Table of Contents:
How to get to Orbetello from Pisa
How to get to Orbetello from Rome
When to travel to Orbetello
Orbetello is considered to be a paradise corner in Tuscany and the southernmost resort of its Riviera. Situated in a cozy lagoon and spread out on a narrow sandy spit, Orbetello is closely adjacent to the Monte Argentario peninsula and offers travelers unprecedented natural beauty. Orbetello is rightfully considered to be one of the amazing corners not only of the whole Tuscany region, but of all of Italy.
Orbetello is famous for both its natural views and the huge number of archaeological (Etruscan period) and architectural monuments that have survived to present days. In this regard, Orbetello is of equal interest to both those who prefer a beach holiday and those who prefer an excursion holiday. Orbetello includes the areas of Ansedonia and Talamone (the picturesque rocky surroundings of the resort), Orbetello itself, as well as the sand spits of Tombo della Gianella and Tombo della Feniglia.
The best time to visit Orbetello is from May to October when swimming in the sea is available. The other seasons of the year suit more for sightseeing experience. The shore of Orbetello is washed by warm Tyrrhenian Sea which is perfect for the beach holidays as the swimming period lasts here quite a long time starting at the end of May and finishing at the middle of October.
How to get to Orbetello
Where do you fly into to get to Orbetello? Getting to Orbetello is possible from the nearest major cities nearby that are Pisa or Rome. There are direct flights to Pisa and Rome from different cities of the World. The current flight timetable can be checked via specialized online services such as Aviasales and others.
How to get to Orbetello from Pisa
By public transport: Enjoying the scenery of Orbetello is not difficult at all because the town has a train station, so you can get here from all major cities in Italy. For example, there are direct trains from Pisa. The travel time is a little over 2 hours, and the fare is about 15 euros one way. You can check the current train timetable and purchase tickets in advance at the Raileurope booking service.
By rented car: Of course, you can also get to Orbetello by rented car. By renting a car in Pisa, you can get to Orbetello from the north along the highway No. E80 in 2 hours. The distance is about 200 km (see on the map). You can book the desired class of car in advance via various online services such as Discover Cars, Economybookings and others. To rent a car you need to have a passport (or an identity card), driver`s license and a bank card to pay for the services. Online booking will let you not to waste your time on the spot.
How to get to Orbetello from Rome
By public transport: There are also direct trains to Orbetello from Rome up to 10 times a day. The travel time from Rome is 1 hour 50 minutes. The cost of a one-way ticket is just about 10 euros. You can check the current train timetable and purchase tickets in advance at the Raileurope booking service. Orbetello is situated between 2 major cities – Pisa and Rome, that is why it is quite convenient to get to Orbetello from both of them be it public transport or a car.
By rented car: By renting a car in Rome, you can get to Orbetello from the south in 1 hour 40 minutes along the E80 highway. The distance is 144 km (see on the map). You can book the desired class of car in advance via various online services such as Discover Cars, Economybookings, etc. You can find a lot of rental offices in Rome, including the area of airport and any city district. Online booking will help you to choose the best available option in any area of the Italian capital.
Where to stay in Orbetello
During the “high” season from May to October, Orbetello turns into the center of beach life, however, there are no chain hotels here. The town has managed to maintain its authenticity. This is largely ensured by the fact that part of Orbetello and the surrounding places belong to a protected natural area. Archaeological finds located in the town are also under special protection.
