Grosseto is located in the very south of Tuscany. It is one of the largest provinces in the region. Although the territory is huge, it is the most sparsely populated area in Italy. The density of population is only 25 people per square kilometer.
The landscape of Grosseto represents all the variety of the Mediterranean. The coast is a range of beaches, lagoons and bays, hills and cliffs, resorts and fishing villages. Punta Ala, Follonica, Castiglione della Pescaia are among famousresorts. Although only a part of the province is claimed to protect wildlife, local people and tourists treat all the surrounding beauty with respect. As a result, ecologists have awarded the beaches of Follonica and Castiglione della Pescaia with the Blue Flags.
Mountain areas in the west are mostly covered with chestnut and Italian pine forests. Monte Amiata is remarkable for its height and volcanic origin. It is the highest point of Tuscany reaching 1738 meters above the sea level. Ski mountaineering has been rapidly developing here recently. Ancient towns are located on the slopes of the mountain cautiously keeping the historical sites. Monte Amiata is also the place of mineral water springs.
You can taste healing waters in other areas of Grosseto as well. Bagni di Roselle is the spring to the north-east, located close to the ruins of an Etruscan city. The water is saturated with common (sodium chloride) and Glauber's (sodium sulphate) salt. That is why it has a bitter taste. The spring of Saturnia is of great help to people suffering from rheumatism, skin and respiratory diseases.
Grosseto attracts lovers of ancient times. The Etruscans used to livehere long ago, then they lost their ethnic uniqueness and assimilated with Roman invaders. The province has kept many archaeological monuments which reflect the change of cultures and epochs. Here you can visit the Etruscan grave-mounds, the ruins of Roman buildings, Roman and Gothic castles, numerous cathedrals and churches. The memory of the past has been also kept in the local museums. The Archaeological Museum of Maremma has one of the richest collections in Tuscany.
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Grosseto is the official capital of the same name province in Tuscany and an unofficial capital of the Maremma region. The population of...
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Massa Marittima is an excellent example of Middle Age town-museum. A lot of impressive constructions of the XII -XIV centuries have been retained in this town. Massa Marittima was founded by the Etruscans and gained its prosperity in the XI century.
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The shore of Maremma is rich in charming places for resort recreation. Follonica is one of them. It is a town-commune, which stretches at the bay of the same name.
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The coast of Punta Ala is considered to be one of the best swimming areas in the whole Tuscany. The place is also great for doing water sports. A sailing school is located in the town, as well as a prestigious yacht-club. The largest yacht harbor in Tuscany is located in Punta Ala. And no surprise, sailing regattas are arranged here.
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The settlement of Pitigliano is located on the so-called Etruscan coast of Tuscany.
The ancient Etruscans founded the settlement on...
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Orbetello is a town with a population of about fifteen thousand people. It got its name after the lagoon of Orbetello. The town has a very unusual location. It is situated on the neck which connects the cape of the Argentario with the continental part of Tuscany.
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