Nature and traditions, from the hinterland to the coast
Walk through silent forests, discover villages carved out of tuff, feel embraced by the warmth of the hot springs and enjoy authentic dishes and products. Southern Tuscany proves to be an ideal place for those who want to slow down and reconnect with nature and traditions. In this week-long itinerary, we take you through the hills of Grosseto and to the summit of Monte Amiata and the crystal-clear beaches of Northern Maremma.
The journey begins in Batignano, a village perched on a hill that pops up almost unexpectedly in the Maremma landscape. The bicycle is the ideal means for savoring the tranquility of this place to the full.
When stepping through Porta Grossetana, you immediately find yourself embraced by an atmosphere of yesteryear, strolling along stone-paved alleys and small widenings in the road that tell stories of centuries past. The heart of the village pulsates around the Parish Church of San Martino, an architectural jewel that bears witness to the area's rich history. Its construction with Roman and medieval materials recovered from nearby Roselle, offers a fascinating lesson in re-use and cultural stratification. From here, the view opens up to the hills covered in olive trees, evoking the rich local olive-growing tradition and suggesting a date to mark on your calendar: the Batignano Olive Oil Festival, an event not-to-be-missed, held every October, that attracts visitors from all over to celebrate the excellence of extra virgin olive oil. A few minutes' ride from Batignano you will find the remains of the Convent of Santa Croce. This imposing structure, commissioned by Maria Christina of Lorraine in the first half of the 17th century, stands in a panoramic position on a hill in front of the village, offering further insight into the history and culture of this captivating area.
Don't forget to try the "rivolto", a kind of crêpe filled with guanciale (pork jowl) and pecorino cheese, a local specialty.
Where to park
Facilities like agricampsites, well equipped to accommodate campers, can be found in the area.
The journey begins in Batignano, a village perched on a hill that pops up almost unexpectedly in the Maremma landscape. The bicycle is the ideal means for savoring the tranquility of this place to the full.
When stepping through Porta Grossetana, you immediately find yourself embraced by an atmosphere of yesteryear, strolling along stone-paved alleys and small widenings in the road that tell stories of centuries past. The heart of the village pulsates around the Parish Church of San Martino, an architectural jewel that bears witness to the area's rich history. Its construction with Roman and medieval materials recovered from nearby Roselle, offers a fascinating lesson in re-use and cultural stratification. From here, the view opens up to the hills covered in olive trees, evoking the rich local olive-growing tradition and suggesting a date to mark on your calendar: the Batignano Olive Oil Festival, an event not-to-be-missed, held every October, that attracts visitors from all over to celebrate the excellence of extra virgin olive oil. A few minutes' ride from Batignano you will find the remains of the Convent of Santa Croce. This imposing structure, commissioned by Maria Christina of Lorraine in the first half of the 17th century, stands in a panoramic position on a hill in front of the village, offering further insight into the history and culture of this captivating area.
Don't forget to try the "rivolto", a kind of crêpe filled with guanciale (pork jowl) and pecorino cheese, a local specialty.
Where to park
Facilities like agricampsites, well equipped to accommodate campers, can be found in the area.
Monte Amiata is a true green lung for Southern Tuscany, characterized by slopes covered with vast chestnut forests and one of the largest and densest beech forests in Europe. For those traveling by motor home, the Rifugio Vetta is a lodge offering a convenient paid parking lot accessible to motor homes and easy to get to via a road open to vehicles. From there, a short walk will take you to the Monte Amiata Cross (1,738 m).
From the summit, a 360-degree panoramic view opens up, stretching from the Argentario promontory to Lake Bolsena and towards the Apennine peaks. On the clearest days, when looking out to sea, you can clearly make out the silhouettes of Elba Island, Giglio, Montecristo and even Corsica. A circular hiking trail runs around the ancient volcano, allowing you to explore the beautiful beech forests and views of Monte Amiata.
The next stop takes us to Bagni San Filippo, a charming village of hot springs famous for its original limestone formations.
Prominent among them is the striking "White Whale," a true natural sculpture shaped by the thermal waters. Here, you can enjoy a rejuvenating bath "en plein air" in the natural pools of Fosso Bianco, which you can reach on foot in just five minutes. Hot waters flow over the limestone deposits creating spectacular shapes and colors.
Where to park
For a temporary stop in Bagni San Filippo, parking is recommended along the SP61 provincial road, on the left. There is another parking lot along the road, at No. 3 Via Fosso Bianco.
Monte Amiata is a true green lung for Southern Tuscany, characterized by slopes covered with vast chestnut forests and one of the largest and densest beech forests in Europe. For those traveling by motor home, the Rifugio Vetta is a lodge offering a convenient paid parking lot accessible to motor homes and easy to get to via a road open to vehicles. From there, a short walk will take you to the Monte Amiata Cross (1,738 m).
From the summit, a 360-degree panoramic view opens up, stretching from the Argentario promontory to Lake Bolsena and towards the Apennine peaks. On the clearest days, when looking out to sea, you can clearly make out the silhouettes of Elba Island, Giglio, Montecristo and even Corsica. A circular hiking trail runs around the ancient volcano, allowing you to explore the beautiful beech forests and views of Monte Amiata.
