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14-From Porto Ercole to Spiaggia Lunga and back

4.4 km

1.20h

Easy

Celeste

Route Description

The route begins at Piazza del Mercato in Porto Ercole, located just before the entrance to the historic center. A few meters from the square, on the right, there is a small roundabout with clear signs for Forte Stella andHotel Il Pellicano.

From here, take a quiet paved road, ideal for a leisurely hike, with beautiful views of theArgentario. After walking for about 1.8 km, you’ll see a marked trail on the left leading to the majestic Forte Stella Fortress, one of the most imposing and scenic military structures in the area.

If you like, you can take a detour to visit the fort (if it’s open); otherwise, continue along the main road. After just 100 meters, you’ll reach the point where the road meets the Panoramica, offering new views of the coast.

Just to the left, a dirt path branches off leading to Spiaggia Lunga: it’s a steep, overgrown trail that ends in a flight of steps and opens directly onto the beach. The descent, though short, requires caution, and the climb back up is quite challenging, but well worth it given the beauty of the cove.

Course Overview

An easy, scenic route that starts at the Piazza del Mercato in Porto Ercole and gently climbs along a paved road toward Forte Stella, with the option to take a detour to visit the fort (when open). The walk then continues toward Spiaggia Lunga, which can be reached via a steep path through the woods, ending at one of the quietest bays on the headland.

Estimated length: approximately 4.4 km round trip
Average duration: 1 hr 45 min – 2 hr
Rest stops and points of interest:

  • Forte Stella (optional, if open)
  • Views from the Panoramic Lookout
  • Spiaggia Lunga (a quiet cove, perfect for a break and a swim)

Conclusion for hikers:
A relaxing yet varied route, perfect for those looking for a short hike with historical and natural highlights. The only challenging section is the climb back up from the beach, which serves as a good final stretch to warm up your muscles. Also recommended as an evening walk during the summer months.