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Official website of the Argentario destination

17-From Porto Ercole to just below Punta Telegrafo and back

13.9 km

4.30h

Difficult

Green

Route Description

This route follows Trail No. 15 until it reaches the Annunziata hamlet, a junction where several trails on the upper ridge of theArgentario.

From there, turn left onto a dirt road that winds its way up a fairly steep incline, surrounded by lush vegetation. The slope, which is steady but not overly steep, requires a bit of effort, but this is rewarded by increasingly sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

Once you reach a fork in the trail, take the path on the left, which continues slightly uphill. Looking up to the right, you can see the Punta Telegrafo outpost, a military structure that is off-limits but easily recognizable, overlooking the ridge.

From here begins a scenic descent that runs alongside Poggio Canaloni, skirting the edge of dense Mediterranean scrub, which in spring offers intense colors and fragrances.

After a total of about 7.7 km, the route opens up to a sweeping panoramic view of Porto Ercole and the Cala Galera marina, offering one of the most picturesque views in the area.

The descent continues gently until it rejoins the road taken on the way there. From this point, it is about 2.7 km back to the starting point, completing a nature trail that offers stunning scenery.

Course Overview

This loop trail follows the eastern ridge ofArgentario, initially retracing the route of Trail 15 to the Tenuta dell’Annunziata, before climbing along a dirt path surrounded by lush vegetation. The route passes through quiet, fragrant landscapes, runs alongside Poggio Canaloni, skirts the area of Punta Telegrafo (not accessible), and finally opens up to spectacular views of Porto Ercole and Cala Galera, before completing the loop by returning to the starting point.

Estimated length: approximately 13.9 km
Average duration: 4 hours 00 minutes – 4 hours 30 minutes
Rest stops and points of interest:

  • Tenuta dell’Annunziata: scenic overlook and junction for several trails
  • Punta Telegrafo Station (visible from the outside)
  • View of Porto Ercole and Cala Galera
  • Shaded areas in the Mediterranean scrub

Conclusion for hikers:
A well-structured route for hikers of average fitness, featuring steady climbs and gentle descents. Perfect for training in nature, with wide-open scenic stretches that are also ideal for taking photos and enjoying refreshing breaks. The mixed terrain (dirt and compacted paths) is suitable for hiking even in spring or fall, when the Mediterranean scrub is at its most beautiful.