Maremma fascinates all visitors with its vast unspoilt territory and its variegated and unexpected landscapes, which makes hiking, cycling and horse-riding the ideal ways to discover its hidden gems.
BeVedetta is in the very heart of Bandite di Scarlino, a vast state-owned protected area of rare unspoilt beauty. This features a trail network which is suitable for the most trained hikers as well as the leisure walkers. Itineraries develop on three different terrains: forest tracks, mule tracks and firebreaks.
ITINERARIES AND TRAILS WITHIN THE BANDITE DI SCARLINO NATURAL AREA
From Scarlino to the necropolis of Poggio Tondo
A 12-km hike surrounded by the Mediterranean scrub, so typical of the Bandite di Scarlino area, this trail starts right by Scarlino’s Castle and crosses the deep chestnut grove all the way up to the top of Mount d’Alma. From here, after a steep descent terminating in the area of Fosso di Santa Lucia, the trail proceeds at a more moderate gradient to the valley of river Rigo. Continuing westwards along the route there is the Etruscan necropolis of Poggio Tondo. Featuring tombs dating to the 7th -6th century BC, this is one of the several archaeological areas scattered around the green hills of the valley shaped by torrent Alma.
From Portiglione to Torre Civette arriving at Punta Ala
This 11-km trail is considered one of the most classical itineraries along the coast of Tuscany. From Portiglione, which is where cars should be parked, a dirt track begins running along the limits of Parco delle Cale. Along the way there are several junctures: minor trails lead to different high grounds with breathtaking views over the gulf of Follonica or Elba, even stretching as far as the unforgettable inlets of Cala Le Donne, Cala Martina, Cala Violina and Cala Civette. Once passed Cala Civette, the headland of Punta Ala can be reached either walking on the beach or across the pine grove that runs along it.
FOLLOWING THE ETRUSCANS’ TRAIL
Among the most interesting trails available in Maremma we recommend the one that leads to discover the region’s Etruscan origins. If you are curious about the customs and habits of this ancient people this is the itinerary for you. This part of Maremma includes three large archaeological sites of primary importance: the archaeological park of Lago dell’Accesa and the Etruscan towns of Roselle and Vetulonia.
Lago dell’Accesa Archaeological Park
This is a mere 7km away from Massa Marittima, and it is connected to the nearby town through a dense network of trails. All of these can be followed on foot, by bike or on horseback. In 2001 this archaeological area became a park dedicated to the Etruscan civilization. This is composed of five sections that can be explored thanks to trails dotted with explanatory panels, whereas the findings of the excavations are stored in the Archaeological Museum of Massa Marittima. Moroever, Lake Accesa is a basin with an extraordinary naturalistic value, not to mention that in summer it can become a peaceful and unusual alternative to the beach for people craving a restoring swim.
Vetulonia archaeological area
This can be reached walking from the heart of Vetulonia after a visit to the must-see Archeaological Museum named after archaeologist Isidoro Falchi. Inside this Etruscan necropolis the road called Via dei Sepolcri takes to the monumental tombs della Petrera, del Belvedere, del Diavolino.
Acropolis of Roselle
This is located 10 km away from Grosseto, in an area washed by what the Romans used to call Lake Prile. For centuries this town was the territory ruled by the lucumo of central Etruria and one of the local primary members of the Etruscan Dodecapolis, the league of Etruscan settlements. Nowadays Roselle shows different, overlapping layers of buildings and city walls dating to the different civilizations that settled here: Villanovan, Etruscan and later Roman.
