Argentario Journal

The splendid nature, idyllic atmosphere, and the scent of the sea in the Argentario bring to mind memories of magnificent summers. An atmosphere that has given life to many new loves and made generations dream. The Boutique Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola was the backdrop to one of the world’s most intense love stories. Gorgeous Hollywood stars Liz Taylor and Richard Burton eloped to the Argentario once and chose Cala Piccola as their discreet and dreamy destination, exactly 60 years ago, in 1963. Their love blossomed as they were shooting Cleopatra in Cinecittà, in Rome, and although they were both married at the time, they found it impossible to resist that passion. Immediately pasted on to the front pages of newspapers, their intense and tumultuous relationship was marked by romantic elopements, cheating, memorable fights and spectacular gifts from Burton to Taylor in the hopes he’d be forgiven – gifts such as a 70-carat diamond. Nina Benini, director of Cala Piccola back at the time, told current president Massimo Sandrelli described their arrival at the hotel as sudden and unexpected, like a lightning bolt. All they asked for was maximum discretion and tranquillity. Nina Benini complied by barricading the hotel against journalists and photographers. Only one of the “dolce vita” photographers, Marcello Geppetti, managed to snatch a handful of shots of the couple at the Calla Piccola little beach and in the streets of Porto Santo Stefano. Their mad love ended in a divorce in 1976. In 1978, Liz auctioned off her 70-carat diamond. But their last love letter was written by Burton to Liz, in 1984, prior to his death in Switzerland. The memory of their overwhelming passion has resisted for sixty years and the Boutique Hotel Cala Piccola has remained an oasis of peace and discretion where guests can live moments of awe as they admire Argentario sunsets and watch new, intense loves blossom.

Relax and play golf in one of the most beautiful places of the coast of Tuscany: at the Argentario you can play your favourite sport and stay at the Boutique Hotel Torre in Cala Piccola. The Argentario and the Tuscan Maremma are the perfect backdrop for a round of golf immersed in the surprising nature of the Mediterranean scrub, with a view of the azure sea. The XVI edition of the Cala Piccola Trophy for this sport, much beloved by our guests, will be held on 7 May 2023. Participants and their companions can stay at the Boutique Hotel di Cala Piccola. To discover the deals and packages dedicated to the golf tournament, contact our Front Desk. For golf lovers spending their holidays at the Argentario, we offer a series of golf courses affiliated with the Boutique Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola: Argentario Golf Club A few minutes from the natural reserve of Feniglia, the Argentario Golf Club offers 18 holes in 6,218 metres. Golf Club Punta Ala The Punta Ala Golf Club has 18 holes in 6,168 metres by the sea. Il Pelagone The 18 holes of Il Pelagone are spread in a park with a wonderful view of Elba. Golf Saturnia In harmony with nature, near the famous baths of the same name, Saturnia boasts 18 holes along 6,136 metres. For further information on golf courses, their affiliation plans and the advantages of the Boutique Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola, please contact us.

The Boutique Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola never ceases to amaze its guests. During the 2022 summer season, our Boutique Hotel was the protagonist of cultural events linked to the magnificent Tuscany and Argentario. These special events allowed guests, and not only, to travel through the great history of the area and be entertained by Italian theatre. After the inauguration of the Permanent exhibition on the fortifications of the State of the Presidi in Tuscany, “The celebration of the Towers”, a historical re-enactment of the signalling system of the Towers of Argentario took place on 24 June. The coast is dotted with watchtowers and signal towers that guaranteed safety and protection during the period of constant raids and incursions by Barbary and Turkish pirates: the “Orbetello Royal Presidi Historical” group participated in the celebration. Following on, in July and August, our splendid location was the setting for two theatrical performances by the “Compagnia delle Seggiole” theatre company of Florence. On 30 July 2022, guests at the Boutique Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola attended Machiavelli's “The Mandrake”, a sixteenth-century theatrical masterpiece, right at the foot of the Tower. Here is the video: On 27 August, the theatre company of Florence returned to the stage at the Torre di Cala Piccola with “Spogliati!” (meaning “Strip!”) a truly entertaining show about love. Guests at the Boutique Hotel and those invited to the shows discovered a different side to Torre di Cala Piccola, that of an evocative stage of culture and entertainment, overlooking the Argentario sea. We are ready to welcome you again, from 6 April 2023, with new emotions: take a look at our offers.

