Camping in the Maremma

The Maremma region in central Italy is currently understood to encompass southern Tuscany and parts of northern Lazio. The region is known for its high-quality wines and focuses on gentle tourism. Instead of large hotel complexes, the Maremma concentrates on camping by the sea, holiday flats and camping on farms. The beaches of the Maremma receive top marks for cleanliness and water quality every year.

Special features of camping in the Maremma

The varied landscape of the Maremma is characterised by dense chestnut and pine forests, rolling hills, wide plains and long sandy beaches. Both from a culinary point of view and in terms of scenic beauty, the region is a predestined holiday destination.

Camping in the Maremma is recommended for fans of the Mediterranean lifestyle, sun worshippers and nature lovers alike. Well-equipped, friendly campsites in the Maremma and pleasant bungalow settlements are mostly located close to the beach, both around the regional capital of Grosseto and in the hilly hinterland.

This makes the Maremma ideal for long hikes through the typical Tuscan landscape and for relaxing beach holidays on the often secluded sandy beaches on the Tyrrhenian Sea. A good mood is the only ingredient you need to bring with you for the perfect holiday here.

How to get there

As a regional centre, Grosseto is a strategically located destination for further exploration of the surrounding area. The city can be used as a hub and transit point for onward journeys to the hinterland and the coast. The southern German cities of Munich and Stuttgart are suitable starting points in Germany.

The entire journey from Munich to Grosseto is 778 kilometres. Take the A93 motorway via Rosenheim to Kufstein in Austria and continue on the Inntal motorway via Innsbruck and the Brenner tunnel. Here, on the South Tyrolean side, we recommend a refreshment stop at the Lanz service area. The journey continues on the A22 motorway via Brixen and Bozen.

Travelling south, you will pass Verona, Modena, Bologna, Florence and Siena. An optional stopover in Bologna or Florence, preferably as a day trip, is highly recommended due to the fabulous city architecture. The last section to Siena leads along the SS223 to Grosseto.

From Stuttgart it is 934 kilometres along the western southern route through Switzerland. The journey from Stuttgart takes you via Zurich. On the A9 motorway before Milan, we recommend a short break with refreshments at Autogrill Villoresi Est. Take the E35 motorway past Parma. A short time later, the route continues along the beautiful Tyrrhenian coast to Grosseto.

Destinations in the Maremma

Villages and small to medium-sized towns such as Orbetello and Massa Marittima dominate civilisation in the Maremma and are ideal destinations for a stroll, enjoyment or shopping. Wonderful piazzas, typical architecture and the lightness of being are omnipresent in many places.

Orbetello

The small town with a good 15,000 inhabitants was founded by the Etruscans and is located on a very narrow headland within a large, enclosed bay, which is only fed by three canals from the sea. In addition to ancient buildings such as the Spanish windmill in the middle of the water, the local coastline is a popular bathing beach. Numerous campsites line the area and not far away is a beautiful nature reserve with a lagoon.

Massa Marittima

Massa Marittima was also once founded as an Etruscan settlement. Well-preserved town walls and historic buildings still bear witness to its ancient past. An archaeological museum provides further insights into ancient eras. The Cathedral of St Cerbonius is also located on the piazza and is an imposing sight.

The town has excellent restaurants and inns that spoil visitors with regional delicacies. 6 km from Massa Marittima is the huge Poggio Tre Cancelli nature reserve, where you can get to know the local wildlife and enjoy the splendour of nature.

Activities and excursions

Depending on your personal preferences, the region can score points in various categories. Gastronomy, nature, dream beaches and medieval architecture are at the top of the list in the Maremma.

Hikes in the nature reserve

The nearby Diaccia Botrona nature reserve is located near Castiglione della Pescaia and also close to the beach. It is home to lagoons with flamingos, eagle nests, kingfishers and herons, which you can encounter on hikes. You can also hire a boat tour on the adjacent canal and explore the area from the outside. The reserve also has a circular route for exploring on your own and a telescope for close observation of the animals. The nearby campsites also offer the unique opportunity to camp in a wooded area close to the beach.

Spa visits and relaxation

The thermal springs are very close to Saturnia and promise relaxing revitalisation in a wild natural setting. The water flows through naturally shaped terraced pools which, according to legend, were formed by the lightning bolts of the god Jupiter when he threw them at his adversary Saturn. The 37.5 degree Celsius sulphur springs are known for their therapeutic and relaxing properties and have their source at the old mill and the Gorello waterfalls.

Gastronomy

The Maremma is known for its guided olive oil and wine tastings at the numerous country inns. The region also attaches great importance to enjoyable and healthy food. Modest but delicious specialities from the hands of farmers and fishermen still set the tone. There are many fish dishes and game specialities.

One regional speciality, for example, is bottarga di Orbetello, the roe of the bighead mullet, which is still processed by hand in the bay of Orbetello. It is often used as a sauce for pasta or eaten with olive oil, pepper and lemon. The popular antipasti bruschetta is topped with cheese, salami and anchovies. Salami and ham made from wild boar meat are particularly popular in the region.

Best time to visit

The weather in southern Tuscany and northern Lazio varies greatly depending on the location. Near the coast, temperatures are typically Mediterranean with an annual average of 15 degrees Celsius. In January, the average is around 8 to 10 degrees Celsius and hardly ever falls below freezing, while in July 23 to 25 degrees Celsius is the norm and the 35 degree mark is rarely exceeded.

Temperatures in the lowlands are slightly cooler on average and in the higher altitudes in the mountainous hinterland, temperatures drop a good deal further. July is considered the month with the least cloud cover and risk of rain, while November, December and January are significantly cloudier and rainier.