What to see in Orbetello in 2 days: lagoon, walls and tomboli

Day 1 — the historic centre and the lagoon

The day focuses on the historic centre, enclosed within walls of Etruscan origin reinforced during the Spanish period, with the Porta Medina Coeli. From here you can walk along the walled perimeter overlooking the Orbetello Lagoon, a wetland of international importance covering more than 26 square kilometres, split into two basins by an artificial embankment. It's worth spending part of the day at the WWF nature reserve, where numerous species of waterbirds nest.

Day 2 — the causeway towards the Argentario

The second day follows the causeway built in 1842 on the orders of Grand Duke Leopold II, once also crossed by a railway line in use until 1944, which links Orbetello to Monte Argentario. Alternatively, head to the Tombolo della Feniglia, the long strip of pine forest and beach that closes off the lagoon to the south, ideal for a walk or a swim away from the crowds.