to stay in Tuscany
• Or just the best places to stay on the Tuscan coast
• You might add the best hotels in Grosseto, which is just to the north to your list, or even consider Elba
• You may also want to search by the type of accommodation you fancy, opting for the best family hotels in Tuscany, the best wine hotels in Tuscany, or the best B&Bs in Tuscany
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.