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The Southern Tuscan Maremma: Impossible to forget

The Maremma is a part of Tuscany few people have ever heard of, but those lucky enough to visit it, remember it for life.

When you mention, the Maremma, Italy, most people look at you with utter bafflement. After all, this small, quiet region in Tuscany's south isn’t on any Contiki tour circuit, but that’s a good thing... trust me. Overlooked by the numerous visitors who travel to Italy each year, Maremma is the only place in modern Italy where you can still get a taste of the local tradition and heritage and admire breathtaking monuments and historical sights.

Far from the bright lights of Florence and Siena the Maremma is not, like much of Italy these days, choked by a ratio of five tourists to one local. With an unforgettable pure ambiance, the territory is lucky enough to have thick forests of chestnuts and beeches and sprawling green fields. Its towns are like their own little worlds, immersed in a unique and rich history and culture, where everyone knows everyone and peace, quiet and good company are king.

For those on a food lovers' trail, The Maremma is incredibly well recognized for its outstanding red and white wines, as well as for its cuisine and homemade salamis, cheeses, conserves, which often can best described as straightforward but delectable dishes prepared following age-old recipes and using the finest local ingredients. Respecting the incredible cooks that came before them, the Maremmani are firm believers the tried and true method when it comes to food.. Dishes such as acquacotta (a delicious vegetable soup), fritte miste (fmixed fried seafood) and pane alle castagne (bread made from chestunts) will remind you of the good old Italy and leave you wanting more.

But the Maremma has more to offer than just food and wine. There are an incredible number of towns and villages in the Maremma, which despite being small on people are large on tradition and customs. Pieces of history, these towns are as stunning today as they were in the Renaissance and the Middle Ages, and still as amazing.

One such town is Castell'Azzara. Surrounded by tall cliffs, Castell'Azzara looks as if it has fallen straight out of a fairy tale. Seeped in the effortless but charming heart and soul of the Maremma, Castell'Azzara is famous for its picturesque and brightly coloured stone houses and buildings. Another city is Saturnia. Saturnia is the ancient playground of Rome's grandest noblemen, who flocked here to bath in the warm hot springs that still surround the city today. Semproniano is impossibly beautiful, boasting grand churches and monuments that are almost as incredible to behold as the view that can be admired from it. The antithesis of a modern city, this town embodies the laidback lifestyle of a countryside where the food is tasty and the people are pleasant.

Another breathtaking tourist spot is Giannutri Island. The Maremma is overflowing with towns and villages that have incredible histories, romantic scenery and stunning monuments. But, it's also blessed with a panorama that is incredible, whether you love The Great Outdoors or not. Simply gorgeous, Giannutri Island is one of the few island in the Tuscan archipelago and has its own unique flora and fauna. The island is also a gorgeous dive spot. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, Giannutri Island is the perfect place to admire the breathtaking sights underwater around Tuscany.

With something for everyone, The Tuscan Maremma is the vacation destination people dream about. A secluded paradise of peace and tranquillity, the Maremma may not be Tuscany's hottest tourist destination but the lack of people and chaos is actually a blessing here. Once you arrive and see the simplicity of its countryside and the richness of its culture and history, it's hard not to fall in love with the region.

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