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Maremma
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Explore Maremma in southern Tuscany for Etruscan towns, protected coast, hill villages, thermal waters, country food and Morellino wine.

Maremma occupies the southern edge of Tuscany, stretching from the Tyrrhenian coast and the Gulf of Follonica through the Grosseto plain to the hills and volcanic landscapes near the Lazio border. It is less polished and more spacious than the parts of Tuscany around Florence and Siena, with pine-fringed beaches, cattle pastures, vineyards, marshes, dense Mediterranean woodland and hill towns built from warm-coloured stone. Grosseto, the regional capital, provides the principal urban base, while smaller centres such as Castiglione della Pescaia, Massa Marittima, Scansano and Capalbio reveal very different aspects of the territory.
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The coast alternates between developed resort areas and protected landscapes. The Maremma Regional Park, around Alberese and the Uccellina hills, preserves dunes, wetlands, woodland and long stretches of shore where visitors may encounter deer, foxes and abundant birdlife. Around Orbetello, a lagoon separated from the sea by narrow sandy tombolos creates one of the region's most important wetland environments. Further north, the coast near Follonica and Castiglione della Pescaia combines swimming beaches with pine forests and remnants of industrial and maritime history.
Maremma's inland identity is deeply archaeological. The Etruscan settlements of Roselle, Vetulonia, Sovana and the Vie Cave around Pitigliano and Sorano show how communities exploited the area's mineral resources, agricultural land and natural defensive positions long before Roman rule. Medieval villages and castles reflect the power of the Aldobrandeschi family and later control by Siena and Florence. In the nineteenth century, drainage and land reclamation transformed marshy lowlands that had long been associated with malaria, while the distinctive mounted cattle herders known as butteri remain an important symbol of local rural culture.
Food and wine are central to the Maremman experience. Inland menus often feature wild boar, game, handmade pasta, pecorino and robust soups, while the coast contributes fish, shellfish and lagoon produce. The hills around Scansano are associated with Morellino di Scansano, and vineyards elsewhere in Maremma have developed a broad range of Tuscan reds and whites. Thermal waters at Saturnia, country roads through vineyards and olive groves, and walking or cycling routes across the protected coast add slower, outdoor dimensions to a journey.
Maremma rewards an itinerary that combines several bases rather than treating it as a single resort. The coastal plain is comparatively easy to explore by car and bicycle, but hill towns can involve winding roads and substantial distances between public transport connections. Spring and early autumn are especially comfortable for walking, archaeology and rural touring; summer brings the strongest beach atmosphere but also higher temperatures and greater demand in popular coastal towns. The region's appeal lies in the contrast between its open landscapes, ancient settlements, working farms and accessible seaside.

When is the best time to visit Maremma?

Best: May–June, September · 26–30°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1260
February1350
March1755
April2155
May (best)2650
June (best)3040
July3330
August3240
September (best)2855
October2370
November1765
December1370

Getting to and around Maremma

How to get there

Maremma has no major international airport within its main territory. Most overseas visitors arrive through Rome Fiumicino, Florence or Pisa airports and continue by train or hire car; these gateways are outside Maremma and involve a substantial onward journey. Grosseto has a railway station on the coastal Tyrrhenian line, with connections towards Rome, Pisa and other Tuscan cities, while Follonica and Orbetello-Monte Argentario also serve parts of the coast by rail. The A12 and SS1 Aurelia provide the principal road approaches, with local roads continuing inland towards the hill towns.

Transportation

Rail is useful between coastal towns such as Follonica, Grosseto and Orbetello, but many inland villages, archaeological areas, vineyards and thermal sites are not close to stations. Regional buses serve larger settlements, although rural coverage and evening services are limited. A car offers the greatest flexibility, particularly for the Vie Cave, Saturnia, the Maremma Regional Park and the smaller hill towns; expect winding roads, limited parking in historic centres and slower progress than map distances suggest. Cycling is rewarding on quieter country roads and coastal routes, while walking is the best way to explore historic centres and marked nature trails.

