10 towns in Southern Maremma

Orbetello is one of the most unique and eye-catching towns in Southern Maremma. Situated on a thin strip of land that stretches into a lagoon, it’s bordered by two tomboli (sand bars), Feniglia and Giannella. It’s home to many breathtaking views over the lagoon, with palm trees and around 450 different bird species making it endlessly fascinating. The town of Orbetello has Etruscan origins, and later acquired a Spanish influence when they built many monuments here during their two-century long rule. Home to high-end artisan fashion and homeware stores, Orbetello attracts nature lovers and fashion lovers alike. Make sure to catch a stunning sunset over Monte Argentario, and we recommend visiting in May to witness the famous Corsa dei Barchini Regatta.

Right in the heart of the Grossetto area, Magliano sits on a hilltop with magnificent views of vineyards and olive trees. Visit the 13th century Gothic palazzo in the city centre, called Checco il Bello, before following the passageway along the walls. In the surrounding countryside of Magliano, the Maremma Natural Park provides the perfect backdrop for nature walks, intertwined with history. Along the route, stop by the old, fortified villages of Montiano and Pereta, characterised by their tightly packed houses, or visit the Witches Olive Tree, a secret meeting point for women accused of witchcraft. Magliano has become famous for the production of its well-known wine, D.O.C.G Morellino di Scansano.

A seaport town on the slopes of Monte Argentario, in Porto Santo Stefano you can find a picturesque bay and a lively marina with yachts and a range of seafront restaurants and shops. Soaked in history, you can still see traces of Roman Civilisation such as the Baths of Domitian, as well as the towers that line the coast that were built to look out for pirate attacks. Visit the Spanish fortress, which overlooks the historic centre of town, and stretches across to incredible panoramic views of the sea. A short ferry ride away, you’ll find the beautiful Giglio and Giannutri islands. If you’re visiting in summer, don’t miss the Palio Marinaro dell’Argentario rowing competition.

Manciano is a small town located in central Maremma, near to the medieval village of Montemerano that was built on a hill by the powerful Aldobrandeschi family. Completely surrounded by walls, it’s considered one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. Manciano, on the other hand, has ancient origins that are detailed in the Museum of Prehistory and Protohistory in the Valle del Fiore. Famous for its thermal spa water, this area is much-loved by tourists, nature and adventure seekers and health fanatics. Visit the nearby Saturnia, to bathe in the naturally occurring thermal pools of this ancient Etruscan and Roman settlement.

A medieval village in central Maremma, Scansano was inhabited by the Etruscans and then the Romans, making this a small town heaving in history. If this interests you, you can’t miss the medieval Church of San Giovanni Battista, or the Archaeological Museum. Scansano is similarly famous for its red wine, Morellino di Scansano. You can visit wineries and cellars all around the town to try this produce, considered one of the best wines in Tuscany. Overlooking the town, you will find the distinctive Petreto convent amongst oak, cypress and pine woods. 

Grosseto was a Sienese town that surrendered to the Medici family in 1559. The walled city has been beautifully preserved and now hosts an abundance of beautiful buildings and monuments. Visit the central piazza Dante and the San Lorenzo Cathedral or the Natural History Museum of Maremma. If you’re planning on visiting Grosseto, don’t miss their annual Game Fair, a sporting festival, or alternatively the Wild Boar and Tortello festival in the hamlet of Montepescali.

A beautiful ancient Etruscan town, Sorano boasts picturesque views from its location perched on a cliff face, built into the rocks. Don’t miss the Orsini Fortress, built by the Aldobrandeschi family. The fortress is also home to the Museum of Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Stop by the Collegiate Church of San Nicola to admire the beautiful travertine baptismal font dating back to 1563.  A trip to the Sorano Thermal Baths is the perfect way to spend a relaxing day, with historic pools such as the 15th Century Bagno Dei Frati to be enjoyed.

Known as Little Jerusalem, Pitigliano, similarly to Sorano, is built on the face of a cliff, surrounded by green valleys with an awe-inspiring view that’s unique to these two towns. A well-preserved town, visiting Pitigliano is like stepping into Etruscan times, with tombs dotted throughout. Well-known for its Jewish community who settled in Pitigliano in the 15th century, today, you can visit the Museum of Jewish Culture, the synagogue and try traditional Jewish foods such as bread, kosher wine and the Sfratto del Goym dessert.

Semproniano is the perfect day trip for history and nature lovers. It’s interesting historical background as a fief of the Aldobrandeschi family and brief Spanish rule is evidenced in the gorgeous architecture. Take advantage of its proximity to national reserves, rivers and areas of botanical interest. Walking around the historic town, there’s lots to see, from the Church of Santa Croce, the Oratory of San Rocco, and the Parish Church of San Vincenzo and San Anastasio. A short walk from Semproniano leads you to Rocchette di Fazio, a small fortress village that provides a peaceful and intriguing adventure. The view from the top of the Aldobrandesca Fortress ranges from the Amiata to the Argentario, as well as a view of the Rocconi Nature Reserve.

Situated on the border between Lazio and Tuscany, Capalbio is considered the ‘last town in Maremma’. The old town of Capalbio, nestled between forests and fields, has retained its beauty and charm. The Tarot Garden, designed by eccentric artist Niki de Saint Phalle, is well-worth visiting with its eclectic range of colourful sculptures, inspired by Park Guell in Barcelona. Walk along the Rocca Aldobrandesca, a medieval fort with views over Southern Maremma, or visit the old town, famous for its winding alleys and stairs. If you fancy delving into the nature of this area, head to the Burano Lake WWF Oasis, with routes and birdwatching shelters where you can fully immerse yourself in nature.

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