Exploring the Chic & Discreet Maremma.

Maremma is one of our favorite lesser-known areas of Tuscany, Italy. This region of understated beauty between Florence and Rome on the lush Mediterranean coast is unlike anything else in our country. Not surprisingly, it has become an exclusive destination for travellers and locals alike.

It encompasses the province of Grosseto and its surrounding towns along the west coast of Tuscany, not far from the famous towns of Siena, Montepulciano, and Montalcino. It may not be as well-known as other popular destinations in Tuscany, but it offers a unique and authentic Italian experience. The region’s stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, hill top villages, vineyards, and beautiful coastline, provide a serene and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Maremma is rich in history and culture, with many ancient ruins and medieval towns waiting to be explored. Additionally, the area is renowned for its delicious food and wine, with many local specialties to try. Overall, Maremma offers a hidden charm that captivates visitors with its natural beauty, rich history, and delightful cuisine.

Fishing Villages

Dotted with fishing villages and Medieval Hill Top towns from South to North offers endless options to explore – starting from Capalbio to Massa Marittima up to Castagneto Carducci (higher Maremma). Capalbio  internationally known as home of  the Tarots Garden, a sculpture garden, created by the French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle, where visitors are transported to a fantastical world of 22 larger-than-life sculptures inspired by the tarot cards. It took over 20 years to complete and is considered a masterpiece of contemporary art. The garden is open from April to October each year, giving visitors ample time to wander through the whimsical creations and experience the unique vision and creativity of the artist. Porto Ercole & Porto Santo Stefano, Talamone Bay,  Giglio Port, on the Island of Giglio (less than 1 hour away from the coast)  heading up to Castiglione della Pescaia, the quintessential fishing village.  This last one has retained its medieval charm over the years, with its narrow streets and old stone buildings, where tourists can step back in time while exploring the town’s ancient castle and the Church of San Giovanni Battista. But it’s not just history that draws visitors to Castiglione della Pescaia; the village features beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters and stunning sunsets. For seafood lovers there’s no better place to indulge in fresh catch than at local restaurants. With its laid-back lifestyle, Castiglione della Pescaia offers a glimpse into traditional Italian fishing village life.

Art & History

From the Etruscans to the Romans, and from the Renaissance to today, Maremma has a rich cultural heritage that spans centuries. The region is home to numerous museums and galleries showcasing artwork from various periods. Whether you’re interested in exploring medieval castles or Renaissance palaces, Maremma’s architecture offers a glimpse into Italy’s fascinating history. Additionally, visitors can learn about Maremma’s past by visiting ancient ruins like the Roman baths in Saturnia or the Etruscan necropolis in Vetulonia as well as the Museo Civico Archeologico Isidoro Falchi in Vetulonia features a collection of Etruscan artifacts and ancient Roman sculptures. In Massa Marittima, the Museo Diocesano showcases an impressive collection of religious artworks from the 13th to 18th centuries, while the Museo delle Miniere di Massa Marittima tells the story of mining in the region through interactive exhibits, the Massa Marittima Cathedral and its unique architectural features that blend the Gothic and Romanesque styles. From the intricate details of the façade to the stunning interior, we you can take a journey through one of Italy’s most beautiful cathedrals. 

These lesser-known museums offer a glimpse into different aspects of Maremma’s rich cultural heritage and provide a unique opportunity to learn about the area’s history beyond its most famous sites.

Maremma, Italy is naturally a marshland with many swamps. Because of this, the farmers here were constantly draining the land with an efficient subterranean draining system. During the end of the Roman civilization, the drainage of Maremma became less of a priority and the land became uninhabitable. Thankfully, The Maremma Land Reform Agency prioritized the revitalization of this area and funded programs to build new farms and infrastructure in the 1950s. Grosseto, the Municipality of this area,  is one of the major towns that was repaired during this time and is now an agricultural hub between Pisa and Rome.

Wineries in Maremma – the other side of Tuscany

While in Maremma, you can visit some of the many family owned winery traditional estates that have been operating for hundreds of years using sangiovese and other autoctone grapes, you will be also discovering that this region boasts being the “home base” for the famous Supertuscan wines.  This term designates the use of international varietals like merlot and cabernet sauvignon in blended wines. Today are known by a variety of official names: Bolgheri DOC, Toscana IGT, and Maremma Toscana IGT and are the international palate pleasers of Tuscany. The best way to experience these celebrated wines are by relaxing in the luxurious setting of one of the medieval castles, 5 star hotels or luxury villas, the ultimate home away from home experience. We encourage you to plan a tasting at some of our favourite ones, Le Mortelle in Castiglione della Pescaia, Rocca di Frassinello near Gavorrano, The Ammiraglia Estate in Magliano, Tenuta Argentiera in Castagneto Carducci.

Pristine beaches

Right in  between The Cinque Terre – Forte de Marmi Riviera in Northern Tuscany &  The Amalfi Coast in the Southern Italy we have the coastline of Maremma. It is a very special region with castles and coves lining the coast of what feels like endless kilometers of untouched waters and beaches.

The beaches of Maremma have repeatedly been awarded with the blue flag award. This is awarded only to beaches with the cleanest sand and waters in Italy. This region is where you will find some of the most pristine coastlines in all of Italy – Castiglione della Pescaia, Punta Ala, down to to Talamone &  Monte Argentario as well as Giglio Island, which are widely considered among of the best scuba diving sites along the Mediterranean Sea.

The Wild Side of Maremma Italy

Maremma features also the presence of one of the largest coastal Natural Park in the country of Italy (about 10.000 hectares), The Alberese Maremma Natural Park. The park boasts a diverse array of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, which is haven for wildlife and is home to several species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. One of the most fascinating inhabitants of the park is the Maremma cow. Maremma cows are a sight to behold as they graze freely on the lush vegetation that covers the park. They play an essential role in maintaining biodiversity and preventing overgrowth. Visitors to the park can witness these magnificent creatures up close and even take guided tours witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience that visitors can enjoy while exploring the park’s hiking trails or taking part in guided tours.