Orbetello ligger ud for kysten ved hjertet af
Maremmerne, 122 km fra Orte.
Pearl of Costa d'Argento, in the centre of a
sparkling lagoon, Orbetello is joined to the Argentario
promontory by two long, golden sand dunes, known as the
“Tomboli della Feniglia e della Giannella” that offer the visitor
kilometres of enchanting, unspoilt beaches interrupted here and
there by inviting pine woods. The spectacular views around the
Argentario offers a range of breathtaking scenery; high cliffs
rising sheer from the sea that alternate with inlets and bays
where the transparent blue sea invites visitors to enjoy a
relaxing swim. Just in front of Orbetello, in less than an hour by
ferry, are the islands of Giglio and
Giannutri with their crystalline water and limpid seabeds
that offer scuba divers an unforgettable experience. Among the
many places close to Orbetello worth visiting, Porto Santo
Stefano and Porto Ercole, with their
distinctive coloured houses and their picturesque fishing ports
are certainly not to be missed.
All this plus 50 kilometres of unspoilt beaches and rocky
coastlines set between two of the biggest protected natural
reserves in Italy, make Orbetello an ideal place for a study
holiday in one of the most beautiful areas of Tuscany.
Nature
In the Maremma its natural beauty is well preserved, with its
particular landscapes and the quality of its products. There are
many protected areas in parks and natural reserves. It unveils
itself as a beautiful and untamed land, unspoiled and abundant,
caressed by sun and sea, brimming with those natural perfumes that
only a carefully protected natural environment can provide. From
Talamone to Capalbio you
will find kilometres of beaches and inlets; Giglio, a large and
beautiful pearly island in the sea, or Montecristo, a deserted
island, or Giannutri with the ruins of the Roman villas are well
worth your visit. And the Argentario, a headland which appears to
be a vessel, moored to the coast at both ends, the Tomboli of
Giannella and Feniglia. Between the two is the backwater of
Orbetello.
Art
Surely to visit, is the S. Maria Assunta's Cathedral, built
probably on a preceding temple of V century
b.C. in honor to Jupiter; a curiosity is represented by the Mulino
Spagnolo at the begin of the "dam" that join the city to the
Argentario Mountain. Really interesting is the S. Francesco di
Paola church and also the one consecrated to the Madonna delle
Grazie (this one finely frescoed). Etruscan towns and burial sites
scattered trough the Maremma hinterland form the destination for
fascinating excursions and archeological visits. Enchanting
medieval villages preserved in their original condition are also
characteristic of this area. Capalbio with medieval architecture
and wild Mediterranean scrub evoke a sense of unforgettable
tranquility. For Modern Art the fantastic Tarot Garden of Niki De
Saint Phalle, an artist of international renown, whose works, made
of mirrors and brightly colored ceramics, represent the mysterious
symbols of the Tarots.
Gastronomy
Orbetellan cuisine focuses on the variety of fish from the
lagoon. Shrimp, sea bass, gilthead breams, oysters, grey mullet
and eel are all fished there. To name some of the delicious
specialties, there are the grey mullet filet, spaghetti "alla
bottarga", and smoked eel. Some delicious specialities:
the grey mullet filet, spaghetti "alla bottarga", smoked eel. For
those who appreciate a good meat dish there are a number of
Maremman delicacies to choose from. To complete your selection
choose a glass of fine white or red Tuscan wine.

LINK:
Orbetello Lagoon Aquarium