Itineraries

The coastal area that stretches from Principina a Mare (Grosseto) to Talamone was named as a Regional Natural Park in 1975: Parco Naturale della Maremma or Parco dell’Uccellina named after the mountains located in the area.

Walking or trekking in this park through hills, sand dunes, beaches and pinewoods will lead you to discover areas of unspoiled nature, home to a variety of ecosystems: rich forest vegetation, coastal beaches and marshland, a wide variety of fauna including deer, roe, wild boar, foxes, porcupines, badgers, weasels, skunks, hares, squirrels, and many other species.
It is impossible to resist a walk in this enchanting untouched environment, surrounded by a myriad of aromatic perfumes and colours, along the trails especially traced by the Park Organisation.

The Park is open every day of the week, all year round.

For further information:
Visitors’ Centre for the Parco della Maremma
www.parco-maremma.it
Tel. +39 0564 393211
info@parco-maremma.it
Visitors’ Centre for Alberese
Tel. +39 0564 407098

A few dozen kilometres from Podere Carceroni is Argentario: an unforgettable rocky headland located close to centres of historical and cultural interest like Orbetello, Talamone, and the less famous Porto Ercole, a very ancient little town rich in history.
In Orbetello, the charming town that rises in the middle of the lagoon, discover the medieval town walls, the cathedral and the wonderful Spanish Mill.
Then, close by, is Talamone, a delightful sea port and popular beach, where you can try all kinds of sailing like windsurf, kite surf or yachting. Nearby is Porto Santo Stefano, with daily trips to l’isola del Giglio and during the summer, boats go daily to l’isola di Giannutri and to Corsica.

For further information:
Visitors’ Centre and the Talamone Aquarium
Tel. +39 0564 887173

The Fauna Park is less than 9 km from Arcidosso and Santa Fiora, and is open every day from dawn till dusk (closed on Mondays). This park is of special interest both for the landscape and from a naturalistic point of view because it is located in a particularly beautiful mountain setting, is equipped with modern observation points and methods that respect the habitat of the animals and form the ideal environment for many species of wild fauna to live and be observed in total safety. The park is home to a wide variety of animals such as moufflon, red deer, deer, chamois, wild boar, roe, foxes and porcupin.

For further information:
Monte Amiata Fauna Park
Tel. +39 0564 966867
Loc. Podere de’ Nobili Arcidosso (GR)

Castiglione della Pescaia is a centre founded by the Romans under the name of Selebrum between 300 and 200 B.C. on the banks of the Prile, the very rich fishing lake on the coast, which has now disappeared.
Among the monuments not to be missed: the town walls, the church of San Giovanni Battista, the Palazzo di Eleonora, and the church of Santa Maria del Giglio.
Today, Castiglione delle Pescaia has become a well-known seaside resort, with beautiful beaches, and has won awards several times for the clean quality of its water.
After 9 kilometres of roads that wind through Mediterranean woodlands, you will reach Punta Ala, famous for its unspoiled landscape and small harbour, renowned as the departure point for sailing regattas.

Sorano is a charming area, rich in ancient history with numerous traces of the Etruscan period. Beautiful old churches and the elegant residences of the local noble families of the past can be seen in the town centre. At the top of the town the marvellous fortress dominates the landscape, one of the most imposing and remarkable examples of Renaissance military architecture.
Travelling towards the south-west is Pitigliano, a town famous for its tower-shaped buildings, caves, and underground passages all carved from the local tuff stone, and the houses that cling to the cliff-face overlooking the valley, hollowed out by the Lente and Meleta rivers. The town is surrounded by lush green valleys that plunge the visitor into an enchanted landscape. Among the main attractions of the town are the Medicean aqueduct, and some very fine churches. Even the houses themselves are authentic works of art, since the town of Pitigliano rises on a sheer cliff face of tuff that drops straight down into the sea offering the visitor truly unforgettable views. As you wander through the narrow winding streets and Etruscan tombs (used today as wine cellars) you will discover why Pitigliano is also called “Little Jerusalem”: in the town is an ancient Jewish ghetto that includes a synagogue which is still active and a very old library.
A few kilometres further on you will reach the small town of Sovana. This was an important cultural crossroad until the 12th century, and was also the most important commerce and trading centre in the region. Today the town still conserves its original fascination, above all thanks to its most famous cultural attraction: the ancient cathedral, an authentic architectural treasure, built in the 9th century and rebuilt between the 11th and 12th centuries.

