Among the most envied locations in the whole country there is certainly the territory of the Tuscan Maremma, an extraordinarily changeable territory, vast and rich in changing landscapes that embrace the Tyrrhenian coast and the internal hills from Massa Marittima to Capalbiocrossed by Monte Argentario and overlooking the islands of the Grosseto archipelago. Summarizing villages and cities not to be missed in 4-5 days is probably difficult. However, if we really have to cut the best places in Maremma to seeto draw a complete list from various points of view, this itinerary emerges with stages, different from each other and, therefore, certainly capable of creating a fairly complete mix of the different faces of the Maremma.
What is meant by Maremma Tuscany?
For Maremma Tuscany refers to a vast area of south-western Tuscany overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, along what is often called the Tyrrhenian coastcharacterized by a very varied landscape that alternates sea, hills and inland areas that are still authentic and not very urbanized. It is not an official administrative area, but a historical and geographical region.
In general, the Maremma develops above all in the province of Grosseto and includes both the coastal strip and the hinterland. Along the coast there are well-known places such as the area of Monte Argentariowhile in the hinterland they stand out historic villages like Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana.
Important naturalistic areas such as the Maremma also fall within the Maremma Maremma Natural Parkas well as famous spa places such as the Terme di Saturnia. Historically this area was swampy and difficult land to live in, today it is known for its still intact landscapes, medieval and Etruscan villages, nature reserves and one of the cleanest seas in Tuscany.
Maremma Tuscany: what to see in 5 days
Monte Argentario – day 1
On your first day in Maremma, go straight to discover the sea. The entire Monte Argentario hosts a very interesting maritime area, where the villages punctuate its perimeter, with history and cultural traditions, but also very important naturalistic aspects. Among the most beautiful places in Argentario you cannot miss a stop in Porto Ercole where the grandiose Spanish fortresses of Forte Stella and Forte Filippo impose themselves on the panorama together with the fortress that dominates the village.
Orbetello – day 1
And then there is Orbetello, a city with testimony to its Etruscan origins, with a geographical position protected by Mount Argentario and a flavor of culture and history. The historic center of Orbetello with its mill, the Etruscan walls and the long lagoon, the Duna Feniglia Nature Reserve, the WWF Oasis Lagoon of Orbetello, the Roman city of Cosa, the Tagliata Etrusca, the Forte delle Saline and finally the beaches of Orbetello, many ideas for a wonderful Maremma trip.
Capalbio – day 1
The last of the suggestions for the first day in Maremma is colourful, fun and original, and is found in Capalbio, about 20 minutes from Orbetello, in particular, in the town of Garavicchio, the Tarot Garden, among the most original parks in Italy. This is a art park created by the French-American artist Niki de Saint Phallemade up of statues inspired by the figures of the major arcana of the tarot, materialization of a magical and spiritual dream, where imposing figures in steel and concrete covered with glass, mirrors and colored ceramics capture the attention and leave you breathless!
Giglio Island – day 2
Then dedicate one of the 5 days in Maremma Tuscany toGiglio Islandfacing Monte Argentario, a true paradise waiting to be discovered, ideal for lovers of the sea, beaches and coves. This is the ideal place for lovers of the underwater world and diving.
A seaside stop in the Tuscan Maremma among the most famous in all of Europe, with the walk to the perched castle and the coast on which the island’s port develops, a paradise for photographers and beyond! Among the things to do, you can also include one cruise to the island of Giglio and Giannutri starting from Porto Santo Stefano. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the wonders of the Tuscan archipelago.
Terme di Saturnia – day 3
Third day in Maremma, if you are not yet satisfied with sea and greenery, then the Tuscan Maremma adds further amazement to the beauty with its thermal springs of Saturnia, real open-air sources. They are located in the municipality of Manciano, a few kilometers from the town of Saturnia, but not only.
The thermal springs that feed the famous spa of Saturnia they affect a vast territory ranging from Mount Amiata to the Albegna and Fiora hills, until reaching Roselle and Talamone. A relaxing dip in sulphurous waters that flow at a temperature of 37.5°.
