Grosseto (province)

Grosseto is a province at the southern end of Tuscany of the Tuscany Region of Italy. The seaside, with its favourable climate throughout the year, is the driving force of tourism. Cultural tourism is experiencing a growth phase, thanks to the numerous archaeological areas and the historical centres, where medieval and Renaissance atmospheres blend together. Rural tourism is also a factor, thanks to the numerous protected areas present which have kept the landscapes and natural habitats almost unchanged (above all the Maremma Natural Park). Summer and winter mountain tourism are also important, which involves the area of Monte Amiata where you can ski in winter, and spa tourism, thanks to the very famous Terme di Saturnia in the homonymous locality in the municipality of Manciano and the emerging Terme di Petriolo in the municipality of Civitella Paganico. == Cities == 1 Grosseto — completely surrounded by an circle of walls built by the Medici in the 16th century, which has maintained its appearance almost unchanged over the centuries 2 Arcidosso — popular in summer and winter for historical places and skiing on Monte Amiata 3 Montorgiali — a small medieval village with a 4 Orbetello — a peninsula with many kilometres of enchanting beaches 5 Pitigliano — known as the little Jerusalem due to the historical presence of a Jewish community 6 Porto Ercole — a gulf town with four fortresses and three lookout points 7 Porto Santo Stefano — hosrs the "Palio marinaro", an annual 4000-m rowing regatta 8 Saturnia — a group of hot springs 9 Talamone — a village on a rocky promontory == Other destinations == 1 Maremma – a destination for agritourism, its coast has beautiful beaches that are hardly developed 2 Giglio – an island of great interest for scuba diving, although the 2012 wreck of the Costa Concordia has been removed 1 Vetulonia. Perched in the hills of the Maremma, Vetulonia is one of Tuscany’s most evocative Etruscan sites, once a powerful member of the Etruscan League. Today it is best known for its extensive necropolis of monumental tombs and its excellent archaeological museum displaying grave goods from the city’s aristocratic past. (updated Jun 2026) == Understand == It is one of the least densely populated provinces in Italy. The territory is mainly hilly in the internal areas, with the exception of isolated mountainous reliefs in the area of the Colline Metallifere in the northern part and the volcanic cone of Monte Amiata in the eastern part of the province. The Maremma plain extends close to the coastal strip, sporadically interrupted by isolated promontories, which also tends to extend inland, following the low valleys of the main watercourses. The coastal strip is also characterised by some humid areas, such as lagoons and marshy environments. == Get in == == Get around == The provincial centres are connected to the capital to a bus service managed by -Autolinee Toscane. == See == Almost all the settlements in the province had their origins and development in the medieval era, when they were completely enclosed by fortified walls, sometimes built on structures from the Etruscan era. They generally developed around the places of feudal power; in some localities, the walls were further fortified by the Cassero Senese, in the years in which these became part of the Republic of Siena. In some cases, the original walls were further expanded or redeveloped during the Renaissance period. Among the most famous and impressive, the walls of Grosseto give a fortified aspect to the historic city centre, while those of Capalbio and Magliano in Toscana stand out for the value that characterizes them. Almost all of the historic centres of the municipalities and hamlets of the province of Grosseto are of medieval origin and, at times, developed near Etruscan and Roman settlements. All the locations are therefore characterized by the presence of palaces and churches, where Romanesque and Gothic stylistic elements can be seen. Among the most important medieval centres are those of Santa Fiora. Among the most important castles are Santa Fiora and Arcidosso. The province of Grosseto has a large number of churches, almost all of medieval origins, among which 5 cathedrals stand out: the Cathedral of Massa Marittima in Romanesque style , the Cathedral of Grosseto in Romanesque-Gothic style, the Cathedral of Orbetello in Gothic style and with Baroque decorations inside, the Cathedral of Sovana in Romanesque style with paleo-Christian elements, the Cathedral of Pitigliano in Baroque style but with a bell tower that recalls its medieval origins. === Spas === Casal di Pari's spa. Casale, also known as Casal di Pari because of its proximity to the older village of Pari, is located on a hill at 470 metres. It was another of the small centres of the Ardengheschi family that later came under the control of Siena. Casale is famous for its spas. Pitigliano's spa. the spa of Pitigliano is located in the Maremma, a land of fascinating and significant cultural content. Saturnia's spa. Saturnia's spa is in the town of Manciano, an oasis of comfort and relax in Tuscany near villages rich of history. Argentario's spa. A 2700 m² spa that mixes modern and retro features. Located between the harbours of fashionable Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano in the Argentario Promontory. == Do == The cascades of Saturnia is a must to visit. The unique geological formation is a great place to relax after a busy schedule. The thermal water runs through a number of natural pools where you can just sit and enjoy. The Arcipelago Toscano National Park spans the provinces of Grosseto and Livorno, and includes the seven main islands of the Tuscan Archipelago: Elba, Isola del Giglio, Capraia, Montecristo, Pianosa, Giannutri, Gorgona, and some of the minor islands and rock outcrops. == Eat == The cuisine is characterised by meat and fish-based dishes and soups made using local agricultural products. Aquaculture in Orbetello and the dairy industries spread throughout the area are also of considerable importance, among which the dairies of Sorano (the very famous Pecorino stravecchio), Manciano (ricotta) and the Amiata area stand out, where they are combined with the equally renowned production of chestnuts and marrons which have obtained DOP recognition. Finally, it is worth mentioning the wealth of excellent quality truffles in the coastal pine forests (marzoli) and in the area around Castell'Azzara. == Drink == The province of Grosseto holds the Maremma Toscana IGT denomination and, among the DOCs, Morellino di Scansano, Montecucco, Monteregio di Massa Marittima, Parrina, Capalbio, Sovana, Bianco di Pitigliano and Ansonica Costa dell'Argentario. Among the red grape varieties, the most widespread is Sangiovese, but many super Tuscans are being produced with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Alicante and Petit Verdot. Among the whites, Trebbiano, Vermentino and Ansonica prevail above all in the Argentario area and on the island of Giglio. == Stay safe == == Go next ==