A Hidden Gem: Argentario

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Advisor - Carissa Garabedian
Curated By

Carissa Garabedian

  • Beaches

  • Family Travel

  • Italy

  • Hidden Gems

A Hidden Gem: Argentario
Curator’s statement

We recently spent an unforgettable vacation at Villa Domizia in Argentario—specifically, Porto Santo Stefano—and it exceeded all our expectations! The location is stunning, with breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and picturesque sunsets. The charming fishing village of Porto Santo Stefano is so quaint and beautiful, with friendly locals, dining options built into the mountains, and sailboats from around the world docked in the harbor. One of the highlights of our stay was strolling through the streets and hearing Italian men singing on their balconies, adding to the village’s enchanting atmosphere. Porto Santo Stefano was the highlight of our Italy trip and we cannot wait to go back!

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Where to stay

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The outdoor infinity pool area at Villa Domizia is perfect for relaxation, overlooking the sea and offering an idyllic setting for family gatherings. Private chairs and umbrellas were available for all guests. Our rooms were spacious and well-appointed, with large terraces offering stunning views. The oceanfront room with bunk beds and two queens was a hit with the kids, and the lounge chairs and umbrella on the patio were the perfect spot to soak up the sun.

Views from the oceanfront room

We had the pleasure of dining at some wonderful restaurants in the area. One of our favorite experiences was having dinner at Il Turcese, where we sat by the water and enjoyed delicious seafood and homemade pasta. Another memorable meal was at Da Gigetto, where we savored homemade pizza while sitting by the water. The food was absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere was perfect for a family vacation.

The sunset from Villa Domizia

The breakfast included at Villa Domizia was better than any of the other hotels we stayed in on this trip. The spread was incredible, with beautifully crafted cappuccinos, homemade waffles, omelets, Italian meats, croissants with Nutella, fresh fruit salad, salads, fresh yogurt, and granola. We enjoyed sitting outside overlooking the water while we ate, taking in the stunning views.

Views from the village of Porto Santo Stefano

The highlight of our trip was a chartered boat day on the sea, where we explored caves, snorkeled in crystal-clear waters, and enjoyed homemade pizza and focaccia with negronis and Aperol spritzes. The crew became like family, making the experience truly unforgettable. We did a half-day excursion, but it could have easily been an all-day adventure. We would have loved to spend more time on the boat, but we still had a wonderful time exploring the rest of the day.

After a day on the boat

We traveled with our son who has autism, and throughout every region we visited, we were made to feel comfortable and enjoyed it all. The staff at Villa Domizia were incredibly friendly and accessible, providing excellent service throughout our stay. Transportation to and from town was convenient, and the shuttle service made it easy for us to explore Porto Stefano’s charming harbor, boutique shops, and delicious dining options. We learned that taxis can be scarce in the area, so it’s best to schedule them in advance.

At the harbor with sailboats all over

We only spent two nights in Porto Santo Stefano, but if we had to do it again, we would double that. The villa’s tranquil atmosphere, beautiful views, and excellent service make it an ideal destination for families and couples alike. We highly recommend Villa Domizia to anyone looking for a relaxing and memorable vacation. We can’t wait to return and stay longer!

Views from our room

Need to know

Porto Santo Stefano is two hours from Rome's airport.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Italy page.

Advisor - Carissa Garabedian

Travel Advisor

Carissa Garabedian

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