Argentario Trail

A race between sea and hills in the Municipality of Monte Argentario

The Argentario Trail is one of the most highly regarded trail running races in southern Tuscany. It takes place in the municipality of Monte Argentario, in the province of Grosseto, with its logistical base in the seaside village of Porto Santo Stefano. Every year, the event attracts hundreds of trail running enthusiasts, drawn by a course that combines the challenge of climbing with the beauty of the coastal landscape.

The Argentario Promontory

The Monte Argentario promontory is an ancient island now connected to the mainland by three thin strips of sand, the famous Giannella and Feniglia tombolos. Its heights, covered in dense Mediterranean scrub, descend steeply toward the sea, offering some of the most evocative panoramas on the Tuscan coast, with views over the archipelago and, on clear days, as far as the Island of Giglio. It is precisely in this setting that the race course unfolds.

The Courses

The event offers two distances designed to satisfy both experienced athletes and those new to trail running:

• Argentario Trail 24 km: the competitive route, with an elevation gain of approximately 994 meters, alternates between single tracks, country paths, long stretches of gravel roads, and short sections of asphalt.
• Short Trail 10 km: the shorter version, perfect for those who want to enjoy the experience over a more manageable yet equally scenic distance.

In both cases, the route winds through the hills and coast of the promontory, with constant undulations and wide-open views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Atmosphere and Organization

The event is organized by A.S.D. Atletica Costa d'Argento, a sports organization deeply rooted in the local area. The start and finish are located at Piazzale dei Rioni, in the center of Porto Santo Stefano, which becomes the race headquarters for the occasion, buzzing with athletes, supporters, and local residents. Refreshment stations with water, electrolytes, and food are set up along the route, while a finisher's medal and final refreshments await runners at the finish line.

A Season-Ending Highlight

Held at the end of the year, the Argentario Trail represents an opportunity for many runners from the Maremma and across Tuscany to close out their season in one of the region's most beautiful natural settings. Running amidst the scent of Mediterranean scrub and the blue of the Tyrrhenian, in the heart of winter with a still-mild climate, is what makes this race so special.