The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Nature Reserve Diaccia Botrona

The Abbey of San Pancrazio al Fango is a fascinating archaeological ruin, located on the border between the municipalities of Grosseto and Castiglione della Pescaia, immersed in the splendid setting of the Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve.

The Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve is a protected wetland area of over 1,200 hectares located in the Tuscan Maremma, between Castiglione della Pescaia and Grosseto. Recognized as a wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention, it represents what remains of the ancient Lake Prile, a large basin drained as a result of historical land reclamation.

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 Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve is a splendid protected wetland area located in Tuscany, extending over 1200 hectares between the municipalities of Castiglione della Pescaia and Grosseto. Considered the most significant wetland in Italy and protected internationally by the Ramsar Convention, it represents the last remnant of the ancient Lake Prile, a vast basin drained starting from the 18th century following the major reclamation works by the House of Lorraine. To see is the Casa Rossa Ximenes. A historic building constructed in 1765 by engineer Leonardo Ximenes, originally designed to regulate water and combat malaria. Today it serves as a museum, visitor center, and the main access point to the entire reserve.

The promenade of Castiglione della Pescaia is the beating heart of the Maremma town, characterized by fine sandy beaches, equipped beach establishments, and a lively pedestrian area. It connects the modern center to the canal port, offering panoramic views of the medieval village and the castle. It is ideal for walks, shopping, and evening entertainment.

Via della Fortezza is one of the most characteristic and scenic streets in the historic center of Castiglione della Pescaia. Located in the upper part of the medieval village on Monte Petriccio, this cobbled street leads directly to the castle and offers suggestive views of the ancient walls and the sea.

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.

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.