As of this year, guests of the Ristorante Torre d’Argento shall have the opportunity to render truly unique their wedding proposal, anniversary, birthday or intimate dinner. Inside a 17th-century tower, a dinner for up to 4 people is served upon request and reservation, with a personal butler and customised menu. The dinner consists in delicacies prepared by Chef Francesco Carrieri in an exceptional location within the Torre. An offering that increasingly enriches the experiences to be had at the Boutique Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola in the Argentario area, a place where luxury has long been a state of mind. Discover the Intimate Tower Dinner offer and contact us for more information.

A must-see for all who are interested in the history of the Monte Argentario area. The Boutique Hotel Torre in Cala Piccola houses the permanent exhibition on the fortifications of the State of the Presidi in Tuscany within the Calapiccola Tower, built in 1589. Visiting the exhibition, which opens on Saturday May 14th, means immersing yourself in history and discovering the purpose of the towers and fortresses that dot the landscape among the winding lanes on Monte Argentario. The history After the fall of the Republic of Siena (1555), the Spaniards surrendered their land to the Duke of Florence, Cosimo I de’ Medici, but kept control of a small stretch of the Maremma coastline centred upon Orbetello, Talamone and Monte Argentario, with Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano. It was the birth of the State of the Presidi in Tuscany (1557), which survived for around 250 years under various rulers, Spanish, Austrian, Neapolitan and French, until the Congress of Vienna (1815) when the tiny state was effectively absorbed into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The towers were built in response to a need for security owing to frequent raids by Turkish and Barbary pirates. Their main target were unescorted merchant ships. Individual acts of piracy developed into a full corsair war when the Barbary flotillas were later joined by the ships of the Turkish fleet, thereby becoming a threat for the whole of western Christianity. The pirates were led by captains who were both skilled sailors and masters of the art of war at sea, and who would quickly become infamous and much feared throughout the Christian world, in particular Hayreddin, who is better known as Barbarossa. The Turkish-Barbary threat to the Argentario area continued until the beginning of the 19th century. Visits The visit of the exhibition, laid out over the two floors of the tower, is introduced by a film telling the story of the towers and the area as a whole. Visitors can admire arms, portraits and maps which are faithful reproductions of the originals. The exhibition can be visited upon request from 10:30 to 12:00 and from 18:00 to 19:00. To make a reservation, or for more information, please call +39 0564 825111

Find peace, welcomed by the sea breeze and the all-embracing nature of the Argentario: the Boutique Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola awaits you as of next spring. An escape to the sea that, for 2022, has sustainability, health and beauty amongst its watchwords. For us, sustainability is important – one step at a time, in recent years, we have been transforming the Boutique Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola into an oasis that fully respects the surrounding environment. A Sensory Park full of trees and plants, with solar panels to power the structure, electric Golf Buggies for transporting luggage and guests to the cove and electric vehicle charging stations. These green features and other innovations await you as of April 2022: Sensory Park Aleppo pines and domestic pines inebriate the soul thanks to the monoterpenes, the waves of the sea, the vistas filled with green. Explore the Sensory Forest, a place to reconnect with mother nature. At the Boutique Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola, there is an area entirely dedicated to trees and plants. A place to stroll and find serenity dedicated to Raffaella Carrà and created by Agronomist Marco Mencagli. Yoga A practice that is good for the body but above all for the spirit – yoga at Argentario is even more relaxing! Discover the yoga packages and our courses within the Sensory Park. Ask for more information at Reception. Golf Buggies Electric Golf Buggies are available to take you to the rooms farthest from Reception, to transport your luggage or to reach the seaside. Bistrot la Torre A new flavour at the Boutique Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola. The latest development is the Bistrot la Torre, ready to delight your palate from lunch to cocktail hour. By the pool or in the garden, you will find the authentic flavours from our kitchen. Open from 12:30 to 5:30 pm. Health and Safety Your health and safety are our top priority. We constantly strive to maintain the highest standards of attention, care and hygiene so that you can stay with us in complete tranquillity. The hygiene and safety measures at the Boutique Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola comply with WHO directives and with national and regional legislation issued by the national and regional health authorities.

