Maremma all its villages and coastline

The name Maremma indicates an area of over 5,000 square kilometres. It is mistakenly thought to include only the Tuscan territory, but in reality there is also part of upper Lazio. The coastal area that falls within this ‘land line’ goes from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Ligurian Sea.

Where does the term Maremma come from? Why is Maremma called this way? The name originated in ancient Rome, when the Empire was beginning to extend. Not having names of regions, they used identifying terms. Maremma comes from the Latin: Maritima, meaning: sea areas or coastal areas. It began at the mouth of the river Magra (the border between Liguria and Tuscany), and ended at the mouth of the river Chiarone (upper Lazio).

This name, used for centuries in maritime maps, has remained in the common imagination. So much so that it is still referred to today as: Maremma Tuscany.

What is there to see in this location? It is quite an intense tour, but we can give you some stops to appreciate its natural beauty and the towns that make it up. You don’t necessarily have to visit it all in one day, but make a note of what you should not miss and what you can visit over the months.

Ancient Tuscany in the Maremma

The Maremma has a derivation of towns and cities that were born from Etruscan colonisation, later they were ‘dominated’ by the Roman population. Many were later Roman colonies that created large towns.

There are therefore very old villages that have characterised both the Tuscan dialect and its architecture over time. To visit the Maremma is to catapult oneself into the life of: Ancient Tuscany.

The villages that are very special, with harmonious landscapes, historical and full of art as well as culture, are:

– Pitigliano, typically medieval and located on a ‘spur’ of volcanic rock, here we find a very ancient Roman aqueduct and an equally ancient Jewish quarter named: little Jerusalem

– Sovana, with Romanesque frescoes and mosaics

– Sorano, a village on top of a cliff with a splendid viewpoint. Among its woods are many streams. An Etruscan part has been preserved in the Upper Gate of the village. There is the famous Orsini Fortress

– Talamone, view of the Argentario Gulf. It is located in the Maremma Natural Park. A small seaside and fishing village that has retained all its charm. Popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers

 – Scansano, another medieval village. Visit the Museum of Vineyards and Wine. Intact historic centre. Cobbled streets and houses with red terracotta stones

– Santa Fiore, rich in medieval architecture, large squares and winding streets

– Magliano is a fortified medieval village. It has many ruins and remains of walls and fortresses. You can also visit Romanesque-style churches

These are the villages of ancient Tuscany that end with excellent food and traditional wines. If you visit them, do not forget to stop and eat.

Maremma and its waters

The Maremma is characterised by towns and villages that are perched on cliffs, mountains and hills, but it is mainly a coastal area.

Visit the thermal baths of Saturnia, province of Grosseto, which belong to the Maremma. Beautiful to see and where you can also have thermal cures. Then there is Marina di Massa, another very characteristic area for its sea and beaches. Monteargentario, an unmissable stop for sunbathers, where you must stop for at least a couple of days, Orbetello and Porto Ercole.

We end with wild places like the Rocchette in Castiglione della Pescaia and Punta Ala in Cala Violina. You will realise for yourself why the Maremma is so famous throughout Europe.