In the Tuscan comic speech “Maremma” is a frequent interlayer, often used as an expletive. The word Maremma in fact evokes many negative memories, because in the past this “land of the sea” (hence the name) was full of ponds, marshes, unhealthy marshes. And living on this humid and muggy plain wasn’t easy at all. Many died of ailments – such as malaria – which would only be discovered and treated later.

But today, after the reclamation of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the Tuscan Maremma is a fascinating, mythical territory, also populated by original figures … real local “cow boys“. And it offers incredible natural locations where fauna and flora are protected forever.

Maremma, from the marshes to the plain

Five thousand square kilometers of alluvial plain that stretches from Tuscany to Lazio and which for centuries has been at the mercy of stagnant and dangerous waters.

This is what the Maremma was until the eighteenth century.

Then, thanks to the reclamation work begun in 1780 and completed between 1830 and the early twentieth century, it was able to free itself from the unhealthy waters, channeled properly. And it has been reborn as a land of agriculture and breeding. And today as a nature reserve.

If we exclude the Maremma Laziale, outside the Tuscany region, the one within the borders is divided into Maremma Pisana and Maremma Grossetana.

The first includes the province of Pisa and part of that of Livorno, in particular the coast; the Grossetana, on the other hand, includes the territory of Grosseto and part of the province of Siena, up to the sea.

The Maremma Grossetana is in turn divided into four sub-areas:

• plain of the river Pecora,

• plain of the Ombrone,

• plain of Albegna,

• Fiora plain.

The Maremma climate is strongly affected by the Mediterranean heat and heavy Tyrrhenian rainfall.

Temperatures in winter are quite mild, rarely dropping below 15° C. In summer, especially along the coast, they can reach 40 ° with high humidity peaks.

What to see in Maremma

The cowboys on horseback are now a tourist attraction in the Maremma.

They are the ancient medieval herdsmen, whose profession has evolved over time, to become today a folkloristic attraction.

The tuscan cowboys are dressed like American cowboys, they know how to ride Maremma horses very well and guide the great bulls of the Maremma with skill.

To see them at work, in summer, book for one of their many events that take place in the town of Alberese (Grosseto).

Among the monuments and natural beauties of the Maremma, places such as:

• the Argentario coast,

• the lagoon of Orbetello,

• the historic center of Grosseto,

• the center of Saturnia and also its archaeological excavations and the beautiful thermal baths.

They are still the symbol of the Maremma: the Aldobrandesche fortresses, notable medieval defensive forts that can be admired in Talamone, Sovana and Manciano.

Do not miss the village of Capalbio, that of Pitigliano, the center of Castiglione della Pescaia.

Among the important naturalistic itineraries, the paths of Monte Amiata and excursions to Monte Argentario, the reserve of the Giglio Island, the Uccellina Park, the tomboli of the Orbetello lagoon.

Discovering the charm of the Tuscan Maremma

If you want to experience the charm of the Tuscan Maremma, as well as visit Florence and its surrounding countryside, we are waiting for you at Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort, for an itinerary in stages in the most beautiful Tuscany.