The Tuscan Maremma is an area that is distinguished by the variety and beauty of its natural environments and landscape and its Natural Park is the perfect example of all of these. It is a Regional Park, established in 1975, which extends over 9800 hectares from Principina a Mare (municipality of Grosseto) to Talamone (municipality of Orbetello), along the coastline, bordered towards the hinterland by the Aurelia road. Inland are the Uccellina Mountains (maximum altitude 417 meters) covered by thick Mediterranean vegetation and the wetland at the inlet of the Ombrone River which hosts important colonies of marsh birds.
There are various natural ecosystems that alternate and that host the many species of wild fauna and flora – from small and large mammals to migratory birds, from horses to the Maremmana breed of cattle. Humans too are present and integrated within the park, in particular with the Spergolaia Farm, administrative centre of the regional company and headquarters of the butteri (the Maremma shepherds on horseback).
It is possible to visit all year round (also with a guide and at night), on foot, by bike, in a horse-drawn carriage, by canoe and on horseback thanks to a series of routes, some of which are “seasonal”. And not only to glimpse the deer or foxes or to enjoy the beautiful panoramas that open up from its heights but also to visit some of the historical resources that characterise the landscape: there are in fact several ancient sighting towers which were originally to prevent pirate attacks in the fifteenth century as well as an outstanding point of interest that is the Abbey of San Rabano, fortified in 1321, and recently renovated.
It is in Alberese from the Visitors Centre where most of the identified trails start, while three follow the route from Talamone.
There are also three beaches: Marina di Alberese, the easiest to reach, Collelungo which is the continuation of the previous one and Cala di Forno, located further to the south and only accessible with a guide.