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The Maremma
Between the sea and the hinterland, Etruscan excavations and natural parks
The Maremma coast in Tuscany is a long strip that goes from Cecina to Monte Argentario. With its long tracts of sandy beach, gentle headlands, dunes and pine-forests, this stretch of Tuscan coast has a particular charm. There are over ten parks, reserves, protected areas and WWF sanctuaries which include Bolgheri, San Silvestro, Baratti Populonia and the famous Maremma Park. This was the first protected area of the Region of Tuscany (since 1975) and is also known as the ''Parco dell'Uccellina''. It is a rare example of a protected and intact environment which it is possible to enjoy without being overrun by a ''sea'' of tourists from the beach.
The Mediterranean bush encircles the whole area. The journey along the beaches and through the wild pine forests are perfumed by arbutus, juniper, mastic, rosemary, ilex and myrtle. A little further along the coast the trees become thicker. Bitter oak, black hornbeam and wild maple are mixed in with the Mediterranean pines and the bush is populated with wild boar, dear, otters and peregrine falcons.
First Etruscan, then successively Roman, Pisan, Sienese and part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, to be finally reclaimed and newly planned in the fascist period, the Maremma preserves elements and remains from every significant period of its history. It is an area rich in contrasting and varying features but remains compact and stamped with a strong identity. It is an area which is at the same time wild, natural and fertile. It was the land of bandits (such as Domenico Tiburzi who has been called the ''Robin Hood of the Maremma'') and the chosen home of noble families (such as the Aldobrandeschis). It is the new Eldorado of the wine industry and the carefully preserved sanctuary of ancient traditions, customs and flavours.
We have organised excursions in the various natural parks of this area which include Cecina and Bolgheri, San Silvestro with its medieval mining village, Baratti-Populonia and its interesting Etruscan necropolis, the Scarlino coast with its splendid and peaceful coves, the Parco dell’Uccellina, Monte Argentario and the lagune of Orbetello, the dunes and the sea, and the beautiful headlands with their vines and small coves. Other routes follow trails through small fortified towns such as Montemassi, Montepescali, Montepò, Capalbio and Manciano in the more harsh and tortuous terrain of the Maremma and immersed in the green of the woods.
The ancient Tuscia further to the south still exists and it is a fascinating experience to rediscover it through the many archaeologic routes and the finely frescoed ancient Etruscan tombs (Tarquinia), the striking orange tufa towns such as Pitigliano, Sovana, and Sorano, and old thermal sulphur spas (Saturnia). A pleasant way to leave the Maremma is after a visit to the ''Giardini dei Tarocchi'', a splendid fantasy park created by the French artist Niki de Saint-Phalle, a whimsical game comprising a subtle architecture of mirrors, mosaic fragments and tiles.
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