Via Cava, Walking the Etruscan paths of Tuscany

Maremma is a fantastic region for families, and many agritourism farms there are perfectly suited to children. To choose the ideal agritourism with a pool, several criteria are essential. First of all, make sure the pool has a children's pool ou une zone peu profonde sécurisée. Vérifiez également les horaires d'ouverture des piscines, car la plupart ouvrent de mid-May to the end of September. Maremma, with its milder climate, can sometimes extend this period until mi-octobre. Agritourism farms in Maremma often offer larger spaces than in other regions like Chianti, with large gardens and meadows, which is ideal for children to run and play freely.

In terms of activities, many agritourism farms in Maremma are linked to livestock farming, offering stays with horse riding lessons, interactions with Maremmano horses, donkeys, hens and goats. This is a very enriching experience for the young ones. Some offer educational farms where children can discover life on the farm. Also find out about the regional certification, the « spighe » (ears of wheat) from 1 to 5, which classify agritourism farms. An establishment with 3 spighe generally guarantees a good level of comfort with pool and air conditioning. A seaside agritourism, located less than 15 km from the Tyrrhenian coast, also allows you to alternate between swimming in the pool and days at the beach. For total immersion in authentic Tuscany, do not hesitate to check out our guide on nights in agriturismo in Maremma.

If you are a snorkeling enthusiast looking for a secret cove and rich seabeds on the Argentario, the Spiaggia di Cacciarella is absolutely the destination for you. It is a true hidden gem on the western coast of Monte Argentario, near Porto Santo Stefano, renowned for its absolutely clear waters and its abundant seabeds which make it a natural aquarium. Access to this small cove must be earned, which contributes to its preservation and its intimate atmosphere, far from the crowds.

To get there, prepare for a small walking adventure. From Porto Santo Stefano, you must follow the Strada Panoramica. The starting point of the trail is on the left, just after a small parking area, next to a private gate (at number 128) framed by two large cypress trees. The route is a true trek of about 500 meters, , which takes between 15 and 20 minutes. The trail is steep and quite rugged, especially at the end, where the descent is made easier by natural steps. It is imperative to forget flip-flops and wear closed shoes, such as sneakers or hiking shoes, for your safety. The beach is completely wild, with no services, so remember to bring water, something to eat, sunscreen and a parasol. Arriving early in the morning is strongly recommended to enjoy the tranquility and find a good spot on the shore. And of course, do not forget your mask and snorkel to explore the underwater wonders. For other secret coves in this region, take a look at our article on the secret beaches of the Argentario.

The natural hot springs of Saturnia, with their sulphurous water at 37.5°C and their free access, are an unmissable Tuscan experience. However, their popularity can lead to large crowds, especially in high season. To fully enjoy them in peace and quiet, the secret is to go very early in the morning, or even at dawn. That is when the magic truly happens, with the steam rising from the pools in the coolness of the morning, creating an almost mystical atmosphere. Arriving before 8 am is ideal to experience this serenely, before the crowds that generally start to arrive after 9-10 am.

Another tip is to consider the low season, i.e. spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). Temperatures are milder, the hot water of the springs is particularly enjoyable, and the crowds are naturally smaller than in the height of summer. Apart from dawn, a visit in the late afternoon, just before sunset, can also offer a calmer atmosphere and magnificent colors. Keep in mind that the Cascate del Mulino, the natural waterfalls, are always accessible free of charge. Do not forget your swimsuit, a towel, and water shoes as the bottom of the pools can be slippery. For more detailed advice on how to enjoy Saturnia without the crowd, I invite you to check out our dedicated guide: How to enjoy Saturnia without the crowd at dawn.

Maremma offers a face of Tuscany radically different from Chianti or Val d’Orcia, and that is precisely what makes up its charm and authenticity. While Chianti is famous for its rolling vineyards and medieval villages between Florence and Siena, and Val d’Orcia for its emblematic landscapes of clay hills and cypresses listed as UNESCO, Maremma is a wilder, more vast and less frequented region, located in the southwest. Its atmosphere is one of unspoiled nature, with wild beaches, natural parks such as the Parco Regionale della Maremma, and a strong tradition linked to cattle and horse breeding.

In Maremma, you will find activities focused on nature: hiking in the pine forests, , horseback rides with the famous Maremmano horses, and of course, the discovery of its magnificent and often deserted beaches like Marina di Alberese or the coves of the Argentario. The agritourism farms there are often more spacious and focused on the farm experience, with activities for families. Accommodation rates are generally 20 to 30% lower than in Chianti. As for gastronomy, expect a hearty and generous cuisine, with local products such as Maremmana beef, game (especially wild boar), and sheep’s cheeses. It is also the land of Morellino di Scansano, a full-bodied red wine. If you are looking for a rougher, more authentic Tuscany, focused on nature and wide open spaces, Maremma is undoubtedly the region for you. It is particularly suitable for families and those who want to escape the crowds while still having access to cultural sites like Pitigliano and the Saturnia hot springs.

Absolutely! If you are a wine enthusiast and want to explore beyond Chianti Classico or Brunello di Montalcino, Maremma has a very pleasant surprise in store for you: Morellino di Scansano. It is a red wine with Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin (DOCG) that is gaining recognition but still remains a well-kept secret compared to its illustrious neighbors. It is mainly made from the Sangiovese grape, locally called Morellino, which gives it its fruity aromas and elegant structure.

The production area of Morellino di Scansano extends around the charming town of Scansano, in the Maremma hinterland. The rich soils and the maritime influence give this wine a unique character, often fruitier and less tannic in its youth than other Tuscan Sangioveses, but with excellent aging potential for the Riserva versions. You will find many wine estates offering tastings and direct sales, often at very interesting prices, for a fraction of the cost you would find in a restaurant. It is an excellent opportunity to meet the producers and understand their passion for this terroir. To learn more about this still little-known Tuscan wine and discover the best estates, I invite you to check out our detailed guide on Morellino di Scansano: the Tuscan wine nobody knows yet.

Yes, this type of beach does indeed exist in Tuscany and it is a unique sensory experience! You are looking for the famous Cala Violina, a magnificent cove located on the Etruscan Coast, in the heart of the Bandite di Scarlino Nature Reserve, between Follonica and Punta Ala. Its name, « Cala Violina », comes precisely from the melodious sound produced by its fine sand made of quartz grains when you walk on it. This sound, reminiscent of the strings of a violin, is particularly noticeable in calm, dry weather, adding an almost magical dimension to your visit.

To preserve this natural wonder, access to Cala Violina is regulated and must be earned. It is not directly accessible by car. You will have to go either on foot or by bike. The hiking trail crosses a dense pine forest and offers superb views of the sea. The most common starting point is from the Valle Martina parking lot, from where you should allow about 45 minutes to 1 hour of walking through the forest. It is strongly recommended to arrive early in the morning, especially in high season, as the number of daily visitors is often limited to avoid damaging the site. Remember to bring water and provisions, as the beach is wild and has no services. It is an iconic beach of Tuscany, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and unspoiled environment, offering an unforgettable experience for lovers of nature and unusual sounds.