Top 10 must-sees in the Maremma

Mount Argentario is a peninsula tied to Tuscany by just two strips of land. This wild and unspoilt promontory was once used as a defensive fortress, and indeed, its former military function is still visible today. The main villages around here are Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole.

Grosseto borders the edge of this area and is known as the political and cultural centre of the Maremma. The historic centre is dense and closed off by a beautifully preserved medieval wall.

Located about 45 kilometres southeast of Grosseto, Capalbio is the southernmost town in Tuscany. It's perched on top of a green hill and is called “Little Athens” because of both its environment and the artistic and historical importance it had during the Renaissance. A visit to Capalbio isn’t complete without a visit to the Tarot Garden, a sculpture garden based on the esoteric Tarot figures, boasting 22 monumental pieces made of reinforced concrete and covered with mirrors and ceramic mosaics.

Massa Marittima boasts a beautiful historic centre, which is enclosed and protected by its well-preserved city walls. A must-see in Massa Marittima is the central piazza, surrounded by all the main buildings needed for living in this city during the Middle Ages, when it thrived: Palazzo del Podestà, the town hall, the market place and, further away, the Mint and the public fountain. 

It’s easy to get lost in the magic and charm of Pitigliano while strolling through its ancient, narrow streets, especially in the famous Jewish ghetto. The spectacular village is known as “Little Jerusalem” for its large and active Jewish community that has been around since the 15th century.  

Located between Principina a Mare and Talamone, the Uccellina Nature Park includes 25 kilometres of coastline boasting sandy beaches and cliffs, a hill chain that descends toward the sea and a host of marshes, pine forests, cultivated fields and pastures. You can visit the park on foot along the hiking paths (here is one hiking itinerary), by bike, on horseback, in a covered wagon, in a canoe or even atop a donkey, the latter of which is a special excursion designed specifically for children.

Surrounded by clear, emerald-coloured waters, the beautiful Isola del Giglio is renowned for being a nature lover’s paradise. The waters around the island and the seabed rich in marine life are great for divers looking to explore an uncontaminated sea, framed by an enchanting backdrop with little tourism. 

Just a few kilometres from the village of Saturnia, springs of sulphuric waters form large pools with a temperature of 37.5° C. The large basin above the waterfall bestows a dreamlike atmosphere, especially enjoyable in the evening. Access to the pools is public and free throughout the year. For those who prefer comfort, there are also several thermal resorts in the area. 

Perched on a spur of Monte Petriccio, the medieval town of Castiglione della Pescaia is protected by remarkable walls with plenty of towers and gates and home to a 15th-century castle. While you’re here, you should check out the surrounding area, including Vetulonia, one of the most important Etruscan settlements, whose burial ground and archaeological museum are worth visiting. 

Scansano is located in the hilly Maremma inland along a strip of land between the coast and the slopes of Monte Amiata, boasting vast and varied views. The town dates to the Etruscan and Roman eras, as evidenced by the archeological site in Ghiaccioforte. The town is now famous for the success of the Morellino di Scansano, the area’s prestigious red wine.