In Orbetello, 3* and 4* hotels predominate; there are also bed and breakfast hotels (so-called B&B). If desired, you can rent apartments at the resort too. Orbetello is a less well-known resort in comparison with its “neighbors” such as Marina di Grosseto, Follonica, Punta Ala, therefore housing prices here are significantly lower, which is a definite plus for tourists. Due to the relatively small number of accommodation options, it is recommended to book hotel rooms or apartments in advance. Accommodation options that are consistently in demand in Orbetello include the following hotels:
Tris Hotel 3* is located in the countryside, a 10-minute drive from Orbetello. It features a garden with a swimming pool. There is a bar at the hotel. You can stay in rooms of various categories, including family rooms. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge. Free private parking is provided on site. There is also a small fitness area in the hotel;
Hotel Villa Smeraldo 3* is located 200 m from the nearest beach and has its own private beach area. The hotel has a bar and a restaurant. Guests can stay in rooms of various categories, including family rooms. Breakfast is included in the price. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge. Free private parking is provided on site. An outdoor swimming pool and hydromassage are also available here. Luggage storage can be found at the reception desk;
Hotel Il Cacciatore 3* is located in a picturesque place and offers its guests a restaurant and a swimming pool for relaxation. Guests can stay in one, two, three or four-bed rooms. Continental breakfast is available. Wi-Fi is provided in public areas and is free of charge. Free private parking can be found on the territory of the hotel. There is also a children’s playground in the hotel. The front desk serves guests 24 hours a day;
Hotel Sole 3* is located in the historical center of Orbetello. There is a bar on site. Guests can stay in single, double or triple rooms. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge. Public parking is provided nearby. Luggage storage is available at the reception desk;
When choosing a hotel, pay attention to its location. Hotels in the town center are suitable for exploring historical sights; hotels closer to the lagoon have their own access to the beach area and outdoor seasonal swimming pools.
What to see in Orbetello
There really is something to see in Orbetello. Moreover, this applies to both natural attractions and historical, architectural and archaeological ones. For example, one of the symbols of the town is a windmill built in the 16th century, located in the Gulf, right in the water. This is one of nine mills that has survived to this day.
Of no less interest are fragments of the Etruscan walls that surround the resort, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, located in the central square of the town. The ancient fort of Saline and the ruins of the monastery of Saint Angelo are also located near here. In the historical part of Orbetello, there are quite a lot of preserved attractions such as churches, forts, and watchtowers from different periods of history. They stand scattered along the sea shore. At the southern tip of Orbetello, in the area of Ansedonia, there is an extensive archaeological area.
But the town is not known for its architecture alone. Here you can also see picturesque natural places, because Orbetello is actually located in a magnificent Gulf. The shore of the resort is called Laguna Orbetello. For some of the most dramatic natural scenery, head to the northern tip of the resort, the so-called Talamone area. Here the rocky shores meet the stormy sea, and a breathtaking sea panorama opens up.
In the heart of Orbetello, in its central areas, the greatest interest is the 3 sand spits that connect the shore part of the resort with the peninsula of Monte Argentario. The sand spits of Tombolo della Feniglia and Tombolo della Giannella have a considerable length – about 6 km; the central spit of Campo Reggio is a little less. The Orbetello shore and spits have a very diverse flora, including sand dunes, pine groves, and typical Mediterranean plants. The Orbetello shore, together with the spits, form the best places for a beach holiday.
While relaxing in Orbetello, be sure to visit the adjacent peninsula of Monte Argentario. The peninsula is famous not only for its peak called Punta Telegrafo, but for the local settlements of Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole that are also interesting to observe. By the way, there are also good beaches here. Among the attractions on the peninsula, you can find the Stella fortress built in the 16th century, the Rocca Aldobrandesca fortress, Palazzo dei Governanti which is a palace built in the 16th century and other objects. The peninsula is of particular interest to divers, sailing enthusiasts (there is even a small port where yachts moor), and golf lovers (there are extensive golf courses).
In general, it can be said that Orbetello, as a resort, is suitable for those tourists who prefer a leisurely holiday, natural beauty and a combination of beach time with excursions. Orbetello is considered to be a real oasis of untouched nature; the local beaches are annually awarded the Blue Flag as the cleanest beaches in the world, and in the surrounding area there are numerous natural parks that are definitely worth visiting.
Take a note! When going on a trip to Italy, do not forget to take out a travel insurance, which is useful for receiving a tourist visa and for solving emerged medical problems when travelling in another country. You can purchase an insurance via online services, for example, via EKTA and others. You can choose from different modes, including quiet, active or extreme rest.
Photo above the article: Luciano Santelli
The author is Julia Mam
Julia is an experienced traveller, BA in International Relations and Languages and true lover of planning trips in advance. Learn more…
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Julia is an experienced traveller, BA in International Relations and Languages and true lover of planning trips in advance. Learn more…