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Starting point: the beginning of Via del Sole
Intersection of Via Panoramica and Via del Sole
The walk begins on Via del Sole, in the upper part of the western slope of Porto Santo Stefano, one of the oldest and most scenic spots in town. Looking out toward the sea, you can see the Spanish Fortress on the right, an imposing structure that recalls the town’s military past and still dominates the harbor’s skyline today.
The Gulf of Porto Santo Stefano
After traveling about 500 meters along Via del Sole
As you walk up the street, the view opens up more and more: below us lies the Gulf of Porto Santo Stefano, which on calm days looks almost like a lake, sheltered by the headland and hidden from view of the open sea. In the distance, toward the mainland, you can make out the villages of the Maremma and the silhouette of Monte , often covered in snow during the winter months.
Sights: Giannella, Orbetello, Feniglia
After traveling about 1 km along Via del Sole
Continuing on, looking east, you can see the Tombolo della Giannella, a narrow strip of sand that connectsArgentario mainland, with Orbetello and its lagoon divided into the western and eastern sections. A little further on, the Feniglia Nature Reserve separates the lagoon from the Tyrrhenian Sea, creating a unique landscape where water meets pine forest.
From the Mediterranean scrub to the open sea
From the asphalt to the dirt road
The route continues through a stretch of Mediterranean scrub: first on asphalt, then on a dirt road, until you find yourself directly above Cala Cacciarella as the crow flies. Here the landscape changes completely: no longer the sheltered gulf, but the open sea, islands on the horizon, and, to the right, a long stretch of the Tuscan coast. All around, vineyards and olive groves line the path, their leaves seeming to reflect silver light in the sun.
Turco Cave
The first viewpoint overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, located above La Cacciarella
Although not visible from the road, just below Punta Cacciarella lies the Grotta del Turco, a natural sea-level cave. The name evokes a legend: it is said that a group of fishermen from Santo Stefano, pursued by a Barbary ship, managed to save themselves by hiding in that very cave. Since then, the place has remained linked to that episode of escape and cunning.
Beyond the folk tale, the cave bears witness to the deep relationship between man and the sea that has shaped the town’s history. Tradition also links these events to the ancient regattas between tartaroni, considered the precursors of the current Palio MarinaroArgentario, which brings the old port to life every August 15.
The scenic bench
Arrival at the panoramic viewpoint overlooking Cala Grande
The trail continues along the upper edge of the Cala Cacciarella valley, then climbs up to a scenic overlook with a bench. It is one of the most picturesque spots along the route: Cala Grande opens up ahead, with its small rocky beaches. On the horizon, you can make outGiglio Island,Montecristo Island, and, on clear, cold winter days, even the mountains of Corsica. In the center of the valley stands the historic vineyard of the Fratelli Osio Winery.
Below, toward the last small beach of Cala Grande— Spiaggia del Cauto —you can glimpse the small Grotta del Cauto, a natural cove that once offered shelter to small boats.
The descent toward the sea
Passing through the Argentario scrub to descend toward the cove
After a stop at the bench—highly recommended at sunset in the summer —the path descends toward the scenic provincial road. After about 200 meters along the provincial road, take a concrete road marked as a dead end: it doesn’t offer spectacular views, but it’s the only land access to the beach.
Arrival at Cauto Beach
Arrival at Cala Grande
At the end of the road, a trail begins that winds its way into a ravine, with some steep sections and natural steps. Walking through the Mediterranean scrub, surrounded by the scents of mastic and rosemary, you finally reach the sea.
And so we arrive at Cauto Beach in Cala Grande, the final stop on a journey that combines stunning views, history, and untamed nature.
