Grand Tour of the Metalliferous Hills

The landscape of the hinterland of Northern Maremma is also marked by the Metalliferous Hills, which characterize the territory not only for the historical importance of the area related to mineral extraction, but also for the scenic beauty of the entire path. The itinerary of the Grand Tour of the Metalliferous Hills, about 250 kilometers long and with 4500 meters of elevation gain, is ideal for all those who want to explore this area with their bicycles.

The length and elevation impose to divide the journey into 4/5 days, depending on your level of training; however, this does not prove to be a problem given the wide availability of accommodation facilities along the itinerary.

The route is designed to allow visitors to admire a series of sites of great mining and geological importance, without neglecting the naturalistic beauty of an area full of villages and nature reserves. Departing from Follonica, the route continues to the Alum mines in Montioni Park, it goes up to Montebamboli, then to the medieval village of Travale, and on to Montieri. Leaving Montieri, the route continues through beautiful woods until reaching Niccioletta, a place from which Massa Marittima can be reached. Moving on, we reach the Accesa Lake, set among the Maremma hills and then pass on a dirt road that lead us to the mining village of Ribolla and then to Roccastrada.

Moving away from Roccastrada, we head toward Gavorrano, an area rich in Etruscan necropolis and large mines that testify to the intense mining activity carried out by the small town throughout history. Once past Gavorrano, we plunge into the scrubland of the Coastal Park and heads toward the various coves before reaching Follonica, where the Grand Tour of the Metalliferous Hills ends with a splendid view of the sea.