Maremma

Discovering Maremma is an experience that renews itself every time you visit; it’s an endless succession of long, well-equipped beaches with the finest sand accompanied by lush pine groves, small coves with sweetly melodic names and crystal-clear waters, deserted beaches next to natural paradises, unspoilt islands with an enchanted sea, austere yet cheerful villages and castles, and landscapes brimming with nature and history.

Maremma, a historic region of Tuscany roughly corresponding to the province of Grosseto, is also about finding yourself amongst people who have always welcomed and greeted the fruits of the earth in every season with genuine warmth and togetherness. For the traveller, it means discovering unique atmospheres year-round and a charm that never fails to surprise. The coasts are equipped with modern tourist harbours, professionally organised diving schools are frequented throughout the year by diving enthusiasts, but you’ll also find expert “masters of the axe” – traditional craftspeople who pass on their ancient knowledge and profound love and respect for the sea through their art.

Feel the scents of the sea and the land all year round: Maremma offers them through charming trekking routes or mountain-bike trails that lead to stunning natural terraces, or exhilarating horse-riding adventures. Few other parts of Italy allow you to reach so quickly from the coast numerous enchanting villages, often legacies of ancient Etruscan and Roman civilisations, or medieval architectural gems.

Maremma is also discovered through the richness of flavours it offers, skilfully linked to the sea and hinterland by an old culinary wisdom that pairs with Mediterranean fragrances of olive oil and renowned DOC wines. Come and experience firsthand why Maremma is so good for you.

Grosseto

Your first stop in a visit to Maremma really should be its main town: Grosseto, the provincial capital of Tuscany, may not be on mainstream tourist routes, but it certainly deserves a visit. In Grosseto you’ll breathe in art and the sea, a perfect and decidedly unusual combination.

Take a walking tour of Grosseto’s centre, starting from Piazza Dante Alighieri, with its elegant arcades and the iconic Monument to Canapone; a short distance away stands the elegant Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its beautiful white and pink façade. Don’t miss the walls of Grosseto, dating from the 13th century and rebuilt several times.

Finally, leave Grosseto’s art behind and head to the coast: just 15 kilometres from the centre you’ll find Marina di Grosseto, easily accessible by public transport too. Here and in the immediate surroundings you can stretch out in the sun on long sandy beaches, often backed by a beautiful pine grove where you can escape the heat.

Follonica

Among the most popular seaside destinations in Maremma is Follonica, with its beautiful sandy beach. It’s a renowned summer destination that welcomes holidaymakers from all over Italy, both for the high tourist appeal of the resort and for the incredible beauty of its surroundings – just mention names like Populonia, Baratti, Cala Violina and Punta Ala.

Follonica boasts a long town beach just a stone’s throw from the historic centre, equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers; those seeking peace and quiet can head north, where there are numerous beaches, some free and others equipped, or south, where the beautiful Levante pine grove frames the long beach.

Castiglione della Pescaia

The lovely Castiglione della Pescaia is the ideal destination for those seeking a seaside holiday whilst immersed in one of Tuscany’s finest villages. The historic centre is indeed a charming medieval village that spreads from the coast and climbs up Monte Petriccio, on whose summit stands the fortress of an ancient castle.

Needless to say, the view from here is breathtaking, spanning from north to south along the entire Maremma coast. But even those who come here for the seaside won’t be disappointed: there’s a lovely seafront, an equipped beach with all necessary facilities, and a tourist harbour where boat excursions depart from or where you can hire a boat to enjoy the beautiful coastline at your own pace.

Orbetello

The location of Orbetello is truly unique: it sits at the centre of a lagoon, entirely surrounded by water. The Orbetello lagoon is bordered by two strips of land which, opening towards the sea, create two extremely long beaches: Giannella and Feniglia, two oases of peace and tranquillity where you can spend beautiful days relaxing in the warm Maremma sun.

