
SURROUNDINGS
STUNNING EXPERIENCES WAIT FOR YOU, ALONG THE SPECTACULAR COAST OF MAREMMA
• CASTIGLIONE DELLA PESCAIA
Castiglione della Pescaia, is an ancient village overlooking the sea, between Punta Ala and Marina di Grosseto. Castiglione della Pescaia boasts pre-historic origins: the first traces of settlement in this area date back about sixty thousand years. The first urban settlement was located in Vetulonia, an ancient Etruscan city located near lake Prile (now disappeared). The Romans founded the village of Salebrone, famous for its mild climate, fish rich lake and countryside abundant in game. After the fall of the Roman Empire and the incursions of the Barbarians, the German emperor Otto the first of Saxony ceded Castiglione to Pisa in 962 AD. Pisa exploited Castiglione’s riches but did not maintain the port and the waters of Lake Prile which became stagnant, leading to malaria epidemics. Today the old part is a true veranda on the Tyrrhenian sea, rich in nightlife and excellent fish restaurants. It is also home to a marina where one can take day trips to the islands of the Tuscan archipelago.
• MARINA DI GROSSETO
A beach of fine light sand, justifiably appreciated for its length and for the clear sea water that bathes it. The pine forest enclosing it offers a relaxed and unspoilt atmosphere. The numerous bathing locations that run alongmost of the coast offer comprehensive services to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. The 10 km public (no charge) beach that connects Marina di Grosseto to Castiglione della Pescaia also affords the opportunity to enjoy beach watersports. The frequent winds and breezes will satisfy lovers of sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
• PARCO DELLA MAREMMA
The Regional Natural Park of the Maremma was established in 1975. Despite its small size (about 10,000 ha) and short history, it has rapidly become an increasingly popular reference point for visitors. In 1993 it was awarded the European Park Diploma issued by the Council of Europe. A visit to the Park is not only enjoyable but also educational. One visit may lead to disappointment as you may not catch all the sights. Remember it is not a zoo and the animals are wild and not performers. Entrance to the Park is by foot only; there are two start points to hiking routes: Alberese and Talamone. Itineraries starting from Alberese, are normally accessible every day. For more information regarding opening times for visits please contact the Park Visitor Centre. It is only a few kilometres from the best beaches of the Maremma coast and only 2.5 km from Alberese where there is comprehensive shopping and services. In the trattorias, and during popular local festivals, you can taste the typical dishes of Maremma cuisine. From our residence you are in easy reach the most beautiful areas of the Maremma coast. Towns such as Talamone and the pristine beach of Cala Violina. If you want you can visit the Argentario for a crossing of the lagoon that surrounds the village of Orbetello. Also nearby are the thermal baths of Saturnia with it’s enchanting natural waterfalls and relaxing pools.
• MONTE ARGENTARIO
Mount Argentario is a headland that extends into the Tyrrhenian Sea facing the two southernmost islands of the Tuscan Archipelago: the Island of Giglio and the Island of Giannutri. Argentario started as an island, but over the centuries the combined action of the sea currents and the river Albegna has created two tomboli, the Tombolo di Giannella and the Tombolo della Feniglia, creating a peninsula and the Orbetello Lagoon. Monte Argentario reaches it’s highest point at Punta Telegrafo (635 m) and characterized by a completely mountainous territory, softened only by years of man’s toil which has created the terraces where vines are grown. The jagged coast has mainly rocky coves and bays, of remarkable, unspoilt beauty. In this context the two lands are found, both with a marine calling, which form the municipality of Monte Argentario. Facing north is Porto Santo Stefano, containing the town hall north, and the smaller Porto Ercole, facing south.
• TERME DI SATURNIA
The Terme di Saturnia are world famous for the powerful thermal spring. It is sulphurous water – carbonate – sulphate – bicarbonate – alkaline – earthy that flows from the subsoil at the rate of 800 litres per second at a constant temperature of 37°C. Thanks to its mineral composition and its natural warmth, the water of Saturnia has healthy and stimulating properties, good for skin, the chest and musculoskeletal system. You can also bathe in the famous Cascate del Molino, limestone waterfalls formed by a natural spring located in the middle of the Maremma countryside a few kilometres from the center of Saturnia.