Pitigliano – day 3
In the afternoon you can move to Pitigliano. Perched on a spectacular tuff cliff, Pitigliano is one of the most scenic villages in Tuscany, so much so that it is nicknamed “Little Jerusalem”. Walking through alleys, arches and houses carved into the rock, you will find yourself immersed in aunique atmospherewhere history and landscape blend perfectly. Also not to be missed are the ancient Etruscan Vie Cave in the surrounding area, real corridors dug into the tuff.
Sorano and Sovana – day 3
Do you have a few hours left? Spend the rest of the day in Sorano and Sovana, a few kilometers from Pitigliano, which complete the itinerary in the so-called “Tuff Area”. Sorano is striking for its wilder and more authentic aspect, with the village that seems to merge with the rock, while Sovana is small and elegant, famous for its cathedral and its Etruscan necropolises in the surrounding area. Visiting them together allows you to discover three different souls of the same fascinating area.
Maremma Natural Park – day 4
Also known as Uccellina Parkis the ideal place for those looking for a more authentic and wild Maremma. Here you will find paths immersed in the Mediterranean scrub, coastal towers and pristine beaches reachable on foot or by bike. It is a perfect stop to alternate villages and relaxation by the sea, away from the most touristy and crowded areas.
Grosseto – day 4
In Maremma Tuscany there are many fascinating destinations to visit, e.g Grosseto it’s one of them. In particular, do not miss the historic center. To welcome you mighty medieval walls that surround the city and stroll through its streets, discovering historic buildings, churches and suggestive squares. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Piazza del Duomo are unmissable points of interest.
What better opportunity to combine history and culture with a tasting of local wines. Take the opportunity to drop by Rocca di Frassinello winerydesigned by Renzo Piano. The tour begins on the enormous terrace outside the cellar with a view of the rolling Maremma hills and continues towards the imposing barrel cellar dug into the rocky ground where around 2,000 barrels rest in gentle darkness. The tasting includes 4 different wines, paired with the typical Tuscan Schiaccia.
Follonica – day 5
The last day of our 5-day itinerary in Maremma can start in Follonica, one of the liveliest seaside resorts in the Maremma and directly overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast. Born as an industrial city linked to iron processing, today it has become a very popular tourist destination especially for its wide, sandy beaches, clear sea and well-organised services. The seafront is perfect for sunset walks, while the center offers restaurants, clubs and a more modern atmosphere than the historic villages in the area. It is an ideal stop for those looking for a comfortable and accessible sea, without giving up the beauty of the Maremma landscape.
Castiglione della Pescaia – day 5
In the afternoon we move towards Castiglione della Pescaia, one of the most beautiful coastal villages of the Maremmaoverlooking the sea and dominated by a medieval castle. The historic centre, intimate and panoramic, is perfect for a walk at sunset, while the surrounding beaches are among the most popular in Tuscany. An ideal stop to conclude the 5-day itinerary in Maremma Tuscany between sea, relaxation and a typically Mediterranean atmosphere.
But why is it called Maremma in Tuscany?
I conclude the article with a curiosity and a colorful note on the Maremma. In Tuscany we often say “Maremma!” (or expressions like “Slutty Maremma!”) Why “Maremma” is the name of a vast geographical area of southern Tuscany and northern Lazio.
The Maremma, as I explained at the beginning, was historically an area of swamps, malaria and land difficult to reclaim. For centuries it has been considered a “harsh”, unfortunate and somewhat cursed place in popular culture.
The term itself comes from Latin “maritime” (i.e. “sea area”), later evolved into Maremma. Over time, in Tuscan daily use, it has become a kind of emotional interjection: instead of saying a bad word, “Maremma” is used to vent amazement, anger or surprise.
Maremma Tuscany: hotels and map
Maremma is one of those destinations that surprise precisely because of their variety: in a few days you go from the wild sea of Monte Argentario to the villages carved into the tuff like Pitigliano, up to the relaxed atmosphere of the Terme di Saturnia. In 5 days you will be able to grasp its essence without rushing too much, alternating nature, culture and moments of pure relaxation. The advice is not to fill the days too much and also leave room for improvisation: this is precisely how the Maremma manages to give its best.