Montalcino is a captivating ancient hill town set on the border between the provinces of Grosetto and Siena. Renowned most of all for producing the exquisite Brunello wine, famous throughout the world, Montalcino also has many other aspects full of historical and cultural interest. Initially privileged because of its strategic position on the via Francigena, Montalcino was later conquered by the powerful Siena. The town walls were built in the 13th century, while the fortress, built on the highest part of the hill at the top of the town, was designed by an architect from Siena in 1361. The historical centre of Montalcino is rich in cultural interest: as well as the town walls, well worth a visit are the Palazzo Comunale, the galleried buildings in Piazza del Popolo, the cathedral, as well as the sanctuary of la Madonna del Soccorso and the beautiful 14th century churches of Sant’Agostino and San Francesco. The complex of the ex-Convent of Sant’Agostino is now the Museo Civico e Diocesano d’Arte Sacra, (Civic and Diocesan Museum of Sacred art) re-opened in 1997, and which has a rich collection showing a complete selection of examples of sacred art from this area. After leaving the town centre, there is a beautiful route that travels from the town to the archaeological site of Poggio alla Civitella, where visitors can discover Etruscan remains from ancient Greek times, as well as a fortress built in the 4th century B.C. After following the State highway SP55 for about 10 kilometres, you will reach the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, one of the greatest examples of 14th century monastic architecture. Only a few parts of the original building remain, because the church that we are able to admire today, built in about 1100, replaced another abbey, built previously in the 9th century. The beautiful interior composed of three naves enhanced with columns with alabaster capitals, also contains a crypt. Another charming town that is part of this itinerary is S. Angelo in Colle, built in the Middle Ages on the top of a hill. At the entrance to the town is a keep or tower, a relic of the small military fortress which was part of the 14th century Pilgrims’ Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala. In Piazza Castello is the Romanesque church of San Michele Arcangelo, which conserves two paintings: “Resurrection” (Giovanni da Cortona, 1477) and “Saint Anthony” (unknown artist).

Other than MONTALCINO, Val d’Orcia has several other small towns which are outstanding for their typically medieval architecture: Castiglione d’Orcia, Pienza, Radicofani and San Quirico.
Villages, churches, noble residences and citadel fortresses of extreme historical interest are scattered everywhere in this region lost in time, where it is not unusual to find yourself strolling around the fortified walls that enclose most of these small towns, as protection against battles of centuries ago.
This region, which is extraordinary for the rich concentration of cultural, artistic and architectural interest has enchanted visitors for centuries: Caterina of Siena, Pio II Piccolomini and Lorenzo the Magnificent are only some of the historic figures who have spent time in the small towns of the Val D’Orcia. One area that enjoyed great fame was the village of Bagno Vignoni, today famous for its thermal spas, located in the Natural Artistic Park of Val d’Orcia.

For further information: Park of Val d’Orcia

Located about 8 kilometres from Grosseto, the archaeological area of Roselle conserves the remains of the ancient town that rose here in Etruscan and Roman times.
Inhabited since the first half of the 7th century B.C., the town of Rosella was built in an especially favourable hydrogeographical area, which permitted the town to have control over Lake Prile, a large lagoon which was linked with the sea that covered the whole of the current Maremma plain in Etruscan times.
Recent restoration work has made it possible for visitors to see a large part of the walls which surrounded the town.

For further information:
Archaeological park of Roselle
Tel. + 39 0564 402403
Via dei Ruderi- Roselle (Gr)

The marvellous Maremma landscapes and countryside are best seen when crossed on foot.
From Grosseto to the via Aurelia, this is a territory that man has always walked for thousands of years, and has always been rewarded by its unspoiled nature and breathtaking landscapes.
Below is a list of the better known and favourite walking trails, including the length in kilometres and the differences in level.

