The mysteries of the ancient Etruscan civilization hidden among the streets carved in tuff that unite, as in a magical triangle, the villages of Sovana, Sorano and Pitigliano, in the green of the wild Tuscan Maremma.
A ride to the discovery of traces of authentic history, preserved in the infinite pores that only a stone like tuff can give, between antiques necropolisnbsp;e precious evidence of the Etruscan era.
Path description:
The loop route is long26 km, with departure and return a Sovana. From the square of the village you go down to the SP 22< near the Rocca Aldobrandesca. With slight undulations we proceed to the beginning of the descent that passes near the necropolis of San Rocco and ends at the bridge over the river Lente: here begins the ascent to the heart of Sorano, along a spectacular road dug into the tuff.
After a proper visit of the historic center, you resume cycling in the direction of Pitigliano, which you reach downhill after a short stretch of climb to get to San Quirico. Once in the inhabited area, you can choose to enter the old town or continue straight and go down along a series of hairpin bends to the junction for Sovana. After crossing the bridge over the Lente, go up for about 4 km until the junction with the SP 22 that, downhill, leads back to Sovana.
Technical advice:
The route develops on paved roads, ideal for cycling. The most challenging part is the short climb to Sorano.
Maremma Tuscany, a green ribbon along the sea
The entire Maremma coast from Bibbona to Marina di Grosseto stretches in the shade of large pine trees. These pine forests, often planted in place of the original planitial forests of holm oak and other essences, are part of the landscape shaped by at least two centuries of human work.
The beautiful pine forests of the Val di Cornia Cultural Park are protected and equipped with paths; the pine forests of Marina di Alberese are open to visits on some defined paths, planted by the Lorraine family and now perfectly integrated into the natural environment of the Maremma Regional Park.
The most famous places:
- Follonica is renowned for its beach, free and equipped, but the vocation of this coastal town has always been the steel industry. In the vast complex of the former ILVA Cast Iron Foundry, the Iron and Cast Iron Museum documents processing techniques and machinery in the Grand Ducal era.
- Scarlino: the town of Scarlino includes two other hamlets: Scarlino Scalo and Puntone, where the marina is located. Among the environmental and naturalistic merits we must also mention the forest complex of the Bandite and in particular the Coastal area whose access is allowed only on foot, on horseback or by bicycle.
- Castiglione della Pescaia: immersed in a beautiful pine forest, is equipped and renowned seaside resort with a port channel, stretched between the sea and the back of Poggio Petriccio. Behind the modern area, high above the sea, there are the ancient houses of Castiglione Castello, the medieval village perched on a rocky spur and enclosed by the formidable walls reinforced by numerous towers. During the summer months the village lives a great animation, especially in August when there is the Palio marinaro.
- Marina di Grosseto: Small coastal village built around the tower of Salt, the only vestige of the past, Marina di Grosseto has experienced a remarkable development of seaside tourism called by the wide sandy beach that goes south to Bocca d’Ombrone, that is directly in the Regional Park of Maremma.
The most famous beaches:
- Rocchette Beach: is one of the most beautiful and famous Maremma beaches. Of fine and clear sand, it is set in a wild and suggestive landscape. This locality is characterized by a dark red rocky ridge, north of the beach, which you can face reaching a pebble cove. The sea is crystal clear and transparent, with a seabed suitable for fare snorkeling.
- Beach of the Huts: It is so called because in winter the fishermen, to shelter from the cold of the night, build huts arranged with the beached logs transported by the river Ombrone. The beach, very wild, is on the northern border of the Maremma Park.
- Punta Ala: Bordered by a thick pine forest, the magnificent sandy beach several kilometers long, in summer is largely occupied by luxurious bathing establishments and very popular even in the part with free access.
- Riva del Sole: In Riva del Sole there is a back beach and in close contact with a green pine forest. A section of this area called “The Cat and the Fox” is what remains of a larger natural dune area.
Typical food of the Maremma
I foods of the Maremma, intense and character, are intertwined between sea and land: ranging from the flavors of fish and pecorino inland boar in sweet and strong; from acquacotta to tortelli Maremma ricotta and spinach with wild herbs.
Activities to do in Maremma
- Ideal for the birdwatching in swamp is the Diaccia Reserve Botrona, one of the most important wetlands in Italy and a real paradise for birds. You visit in slow mode: on foot, by mountain bike or with a boat.
- Horse trekking involves every year, in all seasons, tens of thousands of enthusiasts. Those who are already skilled riders can try their hand at riding tours lasting several days, with bivouacs in the farmhouses and the opportunity to discover the most hidden and inaccessible corners of the inner Maremma.
Cover Image: Itinari
