Best lakes around Monte Argentario are primarily coastal lagoons and their surrounding natural areas, as this picturesque promontory in Tuscany, Italy, is not characterized by traditional inland lakes. The region features two significant coastal lagoons, Laguna di Ponente and Laguna di Levante, also known as Orbetello Lagoon. Orbetello Lagoon is a vital ecosystem renowned for its rich biodiversity, serving as an important habitat for wild animals and diverse birdlife, including flamingos. These aquatic features, along with numerous beautiful beaches and…
Last updated: May 2, 2026
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Beautiful panoramic view overlooking the Feniglia Tombolo, the Lagoon and Orbetello
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idyllic up here, beautiful view of the lagoon
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Who doesn't have a photo with this mill?😁
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This surprising sight, which immediately makes you think of a city sunken in the sea (who has never heard of 'Atlantis'), is what visitors see at the end of the headland that separates the northern 'Laguna di Ponente' from the southern 'Laguna di Levante'. Even early in human history, people were clever enough to harness the power of the elements - which could be a threat on the one hand, but also helpful on the other. A total of nine tidal mills once diligently did their work here.
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Place of peace and worship Breathtaking panoramic view Immersed in nature, the monastery of the Passionist friars offers a magical place where time stops to think about the past, present and future.
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Indisputable obligatory stop on the way up
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Nine mills were built in the 15th century, all in a single line in the lagoon. They were built by the Sienese to grind grain (which was brought to the mill on the local boats) to produce flour. At the time, they were powered by the force of the water (which flowed in and out of the lagoon every six hours from the Giannella tombolo, causing a vast hydraulic phenomenon), which turned the millstones. A century and a half later, in 1557 to be precise, Orbetello became the capital of the Stato dei Presìdi, created by order of King Philip I of Spain. It was under Spanish rule that sails were added to the mill, so as to harness the power of the many winds (four mistral and five sirocco) that blew across the lagoon. The nine mills, arranged in a row by the inhabitants of Orbetello, managed to produce enormous amounts of water by exploiting both the currents and the winds, thus creating a phenomenon of hydraulic and wind engineering of great historical significance. Today, only one of the nine mills mentioned above remains, recently restored.
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The road to follow in the pine forest is beautiful with two types of routes, one running along the lagoon and being able to admire the landscape as well as the wonderful pink flamingos, the other running along the part towards the sea where different outlets take you to admire the beautiful beach
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Monte Argentario is unique because it features stunning coastal lagoons rather than traditional inland lakes. The two main ones are the Laguna di Ponente and the Laguna di Levante, also known as the Orbetello Lagoon. These lagoons are rich in biodiversity and offer diverse experiences, from nature observation to historical sites.
Absolutely. The Orbetello Lagoon is a vital ecosystem renowned for its rich biodiversity, serving as an important migratory route and habitat for wild animals, raptors, and flamingos. The La Feniglia Pine Forest Trail offers birdwatching huts by the lagoon, making it an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts.
For families, the La Feniglia Pine Forest Trail is highly recommended. It's a 10 km flat gravel path, shaded and suitable for everyone, leading to pristine beaches. The Duna Feniglia Pine Forest Trail is also family-friendly, offering opportunities to spot deer, wild boars, and foxes. The nearby Feniglia and Giannella beaches are known for their shallow, safe waters, ideal for children.
Yes, the area offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. The La Feniglia Pine Forest Trail is perfect for both walking and cycling, providing shade on hot days. You can also explore the Duna Feniglia Pine Forest Trail by foot or bicycle. For more routes, check out the Hiking around Monte Argentario and Cycling around Monte Argentario guides.
Yes, a notable historical landmark is the Spanish Windmill of Orbetello. This is the only remaining one of nine fifteenth-century Spanish mills that once dotted the lagoon, standing near Orbetello on the north side of the Leopoldina dam. It offers a glimpse into the region's past.
The best time to visit is generally during the spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and nature observation. Summers can be hot, but the shaded pine forests like Feniglia offer respite, and the beaches are perfect for swimming. Winter offers a quieter experience, especially for birdwatching.
While the lagoons themselves are not for swimming, Monte Argentario is surrounded by stunning beaches and coves. Spiaggia della Feniglia (Feniglia Dune) is a 6-kilometer-long sandy beach with crystal-clear, shallow waters, ideal for families. Other beautiful spots include Giannella, Cala Grande, and Cala del Gesso, known for their pristine waters and scenic beauty. For more information on beaches, you can visit visittuscany.com.
The natural reserves, particularly the Duna Feniglia Pine Forest Trail, are home to diverse wildlife. You might spot deer, wild boars, and foxes. The Orbetello Lagoon is also a crucial habitat for various bird species, including raptors and flamingos, especially during migratory seasons.
Yes, several spots offer magnificent views. The Spanish Windmill of Orbetello provides a picturesque view of the lagoon. Additionally, the Convent of the Passionist Fathers, Monte Argentario, located on the top of the promontory, offers fabulous views of the sea and the islands of Giannutri and Giglio, especially at sunset.
For runners, the flat and shaded paths of the Feniglia reserve are excellent. The La Feniglia Pine Forest Trail is a great option. For more dedicated running routes, you can explore the Running Trails around Monte Argentario guide, which includes routes like the 'Riserva della Feniglia loop from Porto Ercole'.
Visitors particularly appreciate the unique blend of natural beauty, from the ecologically rich lagoons and pine forests to the stunning coastal beaches. The flat, shaded trails like those in Feniglia are loved for their accessibility and opportunities for wildlife spotting and birdwatching. The historical landmarks, like the Spanish Windmill, also add a cultural dimension to the natural landscape.


Still not found your perfect lake around Monte Argentario? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.