• From Paganico to Campagnatico – 8 Km – 280 m
• From Casal di Pari to Castello del Belagaio – 9 Km – 90 m
• From Casal di Pari a Pari e alle Terme di Petriolo – 9 Km – 80 m
• From Pari to Monte Antico – 11 Km – 120 m
• From Batignano to Sticciano – 10 Km – 350 m
• From Sticciano to Montorsaio – 9 K – 300 m
• From Paganico to Montorsaio – 9 Km – 350 m
• From Sasso d’Ombrone to Monte Cucco – 12 Km – 510 m
• The Cinigiano and Castiglioncello Bandini – 21 Km – 600 m

The Amiata ring is a circuit that encompasses a whole series of footpaths on foot by bike and on horseback along the entire area of the Amiatino district.
We chose two routes, the numbers 4 and 5 to take as an example, being in total many more.
The N ° 4 is a route of 6.5 Km. and goes from Casteldelpiano to the village, passing under the hamlet of Montegiovi and for some country churches that could be visited along the road.

 

 

The N ° 5 is much shorter, just 2.5 Km. and leads from Casteldelpiano to Arcidosso; You can visit along the way the Capuchins and the furnaces

From Vivo d’orcia to the Hermitage and from Ermicciolo to the springs of Vivo
STARTING AND FINISHING POINT: Vivo d’orcia (Circular trail).
LENGTH: approx. 10 Km.
DURATION: approximately 3 hours.
TYPE OF ROAD AND LANDSCAPE: Short stretch of paved road in the village of Vivo d’orcia, then woodland, massive road, forest path through a mixed vegetation with a lot of shade in front of the source of the live. Until the summer months, the small Rigagnoli cross the path.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: from easy to mediodifficile (40 minutes uphill in the woods).
OVERALL HEIGHT DIFFERENCE: 300 m.
SIGNAGE: From time to time red and white signs and red and white metal insignia on concrete stakes.
REFRESHMENT POINTS: “Fonte Vecchia” Bar (closed on Tuesdays) or “Il Castagno” restaurant (closed on Mondays) in Vivo d’orcia; You can plan a stopover for a picnic at the source of the live (2.10 h) or the waterfall (2.45 h).

STARTING AND FINISHING POINT: Capannelle bunches (about 1 km outside Arcidosso, circular trail).
LENGTH: 6.2 Km. Duration: approx. 3 hours. Type of road and landscape: about 3 Km of paved road, then road to earthwork and woodland path through a beautiful landscape and magnificent chestnut groves; There is no panorama but a lot of shade.
OVERALL HEIGHT DIFFERENCE: 320 m.
SIGNAGE: From time to time signs of red and white paint and wooden signals placed by the “Chestnut Road” Association.
REFRESHMENT POINTS: A small shop in the village of San Lorenzo (closed for lunch).

STARTING AND FINISHING POINT: Tepolini (a small village on the SS323 between Castel del Piano and the town house); Circular path.
LENGTH: 4.2 Km.
DURATION: 1 hour and 1/4
TYPE OF ROAD AND LANDSCAPE: chestnut, olive groves, orchards and vineyards; Picturesque villages; Road to earthwork and paved and woodland trails.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: easy.
OVERALL HEIGHT DIFFERENCE: from 70 to 150 m.
SIGNAGE: From time to time signs of red and white paint and wooden signals placed by the “Chestnut Road” Association.

STARTING POINT AND ARRIVAL: Information centre of the Pigelleto Nature Reserve – “The direction” 820 m A.S.L. The structure of the administrative department of the park, where the path begins, is located directly on the road between Piancastagnaio and Castell’Azzara (Provincial Road of the Spruce) and is well signposted. Parking available. (circular path).
LENGTH: approx. 10 Km.
DURATION: 3 hours approx. 1/2
TYPE OF ROAD AND LANDSCAPE: Dirt road, dirt track and woodland path through mixed vegetation; Very shady path.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: from easy to mediodifficile: At the beginning and at the end there are some stretches uphill.
OVERALL HEIGHT DIFFERENCE: 170 m.
FLORA AND FAUNA: Wild boars, porcupines, martens, roe deer, badgers, buzzards, falcons, about 20 different types of wild orchids.
SIGNPOSTED: ROUTE MARKED (RED-WHITE).
REFRESHMENT POINTS: none. You can have a picnic at the waterfall after about 2 hours and 1/2 of walking.