Always a place to escape the frenzy of everyday life, Argentario is known for its beautiful springs and summers, its secluded location that lends privacy and tranquility, and its microclimate where warm yet breezy days allow tourists to relax while breathing the clean and healthy sea air. We are pleased to be reopening the doors of the Torre di Cala Piccola Boutique Hotel on May 14th: here you can finally find peace, greeted by the sea breeze and cocooning nature. Here there is no crowd, no noise, no stress: the rooms are all arranged on terraces that follow the natural flow of the territory, accessible by narrow streets lined with plants. Keywords: health and beauty. We are ready to welcome you back with lots of news for 2021:   Rooms and Suites We have always been an oasis of well-being: from this year in our Boutique Hotel we sanitise floors and hard surfaces with Anti Covid protocol detergents according to Italian health authority guidelines. All staff on the floors use protective equipment in accordance with the law. We pay particular attention to cleaning buttons, door and window handles, cabinets and showers and remote controls - which we will supply in sanitised containers. Check-in Upon arrival, we will welcome you wearing personal protective equipment and provide you with all the information you need to make your stay enjoyable and safe. You will find stations with hand disinfection products and points where you can download all the information and schedules of services, menus and much more in digital format on your smartphone. We also have a temperature sensor. Beaches We have expanded our beach offer. To ensure that you enjoy the magnificent coves and beaches of the Argentario in total safety and respect for social distancing, at the Torre di Cala Piccola Boutique Hotel we offer you access to several affiliated bathing establishments. From coves with rocky seabeds, to the fine sand of Giannella, we will book for you, and you can choose a different establishment easily accessible by car every day. If you prefer to discover the free beaches you can ask for a tasty lunch box, choosing between different menus including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Restaurant The Torre d'Argento Restaurant is ready to welcome you back with the culinary emotions of always. Safety distances will be guaranteed by the three rooms, which are constantly sanitised and independent from each other. We will avoid paper menus by providing you with a QR code to read all our proposals digitally. We have also redesigned our garden to allow you to admire the spectacular sunset. For room service we will use disposable materials avoiding contact as much as possible. Health Our property makes use of the collaboration of a medical staff available to support those who need it. Our contacted person is Dr Renato Tulino, Dr Romilda Casuscelli, Dr Antonietta Lucignai, Dr Pasquale Gnoni. Activities may be carried out by teleconsultation or medical examination. It will also be possible to have specialist care: Dentist, Dr Tambelli (office in Porto S.Stefano and Grosseto) and Veterinarian, Dr Stefani (vet clinic Costa D'Argento) our staff will take care (h24) by calling the doctor or specialist that you need. Flexible policies At the Torre di Cala Piccola Boutique Hotel you can cancel your reservation up to 7 days in advance: you won't be charged any penalty. Book on our official website to discover the advantages of direct booking. Holidays are desired, anticipated, planned with joy: don't let fear take away the pleasure of living them. Our staff and Tuscany are waiting for you.

Driving along Argentario’s hairpin bends, strolling through its nature or admiring the mainland from the sea of the Tuscan Archipelago, the skyline is pierced with the remnants of towers and fortresses. These pieces of history tell the tales of the promontory, a beautiful area surrounded by the Mediterranean Maquis that, since the Sienese occupation of 1410, took on a fundamental role in control of the sea. It was the subsequent arrival of the Spanish that saw Argentario become a military landmark. Historian Gualtiero Della Monaca reveals the story of the State of the Presidi created by Philip II of Spain in the episode of “Linea Blu” that aired on the Rai 1 television station on 14th November 2020. The defensive system dating back to 1559 included the garrison of the Lagoon of Orbetello, the Porto Ercole maritime stronghold, the Talamone Castle, the Port of Santo Stefano and some twenty coastal towers, including the Torre di Cala Piccola. Our Torre di Cala Piccola was within view of the Torre di Capo d'Uomo ‒ the tallest and most significant, of which only remnants have survived. Originally named Torre della Ficaia, it then became Torre del Bove and subsequently Torre di Cala Piatti. The current name ‒ Torre di Cala Piccola ‒ is linked to the genesis of our Boutique Hotel. Of the many fortresses and towers constructed throughout the centuries, only a few remain intact. Their remnants form the backdrop to incredible views of the sea, walks amongst nature and sunsets after a swim. Those to have been restored and which can be visited on a stroll through the villages, are the Rocca Spagnola and Forte Stella di Porto Ercole, the Spanish Fortress of Porto Santo Stefano. The latter was built in the first decades of the 17th century, representing an example of Spanish military architecture, with breathtaking views to be admired from its terraces. It houses permanent exhibitions and archaeological finds salvaged from the waters of the Tuscan archipelago. Porto Ercole’s Rocca Spagnola is reached by walking through the town centre until coming to the panoramic road. The forecourt offers a superb view of the harbour and the sea. To visit the interior requires authorisation from the Municipality of Monte Argentario. The Forte Stella in Porto Ercole was constructed in 1557 and is ‒ as the name suggests ‒ in the shape of a star. This venue that today hosts exhibitions and events can be reached from the scenic road, heading away from Porto Ercole. Also from this vantage point, the view of the sea is simply magnificent.