But there’s much more to Orbetello: visit the charming historic centre, with its cathedral, gates and walls, then dedicate yourself to exploring the lagoon, declared by the WWF an oasis and nature reserve. You can take part in guided walks along nature trails, where at regular intervals there are observation points and hides where you can watch, hidden from view, the numerous migratory birds that populate the area.

Scansano

For all aspiring sommeliers, Scansano is synonymous with Morellino, one of the most famous wines produced in Tuscany. But even if wine isn’t one of your pleasures, visit this delightful village built on a mountain ridge, in the heart of Grosseto’s Maremma.

During your exploration of the small but characteristic historic centre, don’t miss the Church of San Giovanni Battista, with its stucco decorations, the Petreto convent and church, and the Etruscan settlement of Ghiaccio Forte, discovered only in 1973 and brought to light in 1981.

Pitigliano

Among the most stunning villages in Maremma is undoubtedly Pitigliano, which rises impressively on a tufa outcrop. From a distance it appears as a cluster of little houses built on a mountain, but as you draw closer you become increasingly captivated by the beauty of its skyline, dominated by the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the city’s cathedral.

Pitigliano is inextricably linked to the Jewish community that settled here in distant times, so much so that it’s nicknamed “the little Jerusalem”. The town’s Jewish past is still testified today by the synagogue, dating from 1598, and the Jewish museum, a must-visit for all history enthusiasts.

Sorano

At first glance you might think of Sorano as a small Pitigliano, since at least in photographs the two villages look very similar. But when you arrive at this small Maremma village you’ll discover a proud and independent spirit, also characterised by relaxation and wellbeing thanks to the fantastic thermal springs in the area.

However, Sorano doesn’t escape the comparisons: it’s affectionately defined as “the little Matera”, because of the common features, including architectural and aesthetic ones, that this small Maremma village shares with the Basilicata capital. It’s certainly no shame to be compared to the beautiful Matera, so if you’re curious to discover the similarities and differences, don’t hesitate and make your way here, on the edge of Maremma, just a few kilometres from the Lazio border.

Saturnia Thermal Springs

Forget about the coastal towns and medieval villages of Maremma for a moment and dedicate yourself to relaxation and wellbeing. All this is possible at the Saturnia Thermal Springs, one of the most beautiful and characteristic places in all of Tuscany. They’re located in the municipality of Manciano, and are equally divided between a free area and a paid one.

The good news is that the free thermal area is absolutely the highlight of Saturnia. These are the so-called Mulino waterfalls, open to the public 24 hours a day. Here thermal water gushes out creating a thermal stream, the Gorello, characterised by small cascades that form pools where you can enjoy maximum relaxation. Moreover, if all this beauty weren’t enough, behind the Mulino waterfalls stands an old stone building – an ancient mill – built in typical Tuscan style, which lends the whole place an even more unique charm.

Punta Ala

Between Follonica and Marina di Grosseto, while exploring the Maremma coast, a must-see stop is Punta Ala. It’s a modern resort dating from the 1970s on a promontory, where the keywords are luxury and elegance, for an exclusive holiday.

Here you’ll mainly find 5-star hotels and villas for rent; but if your budget doesn’t allow for that, don’t miss a visit to Punta Ala: after all, strolling up and down the tourist harbour, where Luna Rossa was born, is free and definitely worthwhile. Finally, enjoy the beautiful beaches in the surrounding area, from the long public beach to the small harbour beach, passing through the tiny coves accessible via steep paths, or even better, by boat.

Monte Amiata

The lesser-known face of Tuscany is that of mountain holidays. Other regions vie for the crown of tourists seeking white weeks and high-altitude mountain huts, but in the region of artistic masterpieces you can also find ideal destinations for outdoor activities.

One of these is Monte Amiata, a mountain range between Maremma, Val d’Orcia and Val di Paglia much loved by skiing, mountain-biking and trekking enthusiasts. Of volcanic origin, it’s Tuscany’s symbolic mountain but not the highest in the region: Amiata reaches 1,738 metres, whilst the highest peak is Monte Prado (2,054 metres), located on the border with Emilia Romagna.

Recommended hotels in the area Maremma