STARTING AND FINISHING POINT: Cash point (visitors ‘ entrance) at the entrance of the faunal Park of Monte Amiata. Closed on Mondays. Parking available. (Wildlife Park of Monte Amiata, Arcidosso, Tel. 0564 966867, www.parcofaunistico.it) Circular path.
LENGTH: approx. 6.5 Km.
DURATION: approximately 3 hours.
TYPE OF ROAD AND LANDSCAPE: Woodland trails, dirt road, limestone meadows, rocky terrain. The top of the lip mount has a magnificent view. The climb is sunny but breezy. To visit the cave on top, you need to bring a flashlight.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: medium-difficult (40 minutes uphill on woodland).
OVERALL HEIGHT DIFFERENCE: approx. 200 m.
FLORA AND FAUNA: Wild orchids of different species, wildflowers, wild cherries, hawthorn, heather; Apennine wolves, wild boar, porcupines, roe deer and fallow deer, chamois, foxes, badgers, hares, goats, vultures, various species of birds, Maina donkeys (a race of donkeys typical of Amiata).
SIGNS: To orient yourself take into account the wooden stakes about 1 metre high located along the entire route.
REFRESHMENT POINTS: Bar-Restaurant at the “Podere dei Nobili”, you can arrange for a break on the top of the lip mount (1,193 m).

STARTING AND FINISHING POINT: Meadow of the Mills (1,385 m), possibility of parking (circular path).
LENGTH: approx. 7 Km.
DURATION: About 2 hours and 1/2 (net travel time, without pause, but you should plan, especially for the ascent).
Type of road and landscape: woodland trails, beautiful mountain meadows in front of the accommodations; Uphill and downhill on stony ground and grassy ski slopes.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: medium-difficult (the ascent of about 60 minutes on the ski slopes requires good shoes and a trekking stick).
OVERALL HEIGHT DIFFERENCE: 370 m.
SIGNS: None, only the indications of the slopes.
DINING OPTIONS: Hotel-Restaurant “Le Grinde”, the meadow of the mills, hotel-Restaurant “General Cantor” (after 50 minutes), various refreshment points on the summit of Mount Amiata.

ABBAZIA DI SANT’ANTIMO – VILLA A TOLLI – VENTOLAIO
STARTING POINYA : Abbey of Sant’Antimo
ARRIVAL POINT :Abbey of Sant’Antimo
LENGHTH : 8 chilometri (circa)
ZONE : Valle di sant’Antimo
POINTS OFINTEREST : Abbey of Sant’Antimo, Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Sant’Angelo in Colle, Montalcino (surroundings).

Departure: from Pratini – 7,2 km, 3.30 hours
It is a spectacular itinerary for the wonderful views it offers and for the presence of an abbey at half of the itinerary. It presents some difficulties linked to the morphological features of the itinerary itself. The ascent you will find at the beginning covers a difference in height of about 300 meters and is accessible to everyone by taking the necessary precautions.

Departure: from Pratini – 6 km, 3 hours
It is a short itinerary accessible to everyone, but it has a steep and slippery descent when you reach the first tower. It is considered the most representative itinerary of the Park because it touches all the environments of the protected area offers beautiful views.

Departure: from Pratini – 9,6 km, 3 hours
The itinerary of the caves is different from the other ones, first of all because it is rather easy to go through, and secondly because its main point of interest is the area where the grand-ducal pinewood lies. As a matter of fact, the main points of interest of this itinerary are the pinewood, the Scoglietto – Collelungo canal, and the caves.

Departure: from Pratini | 12 km, 4 hours
It is a demanding itinerary not only for the harshness of the territory, but for its length: as a matter of fact, it does not present uphills or descents and it has not dangerous locations. If you are well-trained, you can finish the itinerary in a shorter time with respect to the scheduled one.