The next stop takes us to Bagni San Filippo, a charming village of hot springs famous for its original limestone formations.
Prominent among them is the striking "White Whale," a true natural sculpture shaped by the thermal waters. Here, you can enjoy a rejuvenating bath "en plein air" in the natural pools of Fosso Bianco, which you can reach on foot in just five minutes. Hot waters flow over the limestone deposits creating spectacular shapes and colors.
Where to park
For a temporary stop in Bagni San Filippo, parking is recommended along the SP61 provincial road, on the left. There is another parking lot along the road, at No. 3 Via Fosso Bianco.
Now is the time to explore the hills that lie at the foot of Monte Amiata in a motor home, visiting charming villages such as Seggiano, Castel del Piano, Arcidosso, Santa Fiora , Roccalbegna and Castell’Azzara.
These villages are an ideal destination for campers who wish to combine the freedom of road travel with the discovery of a truly rich cultural and historical heritage.
We suggest you taste the local products, such as the exquisite pecorino cheese from Roccalbegna, Seggiano Extra Virgin Olive Oil PDO and Castagna del Monte Amiata PGI, which stars in many typical local recipes such as castagnaccio, necci and polenta.
Where to park
Castel del Piano: municipal motor home stopping area in Prato delle Macinaie (Piazzale 20 Giugno 1944). With free access, it is an ideal base for exploring Monte Amiata. There are bars, restaurants, a bike rental point and an adventure park on site.
Now is the time to explore the hills that lie at the foot of Monte Amiata in a motor home, visiting charming villages such as Seggiano, Castel del Piano, Arcidosso, Santa Fiora , Roccalbegna and Castell’Azzara.
These villages are an ideal destination for campers who wish to combine the freedom of road travel with the discovery of a truly rich cultural and historical heritage.
We suggest you taste the local products, such as the exquisite pecorino cheese from Roccalbegna, Seggiano Extra Virgin Olive Oil PDO and Castagna del Monte Amiata PGI, which stars in many typical local recipes such as castagnaccio, necci and polenta.
Where to park
Castel del Piano: municipal motor home stopping area in Prato delle Macinaie (Piazzale 20 Giugno 1944). With free access, it is an ideal base for exploring Monte Amiata. There are bars, restaurants, a bike rental point and an adventure park on site.
From Monte Amiata, we arrive at the famous hot springs of Saturnia. The hot sulfur waters of Cascate del Mulino, with their natural pools fed by hot springs, flow at 37 degrees Celsius and are suitable at any time of year. With some added value for campers: there are several well-equipped areas around here.
After relaxing in the natural pools, you can visit the picturesque Etruscan villages of Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana. Don't miss a walk along the vie cave, ancient roads carved by the Etruscans.
Among them, the Cava di San Sebastiano route allows you to walk for less than a kilometer between walls up to 20 meters high, shrouded in vegetation and plays of light.
Where to park
Saturnia: If you are traveling in a small van with a height of under 2.50 m, you can park in the convenient parking lot about 100 meters from the hot springs. Larger motor homes can be accommodated in the well-equipped parking lots in Saturnia, one kilometer from the hot springs: from here, a shuttle service leads to both the free hot springs and the Cascate del Mulino.
Sovana: a motor home stopping place at San Sebastiano, 300 m from the town center. Equipped with water, a well, electricity and lighting. In a quiet, green location.
Pitigliano: stopping area in Piazza Pietro Nenni.
From Monte Amiata, we arrive at the famous hot springs of Saturnia. The hot sulfur waters of Cascate del Mulino, with their natural pools fed by hot springs, flow at 37 degrees Celsius and are suitable at any time of year. With some added value for campers: there are several well-equipped areas around here.
After relaxing in the natural pools, you can visit the picturesque Etruscan villages of Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana. Don't miss a walk along the vie cave, ancient roads carved by the Etruscans.
Among them, the Cava di San Sebastiano route allows you to walk for less than a kilometer between walls up to 20 meters high, shrouded in vegetation and plays of light.
Where to park
Saturnia: If you are traveling in a small van with a height of under 2.50 m, you can park in the convenient parking lot about 100 meters from the hot springs. Larger motor homes can be accommodated in the well-equipped parking lots in Saturnia, one kilometer from the hot springs: from here, a shuttle service leads to both the free hot springs and the Cascate del Mulino.
Sovana: a motor home stopping place at San Sebastiano, 300 m from the town center. Equipped with water, a well, electricity and lighting. In a quiet, green location.
Pitigliano: stopping area in Piazza Pietro Nenni.
A motor home travel experience in Maremma is not complete without spending some time along its enchanting coastline. This leg of your Southern Maremma itinerary is designed to accompany outdoor activities with moments of pure relaxation, all in the nature of the Maremma Park.
The ideal departure point for doing some exploring is Alberese.