Here at the Boutique Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola, we love to welcome guests who talk about their experience in the Argentario. A few weeks ago, Luca Sardella came to visit us for a relaxing cocktail at sunset. In the episode of “Sempre Verde” that aired on the Rete 4 television channel on 24th October, the famous host and agronomist visited the Cala Piccola, reminding the public about the exclusivity of our Boutique Hotel that is much loved by celebrities and those who love the good life. On his journey on a discovery of the Argentario area, Sardella visited the Duna Feniglia Nature Reserve, a 6-7-kilometre dune with an area of 474 hectares connecting the promontory to Orbetello. It is a magnificent place for a stroll through nature, to explore the lush flora and beautiful fauna. Indeed, Sardella closely admired certain plants such as Lentisco, an arboreal species typical of the Mediterranean Scrub, used in the Roman Etruscan era to make oil to burn for illumination. Then there is the Stracciabraghe, another name for the local Salsapariglia plant, a vine with abundant spines and heart-shaped leaves. Not to be missed at lunch was savouring one of the typical dishes of the Argentario area, the Caldaro di Pesce – originally a poor soup made by fishermen, it was prepared when out on the waters to cast nets. How is it prepared? First, fresh fish is essential – a mixture of tub gurnard, red scorpionfish, weever, fresh cuttlefish, baby octopus, slipper lobster and certain mussels. After preparing a base of garlic and fresh tomatoes, baby octopus and white wine is added. In accordance with their cooking time, the other seafood varieties are added. The soup is ready in about twenty minutes. Towards evening, simply head back to Cala Piccola for a nice pre-dinner drink whilst enjoying the majestic sunset, overlooking the Giglio and Giannutri islands. This is the dreamy atmosphere, with a view extending as far as the eye can see, that only our Boutique Hotel surrounded by Mediterranean Scrub can offer. Not only Sardella but every guest feels like a VIP here. Our staff will pamper you to ensure you savour an unforgettable holiday, because relaxation is the true luxury.

Land and sea: a symbiotic relationship that in Argentario, offers beautiful views and authentic flavours. Here, cultivating vineyards has retained its strong identity over the years. Growing on the terraces overlooking the sea is the white grape Ansonica, the fruit to have found home in the microclimate of Monte Argentario and the Tuscan Maremma. The Ansonica Costa dell’Argentario DOC wine that originates from the native vine of the same name, grows in Argentario and on the Isola del Giglio. With a slightly fruity bouquet, this straw-coloured wine has a dry yet soft taste to pair exceptionally well with the seafood delights of the Torre d’Argento Restaurant. The grapes of this variety are extensively worked in the vineyard to reduce the number of bunches per plant and the size of the single bunch. Harvesting occurs in early October when the sugars and aromatic precursors reach their highest concentrations. In the first stages of processing, the must is refrigerated to as low as 10° C to preserve the precious characteristics of the end product. The fermentation at controlled temperature follows a long ageing on noble lees, with daily bâtonnage. Another wine produced in the Monte Argentario cellars is the Maremma Toscana IGT from the Province of Grosseto. The Maremma Toscana IGT denomination represents one of the most important wine-growing areas of the region. It is a fascinating area, able to express excellent wines with a sunny characteristic and Mediterranean profile thanks to the beautiful hilly exposures along with the hot and dry climate, mitigated by proximity to the sea. The cellars of Argentario In Argentario, the farms and wineries produce Ansonica, Parrina DOC and Maremma Toscana IGT. In Porto Santo Stefano, there is the Calagrande Winery, owned by the Osio Brothers that has been producing red and white wines since 1932, with both the Ansonica and Maremma Toscana IGT. Do you want to taste the best Tuscan wines? Trust in our sommeliers. The Ristorante Torre d'Argento wine list offers a broad selection of local labels.