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The first section of this route follows Route 12 until it reaches the Fonte del Romito, a shady spot that’s perfect for a short break. From there, continue along the narrow path without veering off, keeping to the main road.
It is important not to take the wider dirt road that branches off to the right: you should ignore it to stay on the correct path. Instead, continue straight ahead through a peaceful, scenic stretch until you pass the Sporting Club “Le Cannelle, ” a private complex near the coast.
From this point on, the trail continues along a road that alternates between paved and unpaved sections, through an increasingly open and picturesque landscape. After about 1 hour and 40 minutes of walking in total, you ’ll come to the unpaved road that connects Porto Ercole to Porto Santo Stefano.
Turn right here, and after just 150 meters, you’ll come to a signposted fork on the left: this is where the trail to Torre della Ciana begins, which is about 1.3 km away and offers a magnificent view of the coast.
For those who wish to continue further along the main road, you can reach the picturesque Cala del Purgatorio, a remote and wild cove, perfect for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Argentario invite.
An extension of Route 12 that, after passing the Fonte del Romito, continues along a dirt road through open, peaceful landscapes. You pass the “Le Cannelle” complex, cross the Porto Ercole–Porto Santo Stefano road, and after 150 m, reach the trail to Torre della Ciana (1.3 km round trip). For the more experienced hikers, it is possible to continue on to Cala del Purgatorio, a rocky and unspoiled cove.
Estimated length:
To the Tower: about 10 km round trip
To Cala del Purgatorio: about 12 km round trip
Average duration:
Tower: 2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours
Cala del Purgatorio: 4 hours – 4 hours 30 minutes
Points of interest and places to stop:
Romito Spring (shaded, perfect for a break)
Torre della Ciana (panoramic viewpoint)
Cala del Purgatorio (a secluded bay, perfect for a peaceful swim)
Conclusion for hikers:
A longer and more varied hiking trail, suitable for those looking for endurance hikes on mixed terrain. Access to two distinct points of interest (a lookout tower and a swimming cove) makes it ideal for those who want to combine scenic views with relaxation by the sea. We recommend setting out in the morning and bringing plenty of water.
