Pirate Night in Porto Ercole
A night of landings, fireworks, and treasure hunts in the seaside village of Porto Ercole
About Pirate Night
A re-enactment blending history and spectacle
The Pirate Night in Porto Ercole is one of the most anticipated events in the summer calendar of Monte Argentario, in the province of Grosseto, in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma. For one night, the picturesque seaside village of Porto Ercole sheds its quiet atmosphere and turns into an open-air theater: the waterfront, the squares, and the pier become the stage for a grand, playful, and folkloric re-enactment dedicated to the pirates and corsairs who once sailed the Mediterranean.
The event is rooted in a real historical episode: in June 1544, the Turkish corsair Khayr al-Din, known as Barbarossa, attacked and devastated Porto Ercole, taking numerous prisoners. The festival draws its identity from this memory, blending historical fascination with pure popular celebration.
The crews, the landing, and the fireworks
The heart of the evening is the parade of the crews: groups of participants in pirate costumes who cross the village amidst music, scenery, and choreography. The most awaited moment is the landing: the Barbarossa tall ship appears from the sea, and the pirates storm the shore amidst smoke, explosions, the divers' ring of fire, and a spectacular fireworks display that illuminates the gulf.
The Treasure Hunt
The night concludes with the famous Pirate Treasure Hunt, the true participatory soul of the festival: dozens of crews compete on the pier through challenges, riddles, and duels to win the key to the treasure chest. The 2026 edition saw over thirty registered crews, confirming the event's constant growth and its tourist appeal far beyond the borders of the province of Grosseto and Tuscany.
A village that comes to life
During the festival, the streets and local venues of the port fill with themed taverns, markets, tastings, and entertainment for both adults and children, with a treasure hunt also dedicated to the younger ones in the days leading up to the main event. The natural setting of the Argentario Promontory, with its sea and Spanish forts, provides the backdrop for one of the most scenic nights on the entire Maremma coast.
Pirate Night — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Pirate Night in Porto Ercole, which took place on Saturday, May 9, was hailed by the local press as one of the best ever, with thousands of people gathered along the waterfront and over thirty crews registered for the adult Treasure Hunt. The evening followed the usual ritual: gathering of the crews, parade, landing of the Barbarossa tall ship, fireworks display, and the nighttime treasure hunt on the pier.
Programme Pirate Night 2026
Saturday, May 9, 2026
- 6:30 PM — Gathering of the crews in Piazza Amerigo Vespucci
- 7:00 PM — Parade along Viale Caravaggio and Lungomare Andrea Doria
- 8:15 PM — Rowing race to capture the flag on the water
- 8:45 PM — Show with the Barbarossa tall ship and pirate landing
- 9:00 PM — Emergence of the scuba divers with the "ring of fire"
- 9:15 PM — Fireworks display
- 9:45 PM — Treasure Hunt on the pier
In the days leading up to the main event, a Treasure Hunt for children took place, and in the following days, the corsair regatta organized with the Circolo della Vela Argentario was held.
Highlights Pirate Night 2026
Prices Pirate Night 2026
Practical information — Pirate Night
How to get there
Porto Ercole can be reached by car via the SS1 Aurelia, taking the Porto Santo Stefano/Monte Argentario exit, then following signs for Porto Ercole. The nearest train station is Orbetello-Monte Argentario, which is connected to the promontory by bus.
Parking and shuttles
During the event, a free shuttle service operates from the parking areas, generally from 5:00 PM until late at night. It is recommended to arrive well in advance due to the high turnout.
Good to know
During the event, a municipal ordinance is in effect prohibiting the sale and possession of beverages in glass containers in certain areas of the village for safety reasons.
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Where does it take place — Pirate Night
Porto Ercole - Lungomare Andrea Doria e Piazza Amerigo Vespucci
Lungomare Andrea Doria, 58018 Monte Argentario