Top city travel guides in Maremma

The cities of Maremma, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Maremma

Maremma's attractions range from Etruscan archaeology to long beaches and working countryside. The archaeological area of Roselle reveals the remains of an Etruscan and Roman city north of Grosseto, while Vetulonia and the tufa settlements around Sovana, Sorano and Pitigliano offer tombs, ancient roads and dramatic excavated ravines. The Maremma Regional Park, reached from Alberese, combines woodland, wetlands, coastal dunes and walking routes beneath the Uccellina hills. Around Orbetello, lagoon landscapes support birdlife and create a quieter alternative to the busier bathing resorts. Inland, Saturnia is known for its thermal waters, and Massa Marittima presents a substantial medieval centre alongside the area's mining heritage. The coast brings swimming, sailing and cycling near Castiglione della Pescaia, Follonica and the Argentario promontory, while country estates and vineyards provide opportunities for tastings, riding and seasonal rural experiences. Families will find beaches, nature trails and aquariums or small local museums in selected coastal towns, but the region's strongest appeal lies in combining outdoor activity with archaeology, food and historic villages rather than concentrating on large purpose-built attractions.

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Best landmarks in Maremma

Maremma's most recognisable landmarks reflect its layered history and varied geology. The medieval cathedral and civic buildings of Massa Marittima form one of southern Tuscany's notable urban ensembles, while Grosseto retains an unusually complete circuit of Renaissance walls around its historic centre. The ruins of Roselle provide a powerful archaeological landmark on a hill above the plain, with Etruscan walls and Roman remains showing the area's long urban history. In the south, the Orsini fortress at Sorano and the fortified settlements of Sovana and Pitigliano rise from steep tufa landscapes cut by ancient Vie Cave. The coastal watchtowers and fortifications of the Argentario promontory recall the former State of the Garrisons, particularly around Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano. Natural landmarks are equally important: the Uccellina hills, the wetlands of the Orbetello lagoon, the broad coastal frontage near Alberese and the thermal springs at Saturnia give Maremma a geographical identity that is as strong as its architecture. These places are best understood as parts of a wider landscape rather than isolated monuments.

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Best restaurants in Maremma

Maremman cooking reflects both the former pastoral economy of the interior and the produce of the Tyrrhenian coast. Inland trattorie and rural inns commonly serve pappardelle with wild boar, acquacotta, game, roast meats, local vegetables and pecorino, while handmade pasta and simple soups remain important expressions of country cooking. Along the coast and around Orbetello, menus turn towards grilled fish, shellfish and lagoon or maritime specialities, although availability follows the season. Bakeries and food shops are useful for picnic supplies, including Tuscan bread, cured meats, cheese and fruit. Morellino di Scansano is the best-known wine associated with the southern hills, joined by other Maremman reds, whites and rosés from coastal and inland estates. Look for weekly markets and farm shops for olive oil, honey, saffron from the hills around San Gimignano? No, omit. Local produce varies by season, with artichokes, mushrooms, chestnuts and truffles appearing at different times of year. Dining ranges from beach restaurants and pizzerias to carefully run contemporary kitchens in historic villages.

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Best bars in Maremma

Evening life in Maremma is generally relaxed and dispersed rather than centred on a large club scene. Grosseto has the broadest selection of wine bars, cafés, restaurants and later-opening venues, while coastal towns such as Castiglione della Pescaia, Follonica and Porto Santo Stefano become busier during the summer season. In smaller hill towns, the evening usually revolves around a bar in the historic centre, a local restaurant, an enoteca or an occasional live-music programme rather than nightclubs. Wine tasting rooms and breweries provide alternatives to traditional aperitivo, particularly in the countryside, although visits may require advance arrangements. Seasonal festivals and outdoor events can bring music and food stalls to village squares, but programmes change from year to year. Respect local closing patterns in rural areas, where dinner may be the main evening activity and late-night transport can be scarce.

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Best nightclubs in Maremma

Evening life in Maremma is generally relaxed and dispersed rather than centred on a large club scene. Grosseto has the broadest selection of wine bars, cafés, restaurants and later-opening venues, while coastal towns such as Castiglione della Pescaia, Follonica and Porto Santo Stefano become busier during the summer season. In smaller hill towns, the evening usually revolves around a bar in the historic centre, a local restaurant, an enoteca or an occasional live-music programme rather than nightclubs. Wine tasting rooms and breweries provide alternatives to traditional aperitivo, particularly in the countryside, although visits may require advance arrangements. Seasonal festivals and outdoor events can bring music and food stalls to village squares, but programmes change from year to year. Respect local closing patterns in rural areas, where dinner may be the main evening activity and late-night transport can be scarce.

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Best shops in Maremma

Shopping in Maremma is concentrated in market towns, historic centres and food-producing countryside rather than large retail districts. Grosseto and Follonica provide the broadest choice of everyday shops, while Massa Marittima, Pitigliano, Sorano, Scansano and Castiglione della Pescaia offer smaller independent retailers, galleries, enoteche and craft businesses. Weekly markets are useful for clothing, household goods and seasonal produce, but days and locations vary locally. Food is the most dependable souvenir: look for Morellino di Scansano, Maremman olive oil, pecorino, honey, cured meats, preserves and local wines from coastal and inland estates. Rural producers may sell directly, though opening arrangements can be seasonal. Pottery, leather goods, woven items and artwork can be found in selected workshops and galleries, while historic village shops often stock books and food products connected with local traditions. In beach resorts, summer retail tends to include clothing and practical seaside goods rather than specialist craft shopping.

