The Maremma Travel Guide Blog: Life in Maremma, Italy

Nature's Flower Tribute to the Death of an Olive Tree in Maremma Tuscany

Thu, 03 May 2012 09:46:51 GMT

There is something about Italy - don't ask me to put my finger on it or provide the scientific evidence, for it alludes such investigations and measures - for life here is always full of surprises that bring a huge smile to your face. And this mornings walk in the countryside in Maremma was no exception. For amongst the wonderful swathes of colour of abundant spring flowers set against a vibrant lush green backcloth, today there were also blasts of intense red surrounding the stumps of dead olive trees in the grove. I cannot imagine a more perfect tribute. The natural world takes your breath way doesn't it...

Tuscany Country Apartments: Self-catering in Maremma

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:41:09 GMT

Tuscany country apartments a few minutes from the lovely coast and beaches of Maremma. Self catering vacation apartments in Tuscany that don't cost the earth.

Maremma by the Beach Wedding Location Tuscany Italy

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:32:46 GMT

A new Maremma by the beach wedding location in Tuscany that is very unusual: you won't find another wedding venue in Tuscany or in Italy like it and because of that it won't suit many couples. But, if you like the out of the ordinary and don't care much for fashion, then this venue might just be for you.

Maremma Events in April: Explore undiscovered Tuscany in the Spring

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 07:42:26 GMT

Maremma events in April: the month of blissfully warm days and storms that drench you when they pass! But April in Maremma is also one of the very best times to visit this special part of Italy. If you love colour, then you cannot help but be blown away by the brilliant hues of the wild flowers in bloom - expanses of vivid poppy red, carpets of yellow, and swathes of soft blues that look like they have fallen off of a painters palette. Nature doesn't need Photoshop in Maremma!

Isola Clodia: an Island no more in Maremma Tuscany

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:29:11 GMT

Isola Clodia - the island of Clodia - was once the villa retreat of a rich Roman, reachable only by boat across the huge Lago di Prile (the Prile Lake) in Maremma. Today a very special and unique marshland environment lies in the footprint of the lake and Isola Clodia is no longer an island. What remains of the original Roman villa lies hidden beneath a middle ages monastery, now also a ruin.

Maremma Beaches: The Videos

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:43:26 GMT

Maremma beaches: walk along the sands & explore the hidden coves in this very special part of undiscovered Tuscany and Lazio.

Marina di Alberese Beach: One of the best beaches in Maremma

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:55:38 GMT

One of the very best beaches in Maremma: the Marina di Alberese. Totally natural and wild, it makes for a wonderful day out and a camera full of images. Nothing like a beach you probably imagine when you think of Italy, but then Maremma is full of surprises. Stay until sunset with the sky ablaze across the sea and your love affair with this land will surely start if it hasn't already... special places that remind you of the natural beauty of this world and how good it is to be alive.

Tomatoes in Maremma: Pomodori di Mare

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 07:51:38 GMT

Tomatoes in Maremma, the sea kind! These lovely deep red creatures are known as sea tomatoes - real name Actinia equine - and live in the intertidal zone along the rocky shores here in la Maremma, Tuscany. We spotted these on a trip to Cala Martina beach at the weekend, along with a lot of edible molluscs that would make for a great plate of pasta... taking a bucket next time.

Perelli Beach in the Parco Naturale della Spiaggia, Maremma

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 07:00:57 GMT

Perelli Beach in the Parco Naturale della Spiaggia: a Bandiera Blu Piombino - Riotorto beach in the Golf of Follonica great for long long beach walks and line fishing from the shore or jetty. There are a couple of bars and restaurants, and a sub-aqua shop/centre. The next beach along north - called Dog Beach - is reserved for, well you guessed it... your canine and feline friends, but no one seems to make the distinction between one beach and another! Keep walking south and you will reach the beaches of Carbonifera and Torre Mozza, both also within the Park. There is ample parking, especially off season.

Cala Martina: Maremma Beaches in Tuscany

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:15:00 GMT

Cala Martina is Cala Violina's ugly sister: a pebbly beach with driftwood and knee-deep in dry algae, it doesn't have the romantic allure of white sands which play the sound of the violin when you walk on them. Nor does it hold first place in the top 10 of Italian beaches. Yet the two kilometre walk to reach it will take you through a beautiful pine wood and Mediterranean macchia nature reserve home to wild pigs and a rich flora and fauna. Special places don't have to look good! And when you are there, see if you can spot the sea tomatoes! La Maremma: the Tuscany you didn't know existed.

Best Bed and Breakfast Livorno Accommodation Italy: Top Tuscany B&Bs

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:06:40 GMT

The best bed and breakfast Livorno accommodation: Tuscany B&B's that will leave you with great memories rather than mediocre ones.

