Maremma

Discovering the Maremma is an experience that is renewed each time; it is an alternation of very long and well-equipped beaches of the finest sand accompanied by luxuriant pine forests, of small coves with sweetly resonant names and crystal-clear sea, of deserted beaches close to natural paradises, of uncontaminated islands with an enchanting sea, of villages and castles that are austere and at the same time festive, of sweet landscapes rich in nature and history.

The Maremma, a historical region of Tuscany roughly coinciding with the province of Grosseto, is also to find oneself among people who have always welcomed and greeted the fruits of the earth in every season with a great desire to be together; for the traveller, it is to find, throughout the year, unique atmospheres and a charm that is always ready to amaze. The coasts are equipped with modern tourist landings, professionally organised diving schools are, throughout the year, frequented by diving enthusiasts, but one can also find expert ‘shipwrights’, bearers of ancient wisdom who, through their art, transmit great love and respect for the sea.

Feel the scents of the sea and the land all year round: the Maremma knows how to offer them thanks also to the suggestive trekking or mountain bike trails that lead to splendid natural terraces or exciting horseback rides. Few other parts of Italy make it possible to quickly reach from the coast numerous enchanting villages, often legacies of ancient Etruscan and Roman civilisations, or jewels of medieval architecture.

The Maremma can also be discovered through the wealth of flavours it has to offer, skilfully linked to the sea and the hinterland by an old culinary wisdom that goes hand in hand with the Mediterranean fragrances of olive oil and renowned DOC wines. To see for yourself that the Maremma is good for you.

Grosseto

The first stop on a visit to the Maremma must necessarily be its capital: it is Grosseto, a provincial capital of Tuscany, certainly not on the mass tourism routes, but certainly worth a visit. In Grosseto, in fact, you can breathe in art and the sea, a perfect and decidedly unusual combination.

Take a walking tour of the centre of Grosseto, starting from Piazza Dante Alighieri, with its elegant arcades and the iconic Canapone monument; a short distance away stands the elegant cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its beautiful pink and white façade. Then do not miss the walls of Grosseto, dating back to the 13th century and rebuilt several times.

Finally, leave the art of Grosseto and head for the coast: 15 kilometres from the centre is Marina di Grosseto, which is also easily reached by public transport. Here and in the immediate surroundings you can lie in the sun on long sandy beaches, often with a beautiful pine forest behind them, where you can find relief from the heat.

Follonica

Among the most popular seaside destinations in the Maremma is Follonica, with its beautiful sandy beach. It is a popular summer destination, welcoming holidaymakers from all over Italy, both for the high tourist appeal of the location and for the incredible beauty of its surroundings, suffice it to mention names such as Populonia, Baratti, Cala Violina and Punta Ala.

Follonica has a long town beach located a stone’s throw from the historical centre, equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds; those looking for a bit of peace and quiet can head north, where there are numerous beaches, some free, others equipped, or south, where the beautiful Levante pine forest forms a backdrop to the long beach.

Castiglione della Pescaia

The beautiful Castiglione della Pescaia is the ideal destination for those seeking a holiday by the sea, but at the same time immersed in one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany. The historic centre is in fact a delightful medieval village, which starts from the coast and climbs up Mount Petriccio, on the top of which stands the fortress of an ancient castle.

Needless to say, the view from up here is breathtaking, sweeping from north to south along the entire Maremma coastline. But even those who come here for the sea will certainly not be disappointed: there is a beautiful seafront promenade, an equipped beach with all the necessary services, and a marina where boat excursions depart or where it is possible to rent a boat to enjoy the beautiful coastline on your own.

Orbetello

Orbetello‘s position is truly unique: it is located in the centre of a lagoon, entirely surrounded by water. The Orbetello lagoon is bordered by two strips of land which, open towards the sea, delimit two very long beaches: these are Giannella and Feniglia, two oases of peace and tranquillity where one can spend wonderful days lying in the warm Maremma sun.

However, there is much more to Orbetello: visit the pretty old town, with its cathedral, gates and walls, and then explore the lagoon, declared a WWF oasis and nature reserve. You can take part in guided tours along the nature trails, where at regular intervals there are observation points and huts where you can watch, hidden, 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 is not one of your pleasures, head to this delightful village built on a mountain ridge in the heart of the Grosseto Maremma.

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

Pitigliano

Among the most astonishing villages in the Maremma is undoubtedly Pitigliano, which rises imposingly on a tuff rock. From a distance it looks like a cluster of small houses built on a mountain, but as you get closer you are increasingly enraptured by the beauty of its skyline, dominated by the cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the town’s cathedral.

Pitigliano is closely linked to the Jewish community that settled here in ancient times, so much so that it is nicknamed ‘Little Jerusalem’. The town’s Jewish past is still witnessed today by the synagogue, dating back to 1598, and the Jewish museum, a must for all history enthusiasts.

Sorano

At first glance, one might think of Sorano as a small Pitigliano, since at least in photographs the two villages look very similar. But on reaching this small village in the Maremma you will discover a proud and independent soul, also made of relaxation and wellness, since there are also fantastic thermal baths in the area.

However, Sorano cannot escape the similarities: it is affectionately known as ‘little Matera’ because of the common features, including architectural and aesthetic ones, that this small Maremma village shares with the capital of Lucania. It is certainly not a sin to be compared to the beautiful Matera, so if you too are curious to discover similarities and differences, break the ties and head here, to the edge of the Maremma, a few kilometres from the border with Lazio.

Terme di Saturnia

Forget the coastal towns and medieval villages of the Maremma for a moment, and dedicate yourself to relaxation and wellness. All this is possible at the thermal baths of Saturnia, one of the most beautiful and characteristic places in the whole of Tuscany. They are located in the municipality of Manciano, and are equally divided into a free part and a paid part.

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

Punta Ala

Between Follonica and Marina di Grosseto, while exploring the Maremma coastline, an obligatory stop is Punta Ala. It is a modern village dating back to the 1970s on a promontory, where the key words are luxury and elegance, for an exclusive holiday.

Here, there are mainly five-star hotels and villas for rent; but if your budget does not allow it, by no means renounce a visit to Punta Ala: after all, walking up and down the marina, where Luna Rossa was born among other things, is free and definitely satisfying. Finally, enjoy the beautiful beaches in the surroundings, from the long public beach to the little harbour beach, passing by the small coves that can be reached by 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 supremacy of tourists who want white weeks and high-altitude refuges, but even in the region of artistic masterpieces it is possible to find ideal destinations for outdoor activities.

One of these is Monte Amiata, a mountain range located between Maremma, Val d’Orcia and Val di Paglia that is very popular with skiers, mountain bikers and trekkers. Of volcanic origin, it is the symbol mountain of Tuscany but not the highest in the region: Amiata reaches 1738 metres, while the highest peak is Mount Prado (2054 metres), located on the border with Emilia Romagna.