Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole — Round trip
Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole — Round trip
4.7
(189)
1,097
riders
Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole — Round trip
03:09
41.6km
890m
Cycling
Embark on a difficult touring bicycle round trip across Monte Argentario, offering continuous sea views and diverse terrain. This challenging route spans 25.8 miles (41.6 km) and features a significant elevation gain of 2931 feet (893 metres), typically taking around 3 hours and 9 minutes to complete. You will cycle along coastal roads, through ancient pine forests, and past olive groves, enjoying panoramic vistas of the Orbetello Lagoon and the islands of Giglio and Giannutri. Expect a mix of asphalt, paved sections, and some unpaved dirt tracks, with rugged cliffs and pebble beaches defining much of the coastline.
This ride requires very good fitness due to its substantial climbs and steep, narrow hairpin bends. While much of the route is on asphalt, some unpaved sections can be difficult, potentially requiring you to push your bike. The trail connects charming fishing villages like Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole, providing opportunities to pause and explore. Plan your visit carefully, as the varied terrain and elevation changes demand preparation.
What makes this trail particularly notable are its stunning coastal views, which are a constant companion throughout the journey. Beyond the natural beauty, you will encounter historical sites such as Spanish fortresses like Forte Stella and Forte Filippo, perched dramatically on cliffs. This challenging yet rewarding route offers a unique blend of natural splendor and historical intrigue, making it a popular choice among local cyclists seeking a demanding and scenic experience in Tuscany's Maremma region.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Includes a very steep uphill segment
You may need to push your bike.
After 21.4 km for 91 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
3.70 km
Argentario Cycle Path and Tunnels
Highlight • Cycleway
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5.51 km
Porto Santo Stefano
Highlight • Settlement
Source: it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porto_Santo_Stefano
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11.9 km
Panoramic View of the Coast
Highlight • Viewpoint
15.9 km
View of Monte Argentario and the coast
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
21.3 km
Dead Sea Cove
Highlight • Beach
In front of the beach there is a barrier of rocks that prevents the waves from reaching the beach, thus creating a natural swimming pool with always calm water, being able to swim practically always.
The seabed is very popular with snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
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26.5 km
View of Cala Piazzoni
Highlight • Viewpoint
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32.4 km
View of Porto Ercole and the Isolotto
Highlight • Viewpoint
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41.6 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
29.2 km
5.80 km
3.46 km
2.62 km
352 m
222 m
Surfaces
27.4 km
9.03 km
3.46 km
1.69 km
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Elevation
Highest point (340 m)
Lowest point (0 m)
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Weather
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Saturday 30 May
26°C
13°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
Finally a tour without special deposits 😉. The kilometers on gravel in front of the Aqua Dolce bathing bay are sometimes very rough, but easy to drive. The countless panoramas on the west side of the island are fantastic.
There is a stretch of approx. 5km suitable only for mountain bikes and only for experts. With a trekking bike you have to push.
Beautiful lap, but very demanding for a trained average like me. Some impossible stretches, I got off and pushed. Nature is the great protagonist. Departure from Orbetello immediately cycle path chosen to go around counterclockwise to always have the sea close by. Beautiful views of enchanted bays. Stretch of dirt road in some places stony. My descents are demanding on the brakes. I recommend cooling stops. Excellent refreshment, if you resist, in Porto Ercole, from Grano pizza a tagliata view of the harbor. Highly recommended but tiring!
Nice tour around the island. Up to Porto San Stefano there was a lot of traffic on the road. After Porto S. Stefano we took a hiking trail, so we had to push our bikes a bit again😄. Then we switched to the Strada Panaramico which offers beautiful views of the bays. A little before Porto Ercole it turns into a gravel road. At the end of this tour, the rear brake pads were at their end
Only possible with an eBike. Some parts of the road in the mountains are very rocky and steep. Overall one of the most beautiful tours I've ever done. The views are sensational.
Nice tour with wonderful views. A section of the path demanding but doable.