Grosseto & Maremma

Naturally a visit to this city is a must. It began to develop during the Etruscan period with a more extensive road structure being developed during the Roman empire, which includes the Via Aurelia, still existing today. During the medieval period many of the main Roman and original Etruscan villages were abandoned and Grosseto was constructed. It was then fortified by the Medici dynasty and has much history to offer, such as the stunning Piazza Dante, the city's main square and home to many important buildings and the Palazzo Provinciale; a beautiful neo-Gothic building, constructed from travertine rock.

Be sure to wear some good walking shoes as the city is predominantly pedestrianised and there is so much to see, including some great shopping. Local artisans produce quality goods in leather and pottery, but look out for the lovely jewellery, the designs of which are inspired by the Etruscan period. You will also be able to buy some excellent local cheeses and pork products and of course many wonderful local wines.

Situated in Southern Tuscany, this enchanting region remains completely unspoiled, it consists of 130 km of coast line with beaches, pinewoods and rocky shores are broken by numerous coves that are now tourist harbours: Punta Ala, Castiglione della Pescaia, Marina di Grosseto, Talamone, Porto Santo Stefano, Porto Ercole, Cala Galera and the harbours on the islands of Giglio and Giannutri. Known as the Maremma, it has a stunning and varied scenery which gives way to golden beaches and crystal-clear waters. The natural beauty also encompasses an incredible history and there are many archaeological sites dating back to the Romans. Add to the mix a wonderful cuisine and superb local wines, this part of Tuscany has everything you could wish for.

As many parts of the Grosseto Region are not major tourist areas, you will find that having a comprehensive phrase book and dictionary will be very important. Also attempting to speak Italian will endear you to the locals. There are many small towns and villages in the area, including Montepescali, Pitigliano and Boccheggiano, all with a fascinating medieval history, where little or no English is spoken. These villagers love visitors and if you have a dictionary to hand, you can discover much local history and gossip that would otherwise be missed. Another village to visit is Manciano where you can enjoy the wonderful thermal hot springs; built on a hilltop, the views over the valley out to sea, especially at sunset, are stunning.

What would a trip to Grosseto be without visiting its famous beaches? While taking in the cultural sights is a must, there also needs to be room in the itinerary for some relaxation. Head down to Marina di Alberese and you will find yourself walking on a four-mile long grey-sand beach, possibly all by yourself. Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon someone naked, as this stretch of pristine coastline has a nudist section. If that does not appeal to you, stay by the visitors’ area and have a picnic while watching the sun set on the Ligurian Sea. Stock your picnic basket in the nearby rural town of Alberese, where you can also inform yourself about guided walks and horseback riding in the area. Monti dell'Uccellina nature reserve is situated between the beach and Alberese, making this entire area even more appealing to those keen on getting away from the cities for a day.

Marina di Alberese is adjacent to the city of Grosseto’s own beach, Marina di Grosseto. The two beaches are divided by the mouth of the river Ombrone and are popular among all Italians. What makes the Grosseto beach stand out from its neighbour is the fact that it is much more built up, with restaurants and apartments abounding, but there are more tranquil stretches of this beach with undisturbed sand to be found. Regarding food, Marina di Grosseto offers many seafood restaurants, where one can tuck into a locally caught lobster; those with children need not worry, though, as most restaurants also serve traditional Italian pizzas.    

The Grosseto Province in Tuscany will steal your heart and once you have visited, you will long to return.

Tuscan cuisine is considered to be at the heart of all Italian cookery. Try the delicious cinta senese pork stew and for pasta lovers, pici or papardelle pasta served with a wild boar sauce. If you prefer fish then you must try the incredible, typically Italian gnocchi with lobster or the tagliolini served with salted mullet roe from Orbetello. Sit yourself down at a Trattoria with its colourful checked table cloths and order from a Tuscan wine list which will include such classics as Chianti and the lesser known Montecucco – you cannot visit the region without trying Italy's most famous wine.

Excellent and very popular family run restaurant. It almost looks as if you are going into their house. It is very typical with all guests at one table and typical dishes of the area. It is on the road from Grosseto to Principina, look carefully as it isn’t easy to find. You must book in advance as it is always full. Upon reservation, you can order your special menu if you are looking for vegetarian or gluten free options.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday at dinner only, Saturday at lunch as well and Sunday open at lunch only.


Address: Strada Provinciale 40 della Trappola, 39
58100 Grosseto
Tel: +39 0564400059
Web: www.gliattortellati.com/

Typical and friendly restaurants with good traditional meat dishes. First course Tortelli topped with wild boar sauce is worth a try!


Address: Via Castiglionese, Macchiascandona
58043 Castiglione della Pescaia (Gr)
Tel: +39 0564 944127

A small restaurant located on the road from Castiglione to Vetulonia that offers traditional dishes. Friendly old fashion atmosphere with a nice pergola to dine al fresco in the summer.


Address: Loc. Ampio
Castiglione della Pescaia (Gr)
Tel: +39 0564 944135

The restuarant is located in Pian d'Alma, only 3km from the sea and 6km from Punta Ala. It offers excellent home made food and with well know for its fish dishes. Try the spaghetti with lobster or the tagliolini alla pirata, or their specialty a baked fish with potatoes.


Address: Pian d'Alma, 58043 Grosseto
Tel: +39 0564 923096
Web: https://www.ristorantedabrunopuntaala.it/

Located in the pretty village of Tirli which is in the hills between Follonica and Castiglione della Pescaia.

This renovated farmhouse provides traditional Maremma food, served with a touch of innovation. They have an extensive wine list of mostly Tuscan wines.


Address: Via del Podere 8, 58040 Tirli

Supermarket - There is a Coop supermarket usual hours 08.00 to 13.00 & 16.00 to 19.00
Closed on Sunday all day. There also other smaller supermarkets.

Hospital - There is a hospital with emergency room in Grosseto. At the hospital there is also a hyperbaric chamber, this is the nearest chamber for those diving along the Southern Tuscan coast.

Chemist - There are several chemists in Grosseto. The one in via dei Mille is always open tel: +39 0564 416226.

Petrol - There are several petrol station in the town that operate a 24 hour machine service, you will need a 20 or 50 Euro note when they are closed. Most are open Monday to Saturday at approximately the following times 07.30/12.30 and 15.30/19.30

Market - There is a weekly market in Grosseto.

Banks - There are several banks in Grosseto with cash dispensers that accept Credit Cards. Most banks are open in the mornings and only for an hour in the afternoons. 

Dry Cleaner - There are several dry cleaners in Grosseto and also one in Castiglione della Pescaia.

Horse racing - There is a horse race track in Grosseto where often races are held. This is on the road between Grosseto and Principina.

Mass - There is a church in Grosseto. There is a Mass on Saturday evening at 18.00 and on Sunday at 08.00, 11.00 & 18.00

As Tuscany covers approximately 22,993 square kilometres and the Province of Grosseto 4,500 sq km, there is much to see and do. Immediate thoughts turn to car hire, but you should also consider the train as the region offers an excellent service. Tickets are reasonably priced and you will be able to pay by credit or debit card, making it easier to keep track of your finances. Indeed, to even consider taking a car into places such as Florence is pointless, as you will spend more time sitting in traffic jams than viewing the sites. For touring the forests, countryside and beaches, a cheaper option than car hire is the excellent bus service, although out-of-the way places will require a car.

This helpful link will save you time when looking for parking in Grosseto
http://www.parkopedia.it/parcheggi/grosseto/

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