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Orbetello and its lagoon ☀️ Visit Orbetello
- Category What to visit in Maremma
Orbetello, the hull shaped town
Number of views: 19556Agriturismo - Where to stay overnight
What to See in Orbetello
Orbetello ranks among the most captivating destinations on the Tuscan coast, set in a truly one‑of‑a‑kind landscape. The town stands on a narrow strip of land that slices through the lagoon, creating an evocative balance of water and earth. The historic core rises on a tiny island linked to the mainland by two natural sandbars: the Tombolo della Feniglia and the Tombolo della Giannella—long sandy spines lined with coastal pines, cycle paths and unspoilt beaches that invite walkers, cyclists and anyone seeking a serene day by the sea.
The town’s plan is equally striking: viewed from above, Orbetello resembles the hull of a ship anchored in the lagoon, connected to the scenic headland of Monte Argentario by an 1841 causeway. Despite its modern standing as a lively seaside resort, Orbetello remains deeply rooted in tradition: for centuries the thriving fish market formed the economic heartbeat of the community and helped spread the fame of local lagoon cuisine—think cured bottarga di Orbetello or the delicate sfogliata di pesce.
Encircling the town is the Orbetello Lagoon Nature Reserve, an internationally important wetland where birdwatchers can spot pink flamingos, herons, black‑winged stilts and a host of migrant species. Well‑signed trails and hides make wildlife watching easy, while a wide choice of farm stays, campgrounds and boutique hotels sit tucked among the Maremma greenery. Settled since Etruscan times—as the mighty polygonal walls attest—Orbetello later became Roman. The origin of its name is still debated: possible roots include “Orvelus,” “Urva Tellus,” or “Urbis Tellus,” variously interpreted as “circular city,” “land of herbs,” or “land of the Urbs.”
Highlights include the photogenic Spanish Mill—the last survivor of nine wind‑powered mills that once ground grain using lagoon currents—and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built over an Etrusco‑Roman temple and redesigned in 14th‑century Tuscan Gothic. Just outside town you’ll find the atmospheric Tagliata Etrusca, an ancient canal carved into the rock, and the Spacco della Regina, a deep cave wrapped in legend. Summer brings a packed calendar of events, chief among them the “Festival dei Presìdi”, a programme of music, theatre, literature and food that lights up Orbetello’s squares on warm evenings.
Orbetello, Historical Overview
After passing from Orsini rule to the Republic of Siena, Orbetello was seized by the Spanish in 1555 and proclaimed the capital of the Stato dei Presìdi. Massive bastioned walls, the Guzmán Fortress and a chain of coastal batteries date from this era and can still be explored today. The town survived a failed French siege, was occupied by the Austrians, then ceded to the Bourbon Kingdom of Naples, before being annexed to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in 1815 and ultimately joining a unified Italy.
The surrounding area brims with character. Talamone, once a simple fishing village, clings to a rocky promontory topped by a 15th‑century fortress and commands sweeping views over the Tuscan archipelago. South of the lagoon lies Ansedonia: now an exclusive holiday address, it was once the Roman colony of Cosa (3rd century BC). Visitors can walk the ancient walls, forum and acropolis, among the most significant archaeological remains in central Italy. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the Via delle Batterie, a panoramic trail linking Spanish forts, or paddle kayaks along quiet lagoon channels glowing golden in late‑afternoon light.
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