Excursion Porto santo stefano & fortress on foot tour at Porto Santo Stefano

Discover the history, architecture, and charm of Porto Santo Stefano on-foot during this picturesque sightseeing excursion.

Porto Santo Stefano, Guided Walking Tour, Mount Argentario, Mediterranean Sea

Depart the pier for a guided walking tour of the port village of Porto Santo Stefano, the main town on the north-western promontory of Mount Argentario and only one of the three ports on the peninsula. Mount Argentario is a wooded mountain overlooking the blue Mediterranean Sea, a promontory infused with nature, history, and human activities. Porto Santo Stefano has four quarters, in Italian Rioni: Croce, Fortezza, Pilarella, and Valle. Various bays of Porto Santo Stefano enable yachts and sailing vessels to operate throughout the year; these same bays were ideal hideouts for pirate incursions of a bygone era.

Downtown Area, Old Town, Monuments, Four Quarters

Whilst strolling along the narrow, winding streets of Porto Santo Stefano to the downtown area, learn about the history of this old fishing village built on ‘rock’, which developed into a tourist destination famous throughout the Mediterranean. The village of Port Santo Stefano has four quarters, in Italian Rione: Croce, Fortezza, Pilarella, and Valle. Walk to the small port, where fishing boats and yachts wait to sail again. The municipality is here, in the centre of the Old Town, which had developed around a watch tower offering protection to its inhabitants since the 15th century, now the imposing Spanish Fortress.

Spanish Fortress, Saint Stephen Parish Church, Artisan Tools, Gelato Stop

Discover the historic Spanish Fortress, which was built during the Spanish Presidios and offers a breath-taking panoramic view of Porto Santo Stefano; visit the small museum displaying artisan tools that were utilized to craft the boats of the day. Leaving the Spanish Fortress, climb down to the Parish Church dedicated to Saint Stephen, in Rione Croce. Its Latin inscription, ‘Portvm Salvtis Indulgeat’, pleads the Patron Saint to grant a safe port to sailors. Afterward, A final stop is made for a creamy and refreshing gelato. At the conclusion of your tour, commence the short walk back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Porto Santo Stefano, Mount Argentario, Mediterranean Sea, Old Town, Monuments, Spanish Fortress, Saint Stephen Parish Church, Museums, Gelato Stop

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.55 miles (about 2.5 kilometres), including approximately 70 steps to climb the village to the fortress, at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with 30 additional steep steps to negotiate at reach  and inside the Spanish Fortress. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, bottled water, and Euro currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary.