Treasures of the Maremma: 10 places to see in a weekend

Ready for a trip to the Lazio and Tuscan Maremma?

Often when you go in holiday in a new place it is not possible to fully enjoy all the beauties that the area offers, thus losing the possibility of discover the most evocative attractions of a locality.

We don't want this to happen again: for this reason today we offer you a guide to places not to be missed if you come on holiday between Grosseto and Viterbo.

Especially if you choose to travel by train or bus you have little chance of seeing multiple places in a short time: we offer you the possibility of rent a car short term, to leave you discover the hidden beauties of the Maremma in total comfort, in a short time and with multiple advantages.

The Maremma: where it is located

Maremma is one region of Tuscany and Lazio which extends along the southwestern coast of the Italian peninsula and offers a great variety of tourist attractions. The Tuscan Maremma includes the provinces of Grosseto and Livorno, while the Lazio Maremma includes the provinces of Viterbo and Rome.

Maremma is characterized by a predominantly flat territory, with some hilly and mountainous areas, and by a mild climate during most of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, such as beaches of the Maremma of the Etruscan Coast and the natural reserves of Bandite di Scarlino and Monte Argentario. Maremma is also known for production of wine, olive oil and for its culinary tradition, which includes dishes based on meat, fish and vegetables. Going on holiday in Maremma means accomplishing a journey through history, art and nature, flowing back in time from the Etruscans to the Romans, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. We often tend to consider the Maremma only as the part that extends along the Grosseto province, up to the border with Lazio. However, it is wrong, because some areas of the provinces of Pisa and Livorno are also part of the Maremma.

Here are the 10 places not to be missed in the Maremma:

1) Historic Center of Montalto

Montalto di Castro it is located in the heart of the Maremma Laziale, between Tarquinia and Capalbio. The village, of medieval origin, is made up of numerous small squares, alleys, arches and pieces of surrounding walls. Among the main buildings stands out the Guglielmi Castle which, with the quadrangular tower covered in ivy, is the symbol of Montalto di Castro. From Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, crossing Via Aurelia Tarquinia in a few minutes, however, you can reach the modern one Lea Padovani Municipal Theatre. Furthermore, the town of Montalto is characterized by a splendid seafront, with sandy beach, numerous bathing establishments open until late at night in summer shops and restaurants to spend pleasant days inebriated by the scents of the sea.

2) Vulci Archaeological Park, Abbadia Castle and Archaeological Museum

In the heart of the Maremma Laziale, near Montalto di Castro, Canino and Capalbio, lies the Vulci Archaeological Natural Park. Inside this large park of around 120 hectares, in addition to admiring the large volcanic canyons and the Mediterranean scrub, it is possible to visit the remains of the ancient city of Vulci, one of the most important Etruscan-Roman cities. Inside the area, in fact, there is the Forum with the Great Temple and the Honorary Arch, commemorative work of Publius Sulpicius Mundus, Roman senator of the 1st century BC, the podium of an imposing Etruscan temple, various rooms of the domus of the Cryptoporticus, luxurious aristocratic residence, a small temple dedicated to Hercules and a beautiful Mithraeum. On the opposite bank of the river there is the Etruscan Necropolis, which houses thousands of tombs, among which are the precious François Tomb, which is accessed through a long corridor, the Tomb of the Inscriptions and the imposing Cuccumella mound. The last obligatory stop inside the Archaeological Park of Vulci is the suggestive one Pellicone lake, set of several films.
Within the vast area of Vulci Natural Park, you can also find the Medieval Castle of the Abbadia, headquarters of archaeological Museum, reachable through the Devil's Bridge from which you can enjoy a truly suggestive panorama. The Abbadia Castle was an important stronghold and welcoming center for all pilgrims and travellers, including even the Knights Templar.

3) Vulci Spa

This is four thermal pools with predominantly ferrous water. The temperature varies from 42°C in the larger pool to 30°C in the smaller ones. A water, that of the Terme di Vulci, naturally carbonated, ferruginous, acidic, microbiologically pure and rich in mineral salts, suitable for treatment of arthro-rheumatic diseases, dermatological and phlebopathies.

4) Pitigliano is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy

Its charm is revealed first and foremost inMedici aqueduct, built in 1636 and made up of 15 arches, two of which are really large. Equally fascinating is the Old Town, made up of alleys, streets, stairways and views from the breathtaking view, with a view of the horizon. Between one walk and another, it is absolutely not to be missed Orsini Palace, originally belonging to the Aldobrandeschi Counts and passed, in 1313, to the Orsini family. This palace, initially used as a fortress, had the purpose of defending the only side of the village connected to the plain, while on the remaining three sides the town of Pitigliano is protected by the steep cliffs overlooking the valley. Inside there are the archaeological Museum, The Museum of Palazzo Orsini, L'Diocesan archive and the Library. Also interesting is the courtyard with the monumental well hexagonal in shape, decorated with bas-reliefs depicting the family coats of arms Orsini.

5) Capalbio

A small village in the Tuscan countryside, nicknamed "the last town of the Maremma", where it is possible to visit various tourist attractions. First of all the Tarot Garden, a unique and wonderful place, characterized by 22 sculptures up to 15 meters high, made of steel and concrete and covered with mirrors, glass and colored ceramics, which represent, in fact, the arcana of the tarot. It is also worth a visit medieval village of Capalbio: alleys, stairs and small squares, passages that open onto the countryside, prestigious buildings, arches and historic doors.

6) Maremma Park

It is a'protected area located along the coast which hosts a great variety of wildlife, including the famous Maremma horses. It is an ideal place for hiking or cycling. In this regard, the famous are remembered Butteri of the Maremma, shepherds on horseback typical of these areas.

7) Maremma Castle

This medieval castle is located in Grosseto and offers a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside. Inside the castle you can visit the Maremma Museum, which collects archaeological and historical finds from the region.

8) Talamone Archiport

It is a tourist port where you can rent boats and go on sea excursions. Furthermore, the village of Talamone is very characteristic and offers numerous restaurants and shops where you can go shopping.

9) Saturnia spa

The Saturnia spa is one of the most famous attractions in the Maremma. This is a spa complex where you can soak in natural pools fed by hot springs of sulphurous water.

10) Wine and Oil Route

Maremma is famous for the production of high quality wine and olive oil. It is possible to visit along the Wine and Oil Route cellars and oil mills And taste local products. Furthermore, Montescudaio, in the province of Pisa, which has become part of the most beautiful villages in Italy, has been included in the list of the Città del Vino, Città del Pane and Città dell'Olio associations. Precisely because of the culinary products that characterize the area, there are many festivals in the Maremma to participate in depending on the period of the trip.

Now everything is ready for rent a car and set off to discover the Maremma!