Picnic at Monte

Between Porto S. Stefano and Porto Ercole, one of the most picturesque spots on theArgentario is the Convent of the Passionist Friars, with its novitiate and the preacher’s cross. Three picturesque spots perched on the highest part of the promontory, overlooking the entire Orbetello Lagoon, the Feniglia and Giannella sandbars, andthe entireTuscan Archipelago. 

In the past, it was a tradition for the residents of the two villages to head to monte Easter Monday and monte the holidays for hearty spring picnics, and tonnina and Stocchetto were always on the menu. A monte picnic is a must, and the ideal time is in the heartof summer, when the coastal villages are bustling with activity and the heat is at its peak. 

Up in monte can find peace of mind, far from the chaos, with the temperature a few degrees cooler beneath the imposing holm oaks. These spots are easily accessible by car; just stop at a deli first to pick up some Tonnina( tuna belly, first salted and then seasoned with oil) and Stocchetto (filletedstockfish with tomatoes, olives, and potatoes), and wash it all down with a glass of chilled Ansonaca from a small local producer.