Hotiday Lodge Orbetello

Where to start? Probably with a bit of time in the sun on Giannella Beach (five minutes’ walk). For a change of seaside scenery, there are a couple of lidos and seafood restaurants backing Tramonto Beach (five minutes’ drive). Kids can paddle safely behind the stone barriers on pebbled Blonde Beach (10 minutes), and there’s a scenic inlet at Cala Piccola (20 minutes) with calm waves for novice swimmers. Wildlife lovers, perhaps you’d like to explore Maremma Regional Park (half an hour), where you can hike the Talamone-Cannelle footpath through Mediterranean maquis scrub, take long cycle rides along the waterways and keep an eye out for roe deer, wild boar and birds of prey. For glimpses of pink flamingoes and grey herons stalking the wetlands, head for Oasi WWF Laguna di Orbetello (10 minutes). Learn a little about ancient Tuscan culture with a tour of the gently crumbling relics at the Roman Town of Cosa (20 minutes). Alternatively, visit storied Orbetello (10 minutes) for a look around its Tuscan-Gothic cathedral adorned with several centuries' worth of frescoes, a browse through its craft shops and stalls, and tasty plates of pasta in cosy trattorias.