The southern Tuscan coast is one of the few places in Italy where a tournament golf course, a harbour full of yachts and serious wine estates sit within an hour of each other. Monte Argentario gives you two classic marinas and the islands of Giglio and Giannutri on the horizon. The Maremma behind it produces Morellino di Scansano and the newer Maremma Toscana wines, and Bolgheri, home of the Super Tuscans, is a drive up the coast. Add three 18-hole courses that welcome visitors and you have a long weekend that works for golfers, wine lovers and anyone who wants a day on the water.
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Quick answer: yacht, wine and golf on the Tuscan coast
- Best base: Porto Ercole on Monte Argentario, five to ten minutes from the golf course and the marina of Cala Galera.
- Best course: Argentario Golf Club, 18 holes, par 71, host of the Italian Open in June 2025.
- Best wine area: the Maremma for easy half days (Le Pupille, Le Mortelle, Rocca di Frassinello), Bolgheri for a dedicated full day.
- Best sea day: a skippered boat from Porto Santo Stefano or Porto Ercole to Giannutri or Giglio.
- Best months: May, June and September; April and October for golf with fewer crowds.
This guide is part of our new Yacht, Wine and Golf in Italy series, which pairs all three in one region. For more courses across the region, see our guide to golf in Tuscany.
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Porto Ercole is the most practical base for golf, boats and Maremma wine. Rooms for June and September go early, so compare dates now.
Why the Tuscan coast works for all three
From Porto Ercole the Argentario course is a short drive, Porto Santo Stefano’s harbour is around 15 to 20 minutes round the lagoon, and the Morellino hills and the Saturnia course are roughly an hour inland. Further north, the Gavorrano and Follonica area puts a second course, a Renzo Piano winery and the marinas of Punta Ala and Scarlino within half an hour of each other, with Bolgheri under an hour beyond.
The golf: three courses that welcome visitors
Argentario Golf Club, Porto Ercole
The headline course on this coast, set in a valley behind Porto Ercole that runs towards the Orbetello Lagoon and the Feniglia pine forest. It is 18 holes, par 71, about 6,295 metres from the men’s back tees, designed by Baldovino Dassù and David Mezzacane and later reshaped by Brian Jorgensen. It is the PGA National Golf Course Italy and hosted the Italian Open on the DP World Tour in June 2025.
- Handicap: a valid handicap certificate from your home club is required, maximum 36.
- Buggy: electric carts and electric trolleys are available to hire.
- Season: open every day of the year, with no published closing day.
- Green fees: our research turned up mixed information here. The club’s own fee page still showed 2024 rates when we checked, while a current golf directory lists 2026 visitor fees from 120 euros (winter) to 170 euros (June to September) for 18 holes. It was not clear to us which applies, so confirm with the club before you book.
Terme di Saturnia Golf Club, Saturnia
About an hour inland from Porto Ercole, this 18-hole, par 72 course by Ronald Fream runs through the valley below the hill village of Saturnia, next to the famous thermal spring. Published lengths differ slightly, but the men’s back tees are around 6,300 metres.
- Handicap: a valid handicap certificate or card is required; directory listings give a limit of 54.
- Buggy: electric carts and trolleys for hire.
- Season: year round, visitors welcome every day. Green fees for 2026 were not clearly dated in the listings we found, so check with the club.
Golf Club Toscana at Il Pelagone, Gavorrano
The northern Maremma option, in the hills about 13 km inland from Follonica. The 18-hole, par 71 course by Keith Preston opened in 1999 on former mining land, with olive trees, small lakes and views towards the sea and, on clear days, Elba. Directory listings give around 5,550 metres from the men’s tees; check with the club for the current scorecard.
- Handicap: a valid handicap certificate is required; listings give a limit of 54.
- Buggy: electric carts and trolleys available.
- Season: open all year, every day. Only 2024 green fees were published when we checked, so ask the club for 2026 rates.
Optional extra, Castelfalfi: Toscana Resort Castelfalfi has 27 holes, but lies well inland, and listings report the golf closed for redevelopment until 2027. Check with the resort.
