Hotel Il Pellicano clings to a steep, pine-covered slope above the sea just outside Porto Ercole, on the Monte Argentario headland of southern Tuscany. It began in the mid 1960s as a private seaside retreat built by a couple in love, and it has kept that domestic feel ever since. Terracotta roofs, ivy and tall cypresses hide 50 rooms and suites scattered across terraced gardens, so the place reads more like a family villa than a resort.
Days here revolve around the water. A stone jetty runs out from sun decks carved into the rocks, ladders drop straight into clear sea, and a heated saltwater pool faces the islands on the horizon. Guests take a dinghy along the coast, borrow paddle boards or snorkelling gear, and fill the quieter hours with tennis, the gym or yoga on a deck above a small cove.
Food matters just as much. The main restaurant holds a Michelin star and serves dinner on a terrace overlooking the bay, while the grill and the bar keep lunch and aperitivo relaxed. Rooms combine bold Italian prints, cool tiled floors and private terraces, many with sea views. The video above follows a guest through a full stay, from the pool to the dinner table.
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Photos: Hotel Il Pellicano
Porto Ercole, Italy.
Porto Ercole is a small fishing harbour on the eastern side of Monte Argentario, a rocky promontory joined to the Tuscan mainland by two thin sandbars and the lagoon of Orbetello. Above the marina stand Spanish fortresses from the sixteenth century, and the old village climbs the hill behind the waterfront cafes.
From the harbour, boats run to the islands of Giglio and Giannutri, both good for a day of swimming and diving. Inland lies the Maremma, a quiet region of vineyards, hilltop towns, horse riding trails and the thermal springs of Saturnia. Rome Fiumicino Airport is roughly two hours away by car.
What guests say.
From guest reviews, checked October 2026.Guests rave about the setting above all: the cliffside gardens, the clear water off the rocks and the sea views from breakfast and from many suites. Staff earn steady praise for being attentive without stiffness, and the wine list and sommelier come up again and again. Opinions split on the food, though. Several visitors found the Michelin starred restaurant underwhelming for the price, one felt parts of the property could use a refresh, and others note that the rocks are sharp underfoot and that bottled water adds up in summer.
Read on Google“An incredibly beautiful and romantic place hidden among the high cliffs with lots of greenery and silence on the coast of Porto Ercole.”
Read on Google“Absolutely loved relaxing down by the cliffs and the water couldn’t have been more clear.”
Read on Google“We stayed here for our honeymoon in April and it was the height of luxury.”
Through other eyes.
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