Beaches of the Silver Coast
Monte Argentario, apart from having a wonderful turquoise sea and being one of the most unspoilt scenic parts of coastline in the Mediterranean, is also home to many beautiful beaches which is once again a deciding factor into what makes it such an exceptional holiday destination. The beaches vary a great deal in terms of size, shape and type which further illustrates that there really is something for everybody.
La Feniglia perhaps the most well known due to its size and sand. The Feniglia beach is an enormous sand dune 6-8 km long and 1½ km wide that connects Monte Argentario to the mainland at Ansedonia in the south of the peninsula and is also a Natural Reserve. This is in easy reach no matter which part of the peninsula you may be staying bur furthermore is rendered very accessible to all beach goers due to its fine sand and the calm warm sea. Another major feature of La Feniglia are the regal umbrella pine trees that are peppered down the centre of the dune providing welcome shade during the heat of the day. There is also a road that runs down the middle of the dune, which is purely for pedestrians or cyclists – in fact bicycles can be rented at the beginning of the beach throughout the season. La Feniglia can found about 1 km outside Porto Ercole.
La Giannella is located in the north connecting Monte Argentario to the mainland. La Giannella beach is perhaps the more crowded of the two with a series of ‘bagni’ dashed along the beach, most notably a personal favourite Il Tramonto. The sand is fine and the water shallow and warm making it ideal for children and families. Along the Giannella, you can find a whole host of water sports on offer including wind surfing, sea kayaking and kite surfing.
On the wild and unspoilt west coast of Monte Argentario, the beaches are much smaller and secluded due to the slightly harder access. For this reason beaches and small coves residing on the western side are relatively uncrowded even in the height of summer– indeed some of these beaches can only be accessed by boat! They are also quite diverse ranging from the beautiful sandy crescent of L’Acqua Dolce, to the very pretty part sand and part stone beach of Le Cannelle, with its romantic lookout tower and nearby Isola Rossa. Finally there are bays where there is virtually no beach at all and you dive directly from flat rocks into the sea – Cala Piccola is an example of this type of beach.
Capalbio's La Dogana Beach Club is perhaps Tuscany's answer to the Club 55, situated on the wild and unspoilt Maremma coast, surrounded by rolling sand dunes and Mediterranean flora. La Dogana is the perfect place to unwind, soak in the relaxed easygoing atmosphere of the beach club and savour a moment under the Tuscan sun, perhaps with a spritz or two. The Beach club as well as a rustic chic bar and restaurant also offers guests, a private covered car park and plenty of comfortable sun loungers and umbrelloni to seek refuge under. Not a bad place for people watching either.
And last but certainly not least, contrary to what the name would suggest, is L'Ultima Spiaggia. Also found in Capalbio this 8 km long beach near the Burano Lake always draws in the crowds, in a good way! With a wonderful beach club and restaurant, this relaxed spot is a favourite amongst everyone, with its tranquilo atmosphere, crystalline waters and ideal location. Wherever you may be staying on the Argentario, it is well worth a visit.