Departure: from the Church in Alberese, on the left of the façade | 6 km, 2 hours
The itinerary dedicated to forest and fauna is a didactic itinerary developing on an area of about forty hectares. It mainly develops on a level ground, at intermediate altitude on the hill facing Alberese. It does not present any difficulty and it has been partly equipped for disabled people.

Departure: from the parking area in Marina di Alberese, go back for about 500 meters up to a little bridge. From here take a secondary asphalt road (close to the traffic) going northwards | 5 km, about 2 hours
The itinerary leading to the mouth of the river Ombrone is without a doubt one of the most interesting itineraries in the Park. An easy and entirely flat route, 50% of which developing along an asphalt road and suitable for everyone, also for disabled people.

500 meters, about 1 hour

about 3 kms, about 2 hours
The itinerary starts from the Visitor Center of the Caprarecce. A slightly uphill road surrounded by dry vegetation leads us to an area characterized by a higher vegetation until you reach the almost flat ridge itinerary. The route continues up to a panoramic area called Punta del Corvo, where there is a covered-roof terrace giving the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful view over the coast and some islands of the Archipelago Toscano.

about 7,5 kms, about 3 hours
The departure of this itinerary takes place from the Visitor Center of the Caprarecce. After a slightly uphill road surrounded by dry vegetation, you will enter an area characterized by a higher vegetation (an ilex grove artificially maintained in a shrub state with periodical cuttings) until you reach the ridge itinerary near the location Punta del Corvo.

 

about 10 km, about 5 hours
Also this itinerary leaves from the same departure point of T1 and T2, that is from Caprarecce, but T3 develops in its initial part along the stretch used in the other itineraries for the return. It is characterized by uphill stretches, in particular as far as the final one is concerned, until you reach the ridge.

about 2,5 km, about 2 hours
It is a very easy itinerary, mainly developing on level ground. It can be gone through only during the winter and with guided visits.

Brief itinerary exploring the Mediterranean macchia and calanchi in the valley between Podere Santa Pia and Cinigiano
This brief itinerary starts and ends at the gate of Casa Vacanze Podere Santa Pia. It explores the Mediterranean macchia and calanchi in the valley below Santa Pia. Old ruins, a particular hunting chair and the impressive declining grounds of the calanchi, it all offers a great experience. The roads and the paths going through this wild area give the visitor the opportunity to see sceneries of unexpected beauty.
The tour is not difficult except for the last track (just before half way) where you leave the road towards the hunting chair, continuing on a small ridge of red grounds.
Lenghth: 3,85 km, 1 hour 20 minutes
Easy, except for the track halfway

The road to Montecucco

CINIGIANO – MONTECUCCO – SASSO D’OMBRONE – CINIGIANO

Difficulty: Average
Road surface: Tar sealed
Length: 26 Km
Level difference : 250 metres

Short trips of only a few kilometres with a wide range of level differences, on tracks winding through the hills and vines of Monte Cucco and the western slopes of Monte Amiata. Since this is quite a short route, it can also be taken by inexperienced cyclists.
There is only one part which requires some effort, the rise towards the town of Monte Cucco.

 

The low Valley of Ombrone

CAMPAGNATICO – MARRUCHETI – ISTIA D’OMBRONE – ARCILLE – SANT’ANTONIO – PIANETTI – CAMPAGNATICO

Difficulty: Average
Road surface: Tar sealed
Length: 42 Km
Level difference : 340 metres

This route forms a circle around the Ombrone valley in the terminal part between the spurs of Monte and the town of Grosseto. These roads have very little traffic, and the route includes a stretch of only 3 kilometres on the busier via Scansanese (S.P. 159). The difference in height altitude is “sporty” but not particularly difficult.
However, when calculating energy levels, cyclists will need to be ready to attack the final part of the route which presents a steady upward slope of 4.5 kilometres. Good places to stop along the route are Campagnatico, as well as Marrucheti, Istia d’Ombrone, Arcille and Sant’Antonio.

 

The Leopoldina route

PAGANICO – FERCOLE – (CASAL DI PARI) – CASENOVOLE – MONTE ANTICO STAZIONE – PAGANICO

Difficulty: Average, difficult
Road surface: Tar sealed
Length: 38 Km
Level difference : 350 metres

This route is without a doubt one of the most breathtaking as far as the surrounding views are concerned: the trail starts from Paganico, with a nice stretch towards Cassero Senese, with its medieval fortified gates, then following the old Leopoldina road, one of the most beautiful in Maremma.
You will be enchanted by the cypress and olive groves, soft rolling hills with woods and ploughed fields, and the magnificent Valley of Ombrone.

 

Maremma Park

RISPESCIA – PONTI NERI – BARBICATO – MOLINACCIO – ALBERESE CENTRO VISITE PARCO DELLA MAREMMA – LOCALITA’ SPERGOLAIA – MARINA DI ALBERESE – FOCE DELL’OMBRONE – LOCALITA’ SPERGOLAIA – CANALE ESSICCATORE – ANTICA DOGANA – GIUNCOLA – RISPESCIA

Difficulty: Easy
Road surface: Tar sealed
Length: 34 Km
Level difference : 0 m

This route will take you on a tour of the natural beauties and farmlands in the Ombrone plain.
On reaching the Visitors’ Centre in the Park, carry on to the source of the Ombrone to return back to Rispescia through the countryside that borders the river. This route presents no difficulties as it is flat country all the way: we recommend a halt at the beach of Marina di Alberese. Good places to stop and eat can be found at Rispescia, Alberese, and during the summer season, also at Marina di Alberese.

Etruscans at the sea

FOLLONICA (LOC. PUNTONE) – SCARLINO – GAVORRANO – RAVI – CALDANA – GRILLI – BIVI O TIRLI – CASTIGLIONE DELLA PESCAIA – PIAN D’ALMA – FOLLONICA (LOC. PUNTONE)

Starting point and arrival: Follonica (Loc.Puntone)
Distance: 63.6 km
Difference in altitude: 560 mt
Type of road: tarred road
Bicycle: roadster or all-terrain
Difficulty: average-easy

Itinerary of medium difficulty and quite smooth-flowing. The most difficult section is the climb to Gavorrano and the ups and downs between Ravi and Caldana. The second part of the itinerary does not present any difficulty and passes near place of great historical and archaeological interest such as Vetulonia. Vetulonia is one of the twelve most important Etruscan cities. It was rediscovered at the end of the nineteenth century by archaeological research conducted by Isidoro Falchi. Finally we reccomend the detour to the village of Castiglione della Pescaia and for the sea lovers a detour to Punta Ala and Cala Violina, that can be reached on foot.

Monte Argentario tour

ORBETELLO – PORTO ERCOLE – PUNTA AVVOLTORE – STRADA PANORAMICA – PORTO SANTO STEFANO – ORBETELLO

Starting point and arrival: Orbetello
Distance: 46.3 km
Difference in altitude: 450 mt
Type of road: tarred road
Bicycle: roadster and all-terrain
Difficulty: average

A very spectacular itinerary that goes to explore one of the most beautiful stretch of coastline of the entire Tyrrhenian coast. From an altitude point of view requires a certain effort developing in continual ups and downs if the first 7 km and the last 10 km are excluded. However short, some traits are steep. To report a section of about 3.5 kilometres on a very disconnected dirt road that makes the itinerary suitable only for all terrain bike or mountain bike. The almost total absence of traffic between Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano and the extraordinary natural environment that always offers a view of the sea make this itinerary one of the most interesting destinations for bikers and cycling excursionists.

 

Laguna of Levante tour

ORBETELLO – LOCALITÀ TERRAROSSA – TOMBOLO DELLA FENIGLIA – ANSEDONIA (COSA) – VIA DI CAMERETTE – ORBETELLO SCALO – ORBETELLO

Starting point and arrival: Orbetello
Distance: 25 km
Difference in altitude: irrelevant
Type of road: hybrid (19 km tarred road + 6 km dirt track)
Bicycle: all-terrain and MTB
Difficulty: easy

Itinerary suitable also for families with children. Interesting sites from the point of view of nature are the Tombolo della Feniglia and the Eastern Lagoon. The dune of the Feniglia was named protection forest reserve in 1971, due to the important role it plays for the environmental ecosystem. The pillow line of the Feniglia is ideal to travel with children and is very suitable for birdwatchers. The one and only asperity is the climb (about 2 km) to the headland of Ansedonia towards the ruins of Cosa. If you want you can avoid this deviation making the itinerary flat and shortening it by 4.2 km. The stretch on the Tombolo that runs along the lagoon beach has an irregular background (roots and sand), but easy to ride even with a normal touring bicycle. Alternatively you can follow the main avenue that crosses the pine forest to the headquarters of the State Forestry Corps.

Ring of Massa Marittima

FOLLONICA – SCARLINO SCALO – LAGO DELL’ACCESA – CAPANNE – MASSA MARITTIMA – FATTORIA MARSILIANA – FOLLONICA

Starting point and arrival: Follonica
Distance: 58 km
Difference in altitude: 420 mt
Type of road: asphalt
Bicycle: road and all terrain
Difficulty: medium-challenging

This itinerary develops in the plains in the first part; Then it has a lively profile. The most challenging sections are the ascent of huts and the ups and downs of the Marsiliana Road. Reasons of great interest are the city of Massa Marittima and the beautiful hilly landscape that accompanies the Marsiliana. Possible refreshment points along the way are located in the first part at Scarlino Scalo and Bagni di Gavorrano, after Massa Marittima.

 

Maremma of Pietra

MASSA MARITTIMA – GHIRLANDA – PEROLLA – CASTEL DI PIETRA – LAGO DELL’ACCESA – MASSA MARITTIMA

Starting point and arrival: Massa Marittima
Distance: 35.5 km [41.5 km with the detour]
Difference in altitude: 360mt
Type of road: asphalt [The deviation on gravel road]
Bicycle: road and all terrain
Difficulty: average

From an altitude point of view it has a wavy profile whose only real roughness is the stretch of the Vallone near the lake of Accesa and the final ascent in the center of Massa Marittima. You can reduce the difference in the itinerary of about 100 mt from the service station located at the foot of Massa Marittima on the road to Follonica. In this case we start following the wide ring road towards Siena for about 5 km until the crossroads for Massa: Turn right towards the city centre and, almost immediately, take the secondary street on the left towards Garland and Ribolla.

 

Balcony on the Maremma

ROCCASTRADA – SASSOFORTINO – ROCCATEDERIGHI – TATTI – RIBOLLA – PIAN DEL BICHI – ROCCASTRADA

Starting point and arrival: Roccastrada
Distance: 57.2 km
Difference in altitude: 6oo mt
Type of road: asphalt
Bicycle: road and all terrain
Difficulty: average

Itinerary of great scenic interest with high-quality technical features and poorly-trafficked roads. Possibility of refreshment in Roccastrada, Sassotortino, Roccatederighi, Tatti, Ribolla and Sticciano Scala. From Ribolla it is possible to make a detour to the village of Montemassi, in a beautiful panoramic position (4 km of plain and 2 of ascent).

The Alberese Oasis: Discovering nature by bike

Take advantage of the summer sun by taking the entire family for an outing at the Oasi Alberese Park, a wonderful natural setting full of uncontaminated beauty. Visitors can reserve guided visits or discover various trails by bike. It’s the season to discover the Regional Park of the Maremma, where many trails are accessible to everyone. Leave your car in town and take a stroll along the bike path that runs from the Alberese Visitors’ Center to Marina di Alberese. Along the way, you’ll see pasture land with grazing horses and cows. At a junction located just 500 meters from the sea, turn right and follow the signs for trail A7, which leads to the Ombrone River. To reach the beach, follow the main road. Those who’d like to spend the day on a longer trail can leave from Alberese and walk along the country road that runs alongside the nature reserve. Mountain bikes are for rent at the Alberese Park’s Visitors’ Center.