Italian Grappa from Maremma in Italy

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:53:39 GMT

Distinctive Italian grappa from the vineyards and wineries that produce the best Italian wines: from herbal and fruity clear liquids to golden aged liquorice and reserva varieties, the choice is considerable.

Best Italian Wine: the Best Italian Wine Labels from Maremma

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:40:00 GMT

Some of the very best Italian wine and most exciting wines in the world come from Maremma. All the wine awards to help you plan the best tasting tour of Tuscany wine!

Best Italian Wine Map: Italian Wine Region Map

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:11:30 GMT

The most popular & highly rated Italian wine map, plus where to find the free ones whilst you are in Italy and the best selling Italian wine guides.

Lazio Map: Explore the Region of Lazio

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:37:59 GMT

A detailed Lazio map with which to explore the Region of Lazio and discover beautiful southern Maremma within the Provinces of Viterbo and Rome.

La Torraccia Spiaggia: Maremma Tuscany Beaches

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:30:53 GMT

Torraccia beach along the Coasta degli Etruschi in Maremma Livornese is another Tuscany beach you will never have heard of! Explore this six kilometre long Maremma beach.

The Best Maremma Villas: Maremma Accommodation in Tuscany

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:17:16 GMT

Maremma villas: from picture postcard stone-built villas to modern Tuscany villa vacation rentals with panoramic sea view terraces along the beach.

Animal Facts for Kids: Strange & Fun Animal Fact File

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:22:05 GMT

Fun & interesting animal facts for kids about everyday wild animals that can be found in the woodlands, marshes, beaches and underwater worlds of Maremma Italy.

Snakes in Italy. Animals in Italy: Serpente in Italia

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:19:41 GMT

Are there snakes in Italy? Yes, but not many and only one poisonous snake. Most will do their best to avoid you. Find out more.

Casa Ximenes or Casa Rossa in the Diaccia Botrona Reserve

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:54:38 GMT

Close to the historic centre of Castiglione della Pescaia, Casa Ximenes in the Riserva Naturale Diaccia Botrona is often overlooked but is a special place to visit in Maremma Tuscany.

Perelli Surfing Piombino: Tuscany Surf in Maremma

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:02:53 GMT

Perelli surfing in the Gulfo di Follonica. A Piombino surf location suitable for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing along a stretch beach and the dunes of the Parco Costiero della Sterpaia.

Castiglione della Pescaia Surf: Tuscany Surfing in Maremma

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:56:25 GMT

Castiglione della Pescaia surf at Il Faro: surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing in Tuscany along a stretch of coastline with beaches loved by surfers.

Le Rocchette Surf: Surfing in Maremma Tuscany

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:42:16 GMT

Le Rocchette surf: surfing in Tuscany. A surfboarding location near Castiglione della Pescaia with waves of intermediate and advanced level difficulty.

Animals in Italy: Italian Wildlife in Maremma

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:05:50 GMT

Animals in Italy: the sheer splendour and variety of wildlife in this very special part of Tuscany and Lazio will amaze you.

Wildlife in Italy: Animals in Maremma Tuscany & Lazio

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:14:42 GMT

Wonderful wildlife in Italy: animals in Italy that will catch your breath when you first spot them in disbelief that you could be so close.

Tuscany Farm Holiday Horse: Maremma Farmhouse Accommodation in Tuscany

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:52:38 GMT

Searching for Tuscany farm holiday horse? You are in for a treat: Tuscany farmhouse holidays perfect for horse lovers within Maremma's nature reserves, unspoilt and still wild.

Orbetello Camping: Maremma Camping, Orbetello Campsites

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:09:54 GMT

Orbetello camping: twelve campsites along Maremma's Silver Coast, the sand dunes of Tombolo della Giannella & the beaches of Albinia & Fonteblanda to Talamone.

Agriturismo Maremma: Tuscany Farmhouse Holidays

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:00:45 GMT

An agriturismo Maremma for the best farm holiday in Tuscany: choose from olive groves & orchards to vineyard villas & beaches.

Cala Violina Map: Officially the Best Beach in Italy

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:51:04 GMT

The Cala Violina map with the trekking, mountain bike routes & car park for the most beautiful beach in Italy in undiscovered la Maremma.

Carnevale di Follonica - Follonica Carnival

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:10:06 GMT

If you are visiting Maremma during February, don't miss the Carnevale di Follonica. It fills this seaside resort with colour, music, and costumed and masked people from the surrounding villages and towns.

Its Carnival Time in Maremma Tuscany... I'm going to eat you!

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:49:19 GMT

It's nearly carnival time in Maremma and the floats and costumes are being finished in time for the festivities that start over the weekend... Have fun!

Italian Legends from Maremma, Italy

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:38:13 GMT

Italian legends from a wild land: tales of bloody medieval feuds, French invasion & Spanish rule, Barbary coast pirates & a bitter existence from a poor and malaria infested landscape.

