It wouldn’t be too far fetched to say that the Maremma is one big nature park. Its endless stretches of countryside are simply spectacular – there is no other word for it.

On one corner of the Maremma, verdant plains flow into towering oak and chestnut forests and wind their way up venerable and grand mountains. On the other side of the province, bright wild flowers dot a rocky coastline that finds its feet at gorgeous beaches. Calm, warm and effortlessly enticing, these beaches are some of the most beautiful in Tuscany.

The Maremmani might be incredibly lucky to have all this at their fingertips, but they don’t take it for granted. The Maremmani have an infinity with the land around them. They don’t just respect it, they, from the oldest nonno to the youngest child, take care of it and appreciate it as often as possible.

You too can enjoy the natural splendour of the Maremma with a simple wander around your agriturismo or hotel, but if you really want experience the breathtaking landscape that is the Maremma, then you have to visit one of their protected parks.

Whether you want to call them oases or simply paradise, these protected parks incorporate everything that is so special about the Maremman environment – the diverse, but constantly picture perfect, terrain and the flora and fauna that call it home.

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable day in the Maremma, pack a picnic, grab your walking shoes (or bike) and get out and explore these incredible parks. All of them have designated walking tracks that vary in length, and you can even get a guide if you want some expert company while you soak up the beauty of the Tuscan countryside.

NATURE RESERVES:

	Parco Regionale della Maremma (Maremma Park) Stretched over 9800ha, the Parco Regionale della Maremma or Parco dell’Uccellina is quite simply the best of the Maremma in one spot.
	Il Parco Faunistico del Monte Amiata It’s hard to imagine, but all of Monte Amiata’s incredible beauty is preserved in this nature park. It’s the perfect place to relax.
	Riserva Naturale Poggio all’Olmo This nature reserve is not only a lovely place for a walk, it’s also the perfect place to get up close and personal with Monte Amiata’s famed flora and fauna.
	Riserva naturale Bosco dei Rocconi Easily one of the most beautiful nature reserve in the region, this is a must for anyone who loves a good walk or hike through lush forest.
	Parco Nazionale Tecnologico Archeologico delle Colline Metallifere Grossetane This park was created to preserve the history of metallurgy and mining activities that were carried out in the Metalliferous Hills for more than three millennia.
	Parco Minerario-Naturalistico di Gavorrano One of the two major gates into the above park, this park immortalises Gavorrano’s unique mining history with a mix of mines, exhibitions and parklands.
	Parco Archeominerario di Montieri Part of the Parco Nazionale Tecnologico Archeologico delle Colline Metallifere Grossetane too, this park is made up of abandoned mines and vast open spaces.
	Lago Burano Tourist guides everywhere call this Walt Disney’s lake. It’s a strange name, but it perfectly sums up the beauty of this nature reserve.
	Isola di Giannutri Isola di Giannutri is the biggest jewel in the jewellery box that is Monte Argentario. A nature reserve, the island accepts only a small number of visitors a day.
	Le Biancane This nature park protects the flora, fauna and landscape that have come about courtesy of the unique geological conditions found in one section of the Maremma.
	Parco Archeologico Città del Tufo Part nature park/part ancient city, this outdoor museum is so vast that it takes days to explore. Let’s just say it starts with the ancient Etruscan Vie Cave.