The wine: four estates that take visitors
The Maremma is red wine country built on Sangiovese, which is called Morellino around Scansano, with Vermentino and Ansonica for whites. Bolgheri, further north in the province of Livorno, is known for Bordeaux-style blends. Our overview of Tuscany’s wine country explains the denominations.
Fattoria Le Pupille, near Grosseto (Morellino di Scansano)
The classic visit is a guided tour of the estate and cellars with a sommelier, followed by a tasting of five wines (Poggio Argentato, Rosamati, Pelofino, Morellino di Scansano and the Morellino Riserva), served with bread and the estate’s olive oil. It lasts about 90 minutes and runs Monday to Saturday at set times; book at least a day ahead. Current prices vary by option (with or without a Tuscan snack or cheese pairing), so check with the estate. From Porto Ercole, allow around 50 minutes.
Le Mortelle, Castiglione della Pescaia (Antinori)
The Antinori family’s Maremma estate, with a winery built into the hillside and underground cellars. In season, tours, tastings, lunch and a shop are offered daily from 10:30 to 18:00, with no lunch on Tuesdays; hours are shorter out of season, so check with the estate. From Thursday to Saturday there is a sunset aperitif and a dinner under the mulberry trees. Reservations are required for tours, lunch, aperitif and dinner; prices are not published, so ask the estate. Allow about an hour from Porto Ercole, or around 30 minutes from Il Pelagone.
Rocca di Frassinello, Gavorrano
A winery with a cellar designed by Renzo Piano and a small Etruscan exhibition, about 15 minutes from Il Pelagone. The estate’s site lists a group Classic Tour of about 75 minutes with a cellar visit and four Maremma Toscana DOC wines for 30 euros, and a private Superior Tour of about 90 minutes with five wines, including Baffonero, and cold cuts and cheese for 60 euros. The page does not date these prices, so confirm them when you book. Reservation is required.
Tenuta Guado al Tasso, Bolgheri (Antinori)
The big name for a dedicated Bolgheri day. Antinori offers a vineyard tour with a tasting at the estate’s Wine Shop, and a more detailed winery tour covering winemaking, architecture and viticulture with three estate wines. All tours are personalised and must be booked; prices are not published. The Osteria del Tasso on the estate makes it easy to add lunch. Allow around an hour from Il Pelagone and roughly two hours from Porto Ercole.
The water: a day on a yacht or private boat
Monte Argentario is the natural departure point. Porto Santo Stefano, on the north side of the promontory, has the larger harbour, while the Cala Galera marina sits just outside Porto Ercole on the south side. Further north, Marina di Punta Ala and Marina di Scarlino are the bases for crossing to Elba. See our guides to the best yacht spots on the Tuscan coast and Porto Santo Stefano.
Typical routes and swim stops
- Around Monte Argentario: a half day along the cliffs and coves of the promontory, with swim stops in sheltered bays.
- Giannutri: the small crescent island south of the Argentario, inside the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Boats must respect protected zones, keep their distance from the rocks and use park buoys where provided. Local reports have described the rules as unclear, so let your skipper check the current park rules.
- Giglio: larger and livelier, with Giglio Porto and beaches such as Campese. Ferries from Porto Santo Stefano take about an hour, so a private boat suits a full day.
- Elba from Punta Ala or Scarlino: a longer full day across the Piombino channel to the island’s east and south coasts or to Portoferraio.
Half day, full day and what is included
Half days of around four hours suit the Argentario coves; Giannutri, Giglio and Elba need a full day. A skippered charter usually includes the skipper, fuel for a set route or number of hours, towels and soft drinks, and sometimes snorkelling gear and a tender. Lunch, island mooring fees and extra fuel are often charged separately. The main boat season is roughly May to early October, with July and August the busiest.
A sample four day itinerary
- Day 1, arrive on the Argentario: drive from Rome Fiumicino, about 1 hour 30 to 1 hour 50 minutes. Late nine holes at Argentario, dinner in Porto Ercole.
- Day 2, boat day: Porto Santo Stefano or Cala Galera to Giannutri or Giglio, back for sunset.
- Day 3, golf and Morellino: morning 18 holes at Argentario, then around 50 minutes inland for a 16:00 tasting at Le Pupille. Or play Saturnia instead.
