For centuries, Porto Ercole has been one of the ultimate summer hubs for elite Italian travellers. Today, it still retains this reputation of being a bite-sized, chic destination to spend a few days – think sun-soaked beaches, generations-old family restaurants and sleek yachts bobbing in the bay. +

It's easy to access – located on Tuscany’s Monte Argentario peninsula, you can drive to this coastal village in under two hours from Rome, or take a one and a half hour train journey into Orbetello. Here, days pass by at a slow, leisurely pace; take picturesque strolls along sandy stretches, feast on Tuscan delights or explore one of the three impressive fortresses towering over the village. In this guide, we highlight some of the very best things to do, places to eat, shop and drink in Porto Ercole.