Set on a narrow strip of land in the heart of its lagoon, Orbetello is a unique town in southern Tuscany, where history, nature, and the sea have coexisted for over two thousand years. Inhabited as early as the 4th century BC by the Etruscans, as evidenced by the impressive cyclopean walls still visible today, Orbetello has passed through Roman, medieval, Sienese, and Spanish rule. In the 16th century it became the capital of the State of the Presidi, leaving behind monumental gates, fortifications, and buildings such as the Polveriera Guzman, which still define the town’s distinctive Mediterranean character.

The Orbetello Lagoon is not only a beautiful natural setting but has long been a vital resource for the local population. Rich in fish and birdlife, it supported fishing activities throughout the year and shaped the town’s economy and daily life for centuries. Despite historical difficulties with fresh water supply—solved only in modern times—Orbetello has always thrived thanks to the close relationship between people and their environment.

In the 20th century, Orbetello gained international fame as the departure point for Italo Balbo’s transatlantic flights. Today it is a lively tourist destination, appreciated for its relaxed atmosphere, seaside cuisine, shops, and proximity to Monte Argentario. Walking along the lagoon or through the historic center means discovering a town that has preserved a strong, welcoming identity—one of the true gems of the Maremma region.