- Day 4, north to Gavorrano: about 1 hour 10 minutes up the Aurelia. Late morning tour at Le Mortelle or Rocca di Frassinello, afternoon round at Il Pelagone. Extend with a Bolgheri day or an Elba crossing from Punta Ala.
The courses compared
| Course | Area | Holes | Best for | Drive from Porto Ercole |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentario Golf Club | Monte Argentario | 18, par 71 | Tournament golf next to the marinas | About 10 minutes |
| Terme di Saturnia Golf Club | Southern Maremma | 18, par 72 | Golf plus thermal spa | About 1 hour |
| Golf Club Toscana, Il Pelagone | Northern Maremma | 18, par 71 | Golf weeks, Elba and Bolgheri access | About 1 hour 10 minutes |
Best months, weather and practical tips
May, June and September give warm sea, playable afternoons and open estates. July and August are hot for golf after late morning and the harbours are at their busiest. April and October are ideal for golf and wine, but a boat day depends on the weather.
- Handicap card: carry a physical or digital handicap certificate from your home club. Argentario applies a limit of 36.
- Dress code: expect standard golf attire, collared shirts and no denim. Rules are not published in detail, so check with each club.
- Transfers with clubs: hire a car large enough for bags; taxis are scarce on the Argentario. Our golf hotels in Tuscany guide covers hotel transfers and packages.
- Wind: the mistral (maestrale) from the north west and the libeccio from the south west can make crossings to Giglio, Giannutri and Elba rough. Keep a flexible day in the plan.
Charlotte’s tip: book the boat day last and keep it flexible
Fix tee times and winery visits first, then ask your skipper to hold two possible dates. If the mistral blows, swap the boat day for golf rather than losing it. Agree a written list of what the charter includes, and confirm any island mooring fees in advance.
Where to stay
Hotel Il Pellicano, Porto Ercole
The classic seaside hotel of the Argentario, on the cliffs about 3 km from Porto Ercole, with around 50 rooms and cottages, a seawater pool, a private rocky beach and a small pier. Ristorante Il Pellicano holds one Michelin star in the 2026 guide. No golf on site, but Argentario Golf Club and Cala Galera are close. It is seasonal: the 2026 season runs from 2 April to 26 October. See our Il Pellicano review.
Best for: couples who want the sea first, with golf and a boat day on the side.
Check rates at Hotel Il Pellicano
Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort, Porto Ercole
The golf base, on the course itself in a valley behind Porto Ercole, with a large spa, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, padel and the Dama Dama restaurant. Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, it has no published winter closure. Porto Ercole’s harbour is a short drive. Read our Argentario Golf Resort review.
Best for: golfers who want to walk to the first tee and still reach the marinas in minutes.
Check rates at Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort
Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa & Golf Resort, Saturnia
A large spa resort beside the thermal spring, with the Saturnia course on the estate and unlimited access to the thermal pools. Porto Ercole is about an hour away for a boat day. It operates through the winter; confirm dates with the hotel.
Best for: golfers travelling with a spa lover, and winter golf breaks.
Check rates at Terme di Saturnia
Il Pelagone Hotel & Golf Resort Toscana, Gavorrano
An apartment resort on its own course near Follonica, with one to three bedroom units, a pool and a summer beach service. It is less polished than the Argentario hotels but close to Rocca di Frassinello (about 15 minutes), Le Mortelle, Bolgheri and the Elba marinas at Scarlino and Punta Ala. Some facilities may close in December, so ask the hotel.
Best for: golf groups and a northern base for Bolgheri and Elba.
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Planning golf, wine and a boat day from the Argentario? Compare hotels in Porto Ercole, from golf resorts to seaside classics.
For more days on the water, see our hub Yacht Charter in Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a handicap certificate to play on the Tuscan coast?
Yes. Argentario, Saturnia and Il Pelagone all ask visitors for a valid certificate from their home club. Argentario applies a maximum of 36; listings give 54 at the other two.
Can I visit Bolgheri as a day trip from the Argentario?
Yes, at roughly two hours each way. A night near Gavorrano cuts the drive to about an hour.
Which island is best for a boat day from Porto Ercole?
Giannutri is closest and quieter, with strict national park rules. Giglio is larger, with villages and beaches. Your skipper will choose by the wind.
When is the best time for all three?
Late May, June and September.
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