What is the Maremma national park?

The "Maremma national park" is actually a protected regional park, on the southern coast of Tuscany, between Principina a Mare and Talamone. It covers approximately 8 900 hectares and combines the hills of the Uccellina mountains, pine forests, wetlands, the mouth of the Ombrone and wild beaches such as Marina di Alberese.

It is mostly visited on foot or by bike, on marked trails; some lead to the coastline, others pass by ancient towers or the ruins of the abbey of San Rabano. The most convenient starting point for information is the visitor center ofAlberese. The area is vast and not all trails are open at all times: check the conditions of the day, especially in summer, before planning a hike or a swim.

For the trails, a ticket is generally required: depending on the route, currently expect 5 to 10 € per adult, with reduced rates for some visitors. Access generally opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes one hour before sunset, but times and rules change with the season. Don't expect to find beach services everywhere: some areas are natural and minimally developed.