Grosseto Area Travel Guide

The territory around the city of Grosseto is one of the richest of Etruscan archaeological sites and towns, which often still preserve their Etruscan name. In addition, the territory includes a large part of the Maremma terroir and the natural reservation Uccellina Park.
The towns of Vetulonia and Massa Marittima lay in the northern part of the province.

One leaves Grosseto bearing northwards along the Aurelia, until Braccagni, then right, along a side road to Montepescali, a medieval village that still possesses most of the impressive fortifications it was endowed with by the Sienese in the 16th century. See also the fine Romanesque-Gothic church of San Lorenzo, and the even more ancient church of St. Nicholas, near the Torre del Cassero, or keep tower, with 14th-century frescoes. Proceeding along the Aurelia until Grilli, one takes a lovely twisting road up to Populonia.

Returning to the Aurelia one continues along it until Gavorrano station, where one turns off right in the direction of Massa Marittima. From Massa, proceeding along State Rd. #73 towards the sea, one gets to Follonica with its fine beaches sheltered by mile-long pine groves. The town enjoyed its greatest industrial expansion in the 19th century when the surrounding countryside was finally freed of malaria and the traditional foundries and smelting activities of the area where given a new lease of life thanks to the grand Duke’s policy of encouraging local activities. The church of San Leopoldo is in fact dedicated to the St. after whom the Grand Duke of the time was named. Continuing southwards along the coast road one encounters a succession of enchanting views of the surrounding countryside, which is a blend of Mediterranean scrub, pine woods and rocky outcrops, one arrives finally at Punta Ala, situated at the tip of the point that encloses the bay of Follonica. Further south towards Marina di Grosseto one finds Castiglione della Pescaia, a well known and fully equipped seaside resort divided into two sections, a modern lower section and a medieval fortified parts crowded around the frowning Aragonese fortress dating back to the 14th century.

The national reserve of Uccellina
This is a magnificent wildlife reserve also including a short stretch of the coast of Grosseto, between Marina di Alberese and Talamone. This stretch of coast was preserved from the damaging transformations that interested the rest of the coast during the past few decades. It was founded in 1975 and access is allowed on specific times of the day and days of the year depending on the season. During your visits you will have to stay on the path traced by the management, and will have to proceed on foot. The park can be visited on four paths, but we will get back to this more in depth with a dedicated section.

Other splendid areas to visit are Orbetello, Argentario, and Sansedonia including some of the most enchanting towns and stretches of coast. In addition the towns of Sovana, Sorano, Pitigliano, and Santa Fiora are a must see and should be dedicated one full day trip.