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Coastal Route from Chianti to Rome Airport

We will be in Italy for almost 2 weeks in early September. This is our fourth trip to Italy. We will drive from Rome up the A2, stop in Orvieto and perhaps Chuisi on our way to Montepulciano for 4 nights. We will do Pienza, Montalcino, etc while there. Then we will move to Castellina in Chianti for 5 nights exploring the Crete Senese on our way. I am considering a different route back to the Rome airport from Castellina. Thinking about going back through Grosseto and then taking 1 down the coast back to FCO. We have all day to get back because we are dropping our car and staying at the airport Hilton.

Anyone done this route? We are looking for a couple of good stops along the way. One for a good seafood lunch after all the heavy meats of central Tuscany. Wondered if a detour to Isola del Giglio would be worth the detour or if there is another coastal town that would be better? All suggestions are welcome!

Posted by
15269 posts

Yes, I've traveled through that area.

There are several places that would be worth a stop between Grosseto and Rome.

My top choice for a coastal location would probably be the Mt. Argentario Peninsula, in particular either Porto Santo Stefano or Porto Ercole. Actually you might even have the time to do the entire loop of the peninsula on the so called Via Panoramica. I've done it once and it's very scenic. Along the way you could stop at either Porto Santo Stefano or Porto Ercole for lunch. Both are very nice. I prefer Porto Santo Stefano although Porto Ercole gets the most accolades (maybe because of the million dollar yachts in the marina).

The entire loop takes less than 2 hours from Orbetello. However you need to add the pit stops for photo opportunities and the lunch break.

You need to leave from Castellina early because from Castellina to the Argentario it's about a 2 hr drive.

The Isola del Giglio is beautiful, but not sure if it's worth the trouble if you only have a few hours available. Check the ferry schedules first to see if you can work that one out:
http://www.giglioinfo.it/isola-del-giglio/orario-traghetti-toremar-maregiglio.html

Posted by
19 posts

Thanks so much! The Argentario Peninsula sounds like a great place to explore and stop for lunch. Think we will skip Giglio.

We are early risers and will be ready to leave Castellina by 9:00 am at the latest. Can do earlier if necessary. We just need to drop our car at FCO by 4:30 pm.

Will check out your lunch stops.

Thanks agin for the suggestions!