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Driving south of Grosseto toward Rome we pass by the magnificent Parco Naturale dell'Uccellina (regional park). Out of season, the unspoiled sandy beach is pleasant for swimming; in high summer things get quite crowded. On the border south of the park we find Talamone. It is a characteristic port town with very old origins. It was an important Etruscan harbor, and then a Roman access to the water, today it is a fishing town on top of a promontory south of the Natural Park of the Uccellina, looking south to the Argentario. The village is dominated by the 15th century Fort, with four rectangular base towers. Not far is the Argentario, with its fantastic landscape. A trip around the almost circular peninsula of Monte Argentario is a must, because it provides several beautiful views across the sea. Today this former island is connected to the mainland by three sandy promontories. Its villages, Orbetello, Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole have been famous since the 16th century when they fell under Spanish domain for theirs strategic position, Stato dei Presidi (1555-1808). 
From Porto Stefano it is possible to get the ferry connection to Giglio and Giannutri Islands. Giglio Island has a rocky coastline, paradise for scuba divers, that sometimes end up in sandy beaches. The island was under the Roman domination, whose signs are still visible in the ruins of sumptuous villa with its fishery pool. The other island, much smaller than Giglio, under Roman domination was Giannutri Island. This one is going through a period of high popularity due to its untouched environment. Also Giannutri has remains of a pretty majestic Roman villa, villa Domizia, and other smaller ones, probably servant's houses. Giannutri is probably archeologically more interesting than Giglio Island. |
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