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Maremma essentials

Currency and Payment
Maremma uses the euro (EUR), as does the rest of Italy. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, petrol stations, supermarkets, established restaurants and larger attractions, although smaller rural businesses, market stalls, beach facilities and occasional cafés may prefer cash. Carry a modest amount of euros for villages, public toilets, local markets and places with unreliable connectivity. Keep a card and some cash available when travelling through sparsely populated inland areas, where payment facilities may be less consistent than in Grosseto or the main resorts.
Safety
Maremma is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions are still sensible in crowded coastal areas, car parks and railway stations. The main practical hazards are heat, sun exposure, ticks, uneven archaeological paths, slippery rocks and traffic on narrow rural roads. Follow warning signs at beaches, lagoons and cliffs, and do not assume that every stretch of coast is supervised for swimming. In summer, check local fire restrictions and avoid leaving vehicles or glass in dry vegetation. Drivers should allow extra time on winding roads and watch for cyclists, farm vehicles and livestock.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 for police, fire and ambulance emergencies throughout Italy; operators can direct calls to the appropriate service. For urgent incidents at sea or on the coast, the Italian Coast Guard can be reached on 1530. Give the exact municipality, road name, trail, beach access point or nearest visible landmark, as rural locations may be difficult to identify. The Maremma Regional Park and other protected areas use marked routes and information points, so note your trail and starting location before walking. For non-urgent medical help, ask accommodation staff or a local pharmacy about the nearest service.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when entering churches and religious buildings, and keep voices low in historic interiors. In restaurants, service customs vary, but a small discretionary tip is sufficient rather than obligatory; check whether a service charge is already shown. Do not remove stones, pottery fragments or plants from archaeological and protected areas, and stay on marked paths in dunes, wetlands and the Vie Cave. Keep dogs controlled where signs require it, avoid blocking narrow village streets, and ask before photographing people, farm activities or private property. Italian national rules on driving, smoking and public conduct apply in Maremma as elsewhere in the country.
Local Tips
Plan coastal and inland days separately rather than relying on a single direct route between them. Grosseto is useful for services and regional connections, while Scansano, Massa Marittima and the tufa towns offer stronger historic and rural bases. Visit archaeological sites early in hot weather and leave time for small museums, churches and viewpoints rather than treating hill towns as quick photo stops. In summer, reserve accommodation near the coast and check access arrangements for the Maremma Regional Park. Ask producers about tasting appointments, as many rural wineries and farms do not operate like walk-in urban shops.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloCiao[chow]
GoodbyeArrivederci[ah-ree-vay-DER-chee]
YesSì[see]
NoNo[noh]
Please/You're welcomePer favore[pair fah-VOH-ray]
Thank youGrazie[GRAHT-see-eh]
Excuse me/SorryScusi[SKOO-zee]
How are you?Come stai?[KOH-meh stah-ee]
Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?[BEH-neh. Eh too?]
Do you speak English?Parli inglese?[PAR-lee een-GLEH-zeh?]
I don't understandNon capisco[Nohn kah-PEE-skoh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore[vor-RAY veh-DER-ay eel meh-NOO, pair fah-VOH-ray]
I don't eat meatNon mangio carne[Nohn MAN-joh KAR-nay]
Cheers!Salute![sah-LOO-tay]
I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore[vor-RAY pah-GAR-ay, pair fah-VOH-ray]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Aiuto![ah-YOO-toh]
Go away!Vai via![VAI VEE-ah]
Call the Police!Chiama la polizia![KYAH-mah lah POL-it-SEE-ah]
Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore![KYAH-mah oon doht-TOH-ray]
I'm lostMi sono perso[Mee SOH-noh PER-soh]
I'm illSono malato[SOH-noh mah-LAH-toh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...[vor-RAY kom-PRAH-ray...]
I'm just lookingSto solo guardando[STO SOH-loh gwahr-DAN-doh]
How much is it?Quanto costa?[KWAN-toh KOH-stah?]
That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro[eh TROH-poh KAH-roh]
Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?[PWOH-ee ahb-BAS-sah-ray eel PRET-so?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Che ore sono?[Keh OH-ray SOH-noh?]
It's one o'clockÈ l'una[eh LOO-nah]
Half past (10)Dieci e mezzo[DEE-eh-chee eh MEH-tso]
MorningMattina[maht-TEE-nah]
AfternoonPomeriggio[poh-meh-REE-joh]
EveningSera[SEH-rah]
YesterdayIeri[YAY-ree]
TodayOggi[OH-gee]
TomorrowDomani[doh-MAH-nee]
1Uno[OO-noh]
2Due[DOO-eh]
3Tre[TREH]
4Quattro[KWAHT-troh]
5Cinque[CHEEN-kweh]
6Sei[SAY]
7Sette[SEH-tay]
8Otto[OHT-toh]
9Nove[NOH-vay]
10Dieci[DEE-eh-chee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Dove c'è un...?[DOH-vay cheh oon...?]
What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?[KWAL eh leen-dee-REET-so?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?[PWOH-ee mohs-TRAR-mee (SOOL-lah MAH-pah)?]
When's the next (bus)?Quando parte il prossimo (autobus)?[KWAN-doh PAR-tay eel PROS-see-mo (OW-toh-boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per....)[OON bee-LYEHT-toh (pair....)]

History of Maremma

Etruscan Maremma

From the seventh century BC, Etruscan communities developed important settlements across southern Tuscany. Roselle, near modern Grosseto, occupied a strategic position between the coast and inland routes, while Vetulonia controlled a mineral-rich area close to the Tyrrhenian shore. Around Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana, roads and monumental tombs were cut into the soft volcanic tufa. These communities traded, farmed and worked local resources before Rome absorbed their territories. Their walls, necropolises, roads and surviving urban remains form one of Maremma's most distinctive historical layers.

