The best gravel rides around Campagnatico

The ideal route for those who, finding themselves in Grosseto and surrounding areas, want to visit the Parco della Maremma up to Marina di Alberese. Departure from Via Sordi (Casalone area) in Grosseto... cycle path suitable for everyone and always protected from road traffic.

The view of Castiglione della Pescaia from Ponte Giorgini offers one of the most iconic and photographed views of the Maremma of Livorno and Grosseto, suspended between the region's hydraulic history and the beauty of the medieval village. Looking from the bridge, you can admire a unique perspective that combines natural and historical elements: The canal-port: The Bruna river flows under the bridge, hosting pleasure boats and fishing vessels moored along the quays. The medieval village: In the background, the hill of the historic center stands out, dominated by the profile of the Aragonese castle and the medieval walls. The reflection on the water: At sunset, the lights of the town and the colors of the sky are reflected on the Bruna river, creating a particularly romantic and evocative atmosphere.

The cycle path to the Roselle Archaeological Park directly connects the center of Grosseto with the Etruscan-Roman area. It is an easy and safe route, perfect for discovering the Maremma by bike. Length: Approximately 12-14 km each way (variable depending on the starting point in the city). Difficulty: Very easy, suitable for everyone and ideal for cycle touring. Road surface: Asphalt and dedicated cycle path, entirely flat until the final climb. Arrival point: The cycle path winds through olive trees to reach the visitor center below the excavation hill.

Chiesa di San Martino: The main building of the village, dating back to the 12th century. The facade and the adjoining portico were built using early medieval architectural elements (8th century) from the nearby city of Roselle Convento di Batignano: A short distance from the center are the remains of the 17th-century convent built by Grand Duchess Maria Cristina di Loren

Batignano is a characteristic medieval village immersed in the Tuscan Maremma, located about 10 km north-east of Grosseto. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and its origins linked to the control of ancient salt and silver routes, it is also famous for the traditional nativity scenes that decorate its streets during the holidays. Walls and gates: Admire the remains of ancient medieval fortifications, including the access gates and the square towers incorporated into the urban fabric.

Paganico is a fraction of the municipality of Civitella Paganico in the province of Grosseto. The town has 961 inhabitants and is located about 20 km from the provincial capital, near the area where the Ombrone river meets the Lanzo stream. Paganico is easily reachable by car as it is located near the state road 223. The inhabitants of this village, founded in the 13th century on the initiative of the city-state of Siena, are also known by the name "Granocchiai". A very unique nickname that refers to an ancient popular custom of eating frogs. Even today, this tradition is carried on and has given rise to one of the most original and folkloristic events in the entire Maremma Toscana, the famous "Sagra della Granocchia" (Frog Festival), within which the similarly named palio also takes place.

L'Ombrone Grossetano is the second river in Tuscany after the Arno, with its 161 kilometers. It is important enough to even have a legend, that of Ambra and Ombrone. It is said that Ambra was a beautiful nymph with changing eyes that, when she danced illuminated by the moon, turned now green, now silvery. Ombrone fell madly in love with her, but she wanted nothing to do with it and fled. Ombrone chased her and they ran through cliffs and narrow gorges, then across the plain, until Ambra got tired. She then asked for help from the goddess Diana, who immediately transformed her into a rocky islet, where Istia now stands. And since then, Ombrone had no choice but to surround and embrace her forever with its waters.

The area currently known as the Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve once contained a saltwater basin connected to the sea, which for centuries provided a significant economic source, ensuring the livelihood of the surrounding areas thanks to fishing, the fish trade, and the supply of salt. This enormous "piscaria" or fishpond, on which the castle stood, later became the toponym of the town, called Castiglione della Pescaia. Over the centuries, the Prile initially lost its salinity (the lake was declared a freshwater pond in 1386) and then gradually dried up, forming the marshy basins that characterize the wetland.