I solemnly swear that I am yet to see spring the Maremma. Long story short, it’s been positively FREEZING up until this point.
But the weekend’s weather predictions sound good and sunny, so I thought it was about time I shared my top ten things to do in the Maremma this spring.
1. Check out the Tuscany Walking Festival 2013
From 13 April until 3 November, Tuscany’s six national parks will be hosting hundreds of guided walking tours. These tours vary in length, difficulty and subject matter. In the Maremma, you can tour the protected park lands on Giannutri Island, soak up the history of Giglio Castello on Giglio Island or enjoy a trek and tasting tour in the Parco della Maremma. Most of the tours are free, but you have to book ahead. For more information, check out their website.
2. Join in the Maremma Food Wine Shire
So the name doesn’t make sense. That’s what happens when Italians try to be creative in English. Still with its slogan I sapori di una terra or the flavours of one land, this event is the biggest food and wine celebration in the Maremma. It’s on in the heart of Grosseto on 17,18 and 19 May, and will include 200 food stalls, wine tasting sessions, educational talks and demonstrations, free guided tours, traditional and classical music, and more.
3. Reacquaint yourself with the Saturnia hot springs
As Goldilocks would say, it’s not too hot and not too cold, but just right for a dip in Saturnia hot springs. Whether you soak up the 37°C sulfur-scented waters for free at the Cascate del Mulino or fork out €22 for the luxury of the Terme di Saturnia Spa Centre, this is the season to do it. If you want to beat the crowds, visit early in the morning, late at night or just after lunch when everyone else is siesting.
4. Take a cooking class
Why settle for simply sampling the Maremma’s incredible cuisine, when you can learn to do it at home? As seasons go, spring is the best for fresh produce with asparagus, peas, green beans, artichokes, mushrooms, red radicchio and even truffles in abundance. Most agriturismo run their own cooking school, but for a guide on where to go, visit my cooking class page.
5. Go mountain biking
Just like summer is the season for beaches, and winter the season for skiing, spring is the season for cycling without dying of heat stroke/hypothermia. The Maremma has more than 30 official bike trails that vary in length and difficulty. You can try them on your own using this interactive map tool or with a guide like Maremma in Bici. You can also visit your nearest tourist information centre and they’ll be able to organise both a bike and tour guide for you.
6. Visit the Citta del Tufo archaeological museum
Yet another outdoor activity, I know, but this one is low in exercise and high in historical magnificence. In two kilometres of forest between Sovana and Sorano, you’ll find some of the most spectacular Etruscan tombs in all of Italy. Carved into the tufa rock, these tombs are adorned with statues from Etruscan mythology and the faces of the dead. Tickets are €5 and you can find directions at the Fortezza Orsini in Sorano’s town centre.
7. Head over to the Acquario Mediterraneo in Porto Santo Stefano
Explore the deep sea depths of the Mediterranean without getting wet at the Maremma’s only aquarium. Everything from sea horses to giant lobsters to dogfish and moray eels are on display in the panoramic tanks. The aquarium also recently acquired a beautiful multi-coloured octopus named Poldo. He can’t predict the Soccer World Cup results, but he did recently break out of his tank and invade one of the nearby shellfish tanks in search of a nighttime snack. The aquarium also runs regular feeding and educational sessions for kids. Tickets are €5 for adults and you can find out more info on their website.
8. Hop on a horse
If bikes aren’t your thing then try horse riding. There are a number of equestrian schools in the Maremma like Pietriccio Rosso that run regular lessons for tourists. Depending on your experience level, you can take a simple trip around the stables or go on a full blown day-long tour through the Maremma on horseback. Check with your agriturismo for your closest equestrian centre.
9. Meander down a Strada del Vino
The Strada del Vino e i Sapori dei Colli della Maremma combines both the beauty of the Maremma with the pure indulgence of its artisan products. You can use it as a guide to the best local products and wine sold direct by the farmers and winemakers. You can use it to find farms where you can try your hand at cheese and wine making. Or you can follow one of the set itineraries for a day spent immersed in the culinary and natural splendour of the Maremma. For more info, check out their website.
10. Shop in style on Orbetello’s Corso
Last but not least, drop by Orbetello’s Corso and enjoy the spring sales. With its mix of artisan stores, handmade and designer clothing, homeware and antique boutiques, restaurants, gelaterias and cake shops, Orbetello’s Corso is the best place to shop in the Maremma. And with spring in full bloom, the shops are open until 8pm, so you can join the locals for an after dinner stroll.