Orbetello

Orbetello is a unique town found on a thin strip of land stretching out into the middle of the very lagoon from which its name is derived. Once an Etruscan settlement whose traces remain in the town’s walls, it was also a historic port fortified by the State of the Presidi. In the small village of Saline, a spanish fort (the Fort of Saline) was built during this period and was known as Casale Spagnolo.

Orbetello’s lagoon area is bordered at the sea by two strips of sand called “tomboli” (spits): the Tombolo della Feniglia and the Tombolo della Giannella. The Feniglia is a 6km long strip of sand, situated between the Ansedonia hill to the east and Monte Argentario to the west. The Gianella, although also 6km long, goes from Monthe Argentario to the mouth of the Albegna river.

Orbetello is a peculiarly shaped village, probably best described as either resembling a hull or an almond, and is connected to the heart of Monte Argentario by an artificial dam built in 1841. Via this dam you can reach Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano.