A journey through forests, beaches and rivers to experience the Maremma by foot, bike, horseback or canoe, amid pristine nature and spectacular views
The Maremma Park stretches some 5,600 miles or 9,000 kilometers along the coast between Principina a Mare and Talamone, in the municipalities of Grosseto, Magliano in Toscana and Orbetello. This area offers authentic experiences in contact with nature, including coastal landscapes, maquis shrubland, rivers and dunes.
Whether you want to walk, play sports or experience relaxing moments surrounded by nature, the Maremma Park offers itineraries suitable for all types of travelers—families, sports enthusiasts, history buffs or those simply curious about the wildlife.
Contents
1.
Walks
2.
Excursions
3.
Bicycle
4.
Canoe
5.
Horse
Walks
On a bike in the Maremma Park - Credit: Enrico Bottino
Walks in the Maremma Park are ideal for those who want immediate contact with nature without having to climb up any hills! Short and easy trails such as the 1.1-mile or 1.8-kilometer forest trail allow you to delve into the Mediterranean forest and discover local biodiversity, while the 1.4-mile or 2.2-kilometer wildlife trail is perfect for observing deer and roe deer at dawn or dusk. Those who want to admire the more open landscapes can follow the 3.5-mile or 5.6-kilometer Bocca d’Ombrone trail that crosses the plain to the river mouth, or I Valloni, a flat stretch of 5.2 miles or 8.3 kilometers in the Granducale Pine Forest, nestled among ancient trees and unspoiled nature. These routes are suited to families, for taking a relaxing stroll and for anyone wishing to discover the Maremma of yesteryear.
For those who enjoy more challenging and scenic routes, the Park offers hikes that lead to pristine beaches or ancient ruins. The 7-mile/11.3-kilometer Le Torri route offers spectacular views of the Tuscan archipelago and passes by medieval watchtowers, while the 10.9-mile or 17.6-kilometer San Rabano hike leads to the Abbey nestled in the woods, with the option of walking the shorter 4.9-mile or 7.9-kilometer version. Cala di Forno, at 10.8 miles or 17.4 kilometers, leads to a wild bay accessible only on foot or by sea, while the 7-mile or 11.2-kilometer route to Collelungo Beach provides access to one of the most pristine beaches in Tuscany. These trails combine nature, history and spectacular views, offering unique experiences to hikers.
Bicycle
Bikers
Exploring the Maremma Park by bicycle is one of the most impressive ways to discover its unspoiled nature. Among the most accessible routes is the bike path to Marina di Alberese, about 5–6.2 miles or 8–10 kilometers long and mostly flat, ideal for families, leading directly to the beach. Longer and more technical routes, such as the one to Collelungo and Pinastrellaia, traverse the Granducale Pine Forest to the wild beach, while the routes to San Rabano and Le Torri, suitable for mountain bikes or e-bikes, allow you to climb the Monti dell’Uccellina and enjoy breathtaking views of the coast. For those who like to travel through the typical agricultural landscapes of the area, then the Strada degli Olivi (Olive Tree Road) route offers a pleasant experience among olive trees and open fields. There are several bike rental points in Alberese, peddling city bikes and e-bikes, with services and guided tours for every need.
Canoe
On a bike in the Maremma Park
An evocative experience is canoeing along the Ombrone River. Excursions take place in stable Canadian canoes, often joined in pairs to form small catamarans that are safe even for children and beginners. Embarkation is from “La Barca” in Alberese before gliding along the calm waters, hoping to spot herons, kingfishers, marsh turtles and a lush vegetation of poplars and willows sloping toward the mouth. In addition to the standard afternoon outings, the Park offers special tours at sunrise, sunset and even under the full moon with the “Full Moon Canoe” experience, providing a unique and relaxing viewpoint of the Park’s nature.
Horse
The Maremma on horseback
Exploring Maremma Park on horseback is an iconic way to ride through pine forests and along wild beaches, observing local wildlife, such as foxes and Maremma cows. Several facilities offer guided activities, such as walks through the pine forest to the beach or excursions to the San Rabano Abbey. Some centers even organize sunrise or sunset walks or experiences with the legendary Maremma cowboys, combining sport, culture and tradition.
To better arrange your time in the Maremma Park, the Visitor Center in Alberese at Via del Bersagliere 7/9 is open daily from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, offering detailed information, trail maps, guided tour reservations and entrance ticket purchases. While in the park, it is essential to abide by certain rules. For instance, always stay on marked trails, do not feed the animals and do not leave behind any garbage to ensure the protection of nature and the safety of all visitors. The park often organizes special events, guided hikes, bicycle tours, horseback rides and canoe trips for unique experiences to discover the wildlife and landscapes of the Maremma in every season.
