Things to do

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Video of Grosseto Province

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