© Lonely Planet
SOUTHERN TUSCANY
3 PERFECT DAYS
DAY 1 // MEDIEVAL ELBOW ROOM Although lacking in eye-popping sights, the atmospheric and compelling historic centres of Grosseto ( p220 ) and Massa Marittima ( p222 ) off er one of the rarest ameni- ties in Tuscany: personal space. Well guarded from extraneous vehicle traffi c, both are prime spots for the passeggiata (traditional evening stroll), and with tour buses roaring to higher-profi le cities up north, your quiet sit-down and medieval reverie on the steps of the respective cathedrals will be nigh undisturbed. Respectable museums and select eating options make either city worthy of a sleepover.
DAY 2 // A COASTAL CALL The southern coast is relatively serene area, Monte Argentario in high season notwith- standing. All the nature and exercise you need can be found within Parco Regionale della Maremma ( p225 ). The towns of Orbetello ( p226 ), Porto Santo Stefano ( p226 ) and Porto Ercole ( p227 ) cumulatively contain seaside diversions, narrow lanes, outstanding eating and calf-blasting climbs to tenaciously located forts. The latter two bookend the some- times dangerously overcrowded Via Panoramica, a circular route off ering coastal views.
DAY 3 // AN ETRUSCAN TOUR A number of arresting Etruscan sites pepper Tuscany’s southern extent. The extensive walls, foundations and roads at Roselle ( p220 ) are well worth the detour, and Satur- nia ( p229 ) and the Ghiaccio Forte abitato Etrusco ( p229 ) are powerful draws, but the strongest cluster of sites is in the area around Pitigliano, Sovana and Sorano ( p230 ). There you can explore extensive tombs ( p232 ), vie cave (sunken roads; p232 ) and even the Vitozza rock caves ( p232 ), fi rst inhabited in prehistoric times. SOUTHERN TUSCANY 216 SOUTHERN TUSCANY have paid parking just outside the centre and free parking not much further beyond. further much not parking free and centre the outside just parking paid have Grosseto and Marittima Massa Both Argentario. Monte on anywhere tight is Parking Livorno. and Rome with Grosseto connects SS1 The Marittima. Massa to go shuttles where Follonica, and Scalo Orbetello at stopping services some with line, train Spezia Rome–La the on is Grosseto Stefano. Santo Porto and Pitigliano Pescaia, della Castiglione Toscana, in Magliano Marittima, Massa with Grosseto connect Buses Tuscany. in connections transport public weakest the arguably has Tuscany Southern GETTING AROUND GROSSETO space toenjoyit A SOUTHERN TUSCANY DELLA MAREMMA PARCO REGIONALE passeggiata diverse, unspoiledprotected area throughthissprawling, Hike PORTO SANTOSTEFANO join the waterfront join thewaterfront Dine ontop-value seafoodthen dream andpersonal passeggiata Venturina p220 p225
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