Nature parks and reserves

It wouldn’t be too far fetched to say that the Maremma is one big nature park. Its endless stretches of countryside are simply spectacular.

In one corner of the Maremma, verdant plains flow into towering oak forests and wind their way up venerable mountains. On the other side of the province, bright wild flowers dot a rocky coastline that finds its feet at gorgeous beaches. Calm, warm and effortlessly enticing, these beaches are some of the most beautiful in Tuscany.

The Maremmani might be incredibly lucky to have all this at their fingertips, but they don’t take it for granted. The locals have an affinity with the land around them. They don’t just respect it, they, from the oldest nonno to the youngest child, take care of it and appreciate it as often as possible.

You too can enjoy the natural splendour of the Maremma with a simple wander around your agriturismo or hotel, but if you really want to experience the breathtaking landscape that is the Maremma, you have to visit one of its protected parks.

Whether you want to call them oases or simply paradise, these protected parks incorporate everything that is so special about the Maremman environment – the diverse, but constantly picture perfect terrain and the flora and fauna that call it home.

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable day in the Maremma, pack a picnic, grab your walking shoes (or bike) and get out and explore these incredible parks. All of them have designated walking tracks that vary in length, and you can even get a guide if you want some expert company while you soak up the beauty of the Tuscan countryside.

Parco della Maremma: Stretched over 9800ha, the Parco Regionale della Maremma or Parco dell’Uccellina is the best of the Maremma in one spot.

Parco di Monte Amiata: It’s hard to imagine, but all of Monte Amiata’s incredible beauty is preserved in this nature park. It’s the perfect place to relax.

Poggio all’Olmo: This nature reserve is not only a lovely place for a walk, it’s also the perfect place to get up close and personal with Monte Amiata’s famed flora and fauna.

Bosco Rocconi: Easily one of the most beautiful nature reserve in the region, this is a must for anyone who loves a good walk or hike through lush forest.

Lago Burano: Tourist guides everywhere call this Walt Disney’s lake. It’s a strange name, but it perfectly sums up the beauty of this nature reserve.

Laguna di Orbetello: Living next to the Orbetello Lagoon is, by the locals, likened to living next to a nature park. It’s a birdwatcher’s dream and home for between 200 and 450 different bird species.

Diaccia Botrona: One of Europe’s most important nature reserves, Diaccia Botrona is renowned for its rare ecosystem.

Giannutri Island: Giannutri Island is the biggest jewel in the jewellery box that is Monte Argentario. A nature reserve, the island accepts only a small number of visitors a day.

Parco Nazionale delle Colline Metallifere : This park was created to preserve the history of the mining activities that were carried out in the Metalliferous Hills for more than three millennia.

Parco Minerario di Gavorrano: This park recreates Gavorrano’s unique mining history with a mix of mine models, exhibitions and park lands.

Parco Archeominerario di Montieri: This park has plenty of walking and cycling trails, as well as the option of guided tours into its abandoned mines. 

Le Biancane di M. Marittimo: This nature park protects the unique geological conditions found in Monterotondo Marittimo and has been nicknamed, ‘The Gates of Hell’ for its bubbling geysers.

Parco Archeologico Città del Tufo: Part nature park/part ancient city, this outdoor museum connects all of the Maremma’s most spectacular tombs and Etruscan necropolises with one, easy-to-follow trail.