For the excursion, a bicycle rental service is available, located in front of the Visitor Center. From here, we venture along Path A6, the "Wildlife Trail," which starts at the Alberese cycle path. The route winds through a lush forest and a vast olive grove, offering an authentic glimpse of the Tuscan landscape. The descent reveals spectacular views of Argentario and the sea and leads directly to the picturesque beach of Collelungo, which is only accessible on foot or by bicycle, a feature that maintains its uncontaminated atmosphere. The return to the starting point requires more effort (about 30 minutes for the outward journey and 50 minutes for the return; for those who are not in particularly good shape, the use of an electric bicycle is recommended).
Those who want a less strenuous option may want to choose the bike path that connects Alberese to Marina di Alberese: a flat route of about 18 kilometers (round trip) that winds largely through the picturesque Granducale Pine Forest and is ideal for a relaxing and scenic ride.
To witness one of the most striking sights Maremma has to offer, we recommend reaching Marina di Alberese in the late afternoon and following the signs to the mouth of the Ombrone River. This panoramic viewpoint can be reached on foot along the A7 Trail, an easy route, suitable for everyone, about five kilometers long, offering a unique opportunity to admire the sun as it goes down into the sea, filling the sky with unforgettable colors.
Visitors also have the option of choosing a canoe trip along the Ombrone River, in small groups, accompanied by a nature guide.
Where to park
A dedicated parking area for motor homes is available in Alberese at the Park’s Visitor Center. Here, travelers can find all the information about the available trails and purchase tickets to enter the park.
Important: During peak tourist periods, motor home access to the park may be restricted. Therefore, we advise you to inquire in advance at the Alberese visitor center, to be sure of a smooth travel experience.
A motor home travel experience in Maremma is not complete without spending some time along its enchanting coastline. This leg of your Southern Maremma itinerary is designed to accompany outdoor activities with moments of pure relaxation, all in the nature of the Maremma Park.
The ideal departure point for doing some exploring is Alberese.
For the excursion, a bicycle rental service is available, located in front of the Visitor Center. From here, we venture along Path A6, the "Wildlife Trail," which starts at the Alberese cycle path. The route winds through a lush forest and a vast olive grove, offering an authentic glimpse of the Tuscan landscape. The descent reveals spectacular views of Argentario and the sea and leads directly to the picturesque beach of Collelungo, which is only accessible on foot or by bicycle, a feature that maintains its uncontaminated atmosphere. The return to the starting point requires more effort (about 30 minutes for the outward journey and 50 minutes for the return; for those who are not in particularly good shape, the use of an electric bicycle is recommended).
Those who want a less strenuous option may want to choose the bike path that connects Alberese to Marina di Alberese: a flat route of about 18 kilometers (round trip) that winds largely through the picturesque Granducale Pine Forest and is ideal for a relaxing and scenic ride.
To witness one of the most striking sights Maremma has to offer, we recommend reaching Marina di Alberese in the late afternoon and following the signs to the mouth of the Ombrone River. This panoramic viewpoint can be reached on foot along the A7 Trail, an easy route, suitable for everyone, about five kilometers long, offering a unique opportunity to admire the sun as it goes down into the sea, filling the sky with unforgettable colors.
Visitors also have the option of choosing a canoe trip along the Ombrone River, in small groups, accompanied by a nature guide.
Where to park
A dedicated parking area for motor homes is available in Alberese at the Park’s Visitor Center. Here, travelers can find all the information about the available trails and purchase tickets to enter the park.
Important: During peak tourist periods, motor home access to the park may be restricted. Therefore, we advise you to inquire in advance at the Alberese visitor center, to be sure of a smooth travel experience.
The trip ends in Castiglione della Pescaia: located on a promontory overlooking the sea and enclosed by ancient walls, it is a real gem with its distinctive alleys, houses adorned with flowers and artisan workshops. Only a twenty-minute drive separates Castiglione della Pescaia from Punta Ala, a promontory renowned for its large, sandy beaches.
You can end your day by admiring the sunset, strolling along the marina among yachts and moored boats and dining at one of the restaurants with a view of the sea.
Where to park
Castiglione della Pescaia: a large parking lot on Via Monte Bianco, one kilometer from the town center. Alternatively, the cemetery car park on Via Montenero can be used for temporary parking.
Punta Ala: a mixed-use parking lot in Via del Porto for cars and motor homes, which is free and well located for visiting Punta Ala. Parking lot on Via del Castello, with a free parking area reserved for cars and motor homes, in an excellent position for visiting Punta Ala.
The trip ends in Castiglione della Pescaia: located on a promontory overlooking the sea and enclosed by ancient walls, it is a real gem with its distinctive alleys, houses adorned with flowers and artisan workshops. Only a twenty-minute drive separates Castiglione della Pescaia from Punta Ala, a promontory renowned for its large, sandy beaches.
You can end your day by admiring the sunset, strolling along the marina among yachts and moored boats and dining at one of the restaurants with a view of the sea.
Where to park
Castiglione della Pescaia: a large parking lot on Via Monte Bianco, one kilometer from the town center. Alternatively, the cemetery car park on Via Montenero can be used for temporary parking.
Punta Ala: a mixed-use parking lot in Via del Porto for cars and motor homes, which is free and well located for visiting Punta Ala. Parking lot on Via del Castello, with a free parking area reserved for cars and motor homes, in an excellent position for visiting Punta Ala.