For reservations:
The Alberese Visitors’ Center
Tel. 0564 407098
centrovisite@parco-maremma.it
www.parco-maremma.itwww.parco-maremma.it

Terre di Siena

In Val di Merse through villages and castles
Starting point and destination: Rosia
Type of road: asphalt and dirt
Bicycle type: mountain bike, hybrid
Who: families, cycle-tourists
Length: 20.61 km
Altitude: 200 mt
Difficulty: low

This is a short itinerary full of suggestive places through the small villages of Torri, Stigliano, Brenna and Orgia. Do not miss a visit to the wonderful cloister of the abbey of Santa Mustiola at Torri (only Mondays and Fridays from 9 to 12) and the interesting “Museo Etnografico del Bosco” (Ethnographic Museum of the Forest) at Orgia (Friday and Saturday at 9:30 to 12:30, other days by appointment, tel. 0577582323).

 

A bike ride to Sovicille
Starting point and destination: Rosia

Difficulty: easy
Distance: 29 Km
Altitude: 300 mt
Type of road: asphalt and dirt
Bicycle type: all Terrain, road
Who: cycle-tourists

Easy route in the Merse Valley, around the municipality of Sovicille, suitable also for families, given the difference in height and the fact of being able to pedal especially on secondary roads.

Cala Violina

FOLLONICA (LOC. PUNTONE) – PIAN D’ALMA – PUNTA LE CANNE – CALA VIOLINA – CALLA MARTINA – FOLLONICA (LOC. PUNTONE)

Starting point and arrival: Follonica (Locality Puntone)
Distance: 15.6 km
Difference in altitude: 60 mt
Type of road: dirt track and tarred road
Bicycle: MTB or all-terrain
Difficulty: easy

This is a short itinerary but magnificent from the point of view of environment and landscape. Cala Violina and Cala Martina can be reached exclusively on foot, by bike or on horseback.

The 3 climbs

ARCIDOSSO – MONTELATERONE – BIVIO MONTICELLO AMIATA – LOCALITÀ ALTETA – BIVIO MONTE AQUILAIA – VALICO BUCETO – BIVIO MONTE LABBRO – LOCALITÀ MERIGAR – LOCALITÀ AIOLE – ARCIDOSSO

Starting point and arrival: Arcidosso
Distance: 30.7 km
Difference in altitude: 990 mt
Type of road: 22 km dirt track + 8.7 km tarred road
Bicycle: MTB
Difficulty: exacting

There are no technical difficulties but the differences in altitude marked by three climbs require a good training. From the point of view of the landscape the itinerary is very charming and offers unforgettable view.

If you wish to organise a personally customised itinerary, or simply to ask for more information on riding in Maremma, visit the following websites: Il cavallo maremmano

Terme di Petriolo was renowned already since the Roman and Etruscan periods and are characterized by a prevalently hilly landscape and an exceptionally well preserved natural environment. Immersed in the Basso Merse natural reserve in an enchanted scenario amidst woods and hills that allows getting back in synch with nature and with ourselves, a unique position where peace and silence take us back to a primordial atmosphere outside of time

For further information: Terme di Petriolo

This is a place for peace and wellbeing, famous throughout the world, where guests can request every type of relaxing treatment.
The thermal waters reach temperatures of 37°C and the pools can be used all year round because they are equipped with a hot air tunnel. Each spa structure offers a wide range of activities: bowls, tennis, sauna, hydromassage treatment, aquatic-fitness pools, and golf.
The thermal waters in this region have strong curative properties, also thanks to the presence of “thermal plankton”. The Terme di Saturnia structure is able to offer treatments for a wide range of pathologies: arthropathy, skin ailments, breathing system circulation and inflammatory problems, treated using inhalation methods.

For further information: Terme di Saturnia – SPA & Golf Resort

Right in the centre of the village is the “Piazza delle sorgenti”: a rectangular fountain containing the original spring of the steaming hot thermal water that rises from the underground waterbeds of volcanic origin.
The curative properties of the waters of Bagno Vignoni were first discovered by the Etruscans, and followed by the Romans, great lovers of thermal water baths.
Some of the famous figures to take the waters at Bagno Vignoni were Pope Pius II, Saint Caterina of Siena and Lorenzo de Medici; choosing it as a place of rest and relaxation for both body and soul. This area has continued to inspire poets, writers and artists who still flock here to enjoy it as a source of creativity and relaxation.