Roman Integration and the Via Aurelia

Rome gradually incorporated Maremma after its conflicts with the Etruscan cities and established settlements, roads and agricultural estates across the region. The coastal Via Aurelia linked the area with the wider Roman network, while Roselle continued to serve as a significant urban centre. Roman engineering altered land use through roads, drainage and estate management, although the marshy coastal plain remained difficult in later centuries. Archaeological remains around Roselle and scattered Roman traces elsewhere demonstrate how the region was connected to the political and commercial systems of the peninsula.

Medieval Lords and Hill Towns

After the decline of Roman authority, power in Maremma became fragmented among bishops, local lords and monastic institutions. From the tenth century, the Aldobrandeschi family controlled much of southern Tuscany and fortified strategic settlements including Sovana, Sorano and other hill strongholds. Their influence is still visible in castle ruins, defensive walls and compact medieval street plans. Later, Siena extended its authority through the inland towns, while coastal ports and fortified sites guarded routes and maritime approaches. The resulting landscape is one of castles, parish churches and villages shaped by competition between regional powers.

Siena, Florence and the Medici State

The rivalry between Siena and Florence affected Maremma's politics, trade and fortifications for centuries. After the fall of the Republic of Siena in 1555, the territory was incorporated into the Medici state, and defensive works were strengthened along the coast and at exposed inland approaches. Spanish influence also became important in the southern coastal zone, particularly around the presidios of the State of the Garrisons. Fortresses, bastions and planned settlements from this period remain prominent at places such as Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano on the Argentario promontory.

Land Reclamation and the Lorraine Reforms

For centuries, extensive marshes and stagnant waters contributed to malaria and limited settlement on parts of the coastal plain. From the eighteenth century, the Lorraine rulers of Tuscany promoted drainage, agricultural improvement, roads and organised settlement. Reclamation continued through the nineteenth century and changed the relationship between the region's towns, farms and wetlands. The transformation was gradual rather than complete, and surviving marshes around Orbetello and protected areas near the coast remain reminders of the former landscape. Modern Maremma's agricultural productivity and open lowlands owe much to these long engineering and administrative efforts.

Mining, Rural Culture and the Modern Region

Mining shaped inland Maremma from antiquity into the modern period, particularly around the metalliferous hills near Massa Marittima and Gavorrano. Iron, copper, pyrite and other minerals supported settlements, transport routes and industrial communities, though many workings later declined or closed. At the same time, cattle raising, transhumance and extensive farming produced the culture associated with the butteri, mounted herders who managed Maremman cattle in open country. Today, former mines, agricultural estates, protected landscapes and food-and-wine producers all contribute to the region's contemporary identity.

Maremma in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Maremma, Italy

Discover Maremma like never before with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and more
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, and contact details
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Unlock the secrets of Maremma with Evendo, your free, comprehensive travel guide. Explore attractions, book hotels and tours, and experience the region like a local.

  • In-depth history of Maremma
  • Essential travel tips for a memorable visit
  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips to experience the region like a local
  • User-friendly navigation

Planning a trip to Maremma, Italy? Evendo is your ultimate travel companion, designed to help you make the most of your visit. From the stunning medieval towns of Pitigliano and Massa Marittima to the serene beaches of Castiglione della Pescaia, Evendo provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Imagine strolling through the ancient streets of Grosseto, sampling delicious local cuisine at La Solina, or exploring the tranquil Maremma Regional Park—all with expert tips and easy navigation at your fingertips.

With Evendo, you can effortlessly plan and organize your trip. Each location includes rich information, from captivating images and comprehensive descriptions to local tips and contact details. The app also allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly, eliminating the hassle of searching for what to see and do, and how to get there.

Discover the history of Maremma and essential travel tips to ensure a memorable visit. Utilize the 'Near me' feature to find attractions and hidden gems around you, no matter where you are in the region. Whether you're captivated by the ancient Etruscan ruins or enjoying a relaxing evening at a local wine bar, Evendo ensures you experience Maremma like a local.

And the best part? Evendo is 100% free—no in-app purchases, no additional costs, just pure travel joy. Plus, with coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide, Evendo is your go-to travel guide for future adventures.

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