Elena di Travale: Medieval Witches of Maremma

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:40:45 GMT

The story of Elena di Travale, Maremma's most infamous medieval witch. If there is a subject to curdle the blood it has to be the witch hunts of the middle ages. But who was Elena?

Travale Montieri, Maremma: Undiscovered Italy

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:01:26 GMT

No Tuscany tour will ever visit Travale, but you should. A tiny Tuscan village within a medieval castle emersed in volcanic woodlands with silver mines & oodles of history.

Montemassi, Roccastrada in Maremma: Undiscovered Italy

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:16:07 GMT

Montemassi: a hill top village with its own impressive ruined castle overlooking a spectacular landscape. A special place to visit in Tuscany away from the crowds.

The Tuscany Farmhouse Rental Reservation Checklist

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:48:24 GMT

The Tuscany farmhouse rental checklist for Tuscany farmhouse holidays that go smoothly and without any unexpected charges. Have a great vacation!

Torre Mozza Beach: The Video

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:51:11 GMT

Catching-up on making the videos of some of my favourite beaches in Maremma Tuscany. This one is of Torre Mozza in the Gulf of Follonica with its medieval tower right on the beach - home to a bar and restaurant during the summer. This video was taken on a warm early November afternoon: 2011 was incredible with temperatures in the mid 20 degrees C. Another Tuscany beach you can have all to yourselves if you visit before or after the height of summer. You can see the seaside town of Follonica in the far distance with its central very tall blue apartment block that is a landmark (less said the better I think about planing permission for this one) unmissable from miles and miles around.

Castiglione della Pescaia Real Estate, Maremma Tuscany

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:03:14 GMT

Castiglione della Pescaia real estate is amongst the most sought after in Maremma Tuscany. Properties with sea views close to the beaches and historic centre and a restored Tuscany farmhouse with 5 hectares of land.

A Tuscany Beach All to Yourself?

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:39:20 GMT

A Tuscany beach all to yourself? Yes, it is possible. Venture into la Maremma and take a walk on the wild side. This pic was taken at Capanna Civinini with its white Torre Civette in the Gulf of Follonica on New Years Day - we stayed until the sunset...

Artisan Goldsmiths Jewellers in Maremma, Italy: Lorenzo Mattafirri

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:50:00 GMT

Goldsmiths Jewellers: the artisan workshop of Lorenzo Mattafirri in a steep medieval street in Massa Marittima, Maremma. View his beautiful and unique Italian jewelry.

Cala Barbiere, Spiaggia Punta Ala: Maremma Tuscany Beaches

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:10:17 GMT

The natural rocky shore of Cala Barbiere is a lesser known Punta Ala beach in Maremma in Tuscany. A great spot for night fishing if you don't loose your fish!

Cala Barbiere, Punta Ala: The video

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:29:39 GMT

A Punta Ala beach not usually featured in the brochures for this resort and without any bar or restaurant facilities... but that is its attraction: at night there is just you and the local wild boar!

Maremma Tuscany & Lazio: Undiscovered Italy

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:22:12 GMT

Maremma Tuscany and Lazio. Discover a special land that captured my heart many years ago and which still has me catching my breath each day in awe of its beauty.

Maremma Food: The Living History of Wild Tuscany & Lazio

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:09:40 GMT

Maremma food is the simplest of Tuscan cuisine with traditional peasant recipes that come from a once poor & unforgiving land. But there are exotic surprises that tell of legends and a turbulent past.

Recipes from Italy: Everday Italian Recipes & more from Maremma

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:34:45 GMT

Recipes from Italy from Maremma in Tuscany: authentic & easy Italian recipes from bruschetta to pasta to cookies and my favourite Italian restaurant recipes.

Italy Videos: Everyday Life in Italy Captured on Film

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:35:45 GMT

The Maremma Italy videos collection: video footage of Italy that you won't expect! From palios, cowboys, carnivals and festivals, to olive oil pressing and wild boar videos.

Maremma Holidays: The Very Best Family Holidays in Tuscany

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:38:07 GMT

Maremma holidays for beach lovers, wind-surfers, walkers, trekkers, mountain-bikers, golfers... & the very best of family vacations in Italy.

Tuscany Golf Courses: Maremmma Golf Courses in Italy

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:17:02 GMT

Looking for Tuscany golf courses for your next trip or vacation? All 18 courses plus golfer recommendations on the best.

Maremma Golf Tuscany: Don't Miss Italy's Best Kept Secret

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:09:57 GMT

For a golf Tuscany vacation alongside a spectacular coastline in a land home to wild boar & weekend retreats of Italians from Rome, Siena & Florence, the golf clubs & courses of Maremma.

Torre Mozza beach: a medieval tower and golden sands

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:26:47 GMT

It may be cold here in la Maremma now, but there is gorgeous sunshine. A perfect day for a stroll and some beachcombing along Torre Mozza beach in the Gulf of Follonica.