A walking path in the midst of the Mediterranean scrub, where the aromatic rosemary and the yellow broom scent the air, through shady holm oaks and majestic olive trees, ancient anti-piracy towers, views over the turquoise-blue and soft sand dune: these souvenirs can summarize the day we spent walking through the Maremma Park, in the South of Tuscany (province of Grosseto). We hiked for seven kilometres and enjoyed a perfect, sunny but fresh day of late Spring.
To get to the park, the car must be left in the small villages either of Alberese or Talamone, the access points to the park. We opted for Alberese, in the northern part of the park, and at Park Office we bought the ticket entrance (full price € 10,00; children aged 6-14, people over 60 and groups of at least 20 people € 5.00), that includes the transport by shuttle bus to the park and leave passengers at the pick-up stop, called “I Pratini”, that is also the starting point of many walking paths. Alternative solutions are renting a bike in Alberese, or booking a horseback riding, chariot and canoes excursions via the park office (tel. +39-0564-407098) . Other itineraries depart from Talamone. Many are the routes to choose from, that lead, through the aromatic and shady landscape, to the ruins of the Medieval San Rabano Abbey, the anti-piracy towers, to the park unspoiled coastline and the wonderful bay Cala di Forno, according to the way chosen: all are well signed out and maintained in good order.
We decided to follow the A2 route to the Towers, and first we got to the Castelmarino tower: from the top, the view over the isles of Elba, Giglio and Montecristo was simply breathtaking and unforgettable. Then we got to the Collelungo tower, but before climbing the hill where the tower stands high, we decided to rest on the desert and uncontaminated beach.
All the walking routes are listed on the park’s website http://www.parco-maremma.it/en/trekking-tours.html The park is open every day, all the year round. However consider that, from June 15th, a specific regulation establishes limits and conditions to the summer excursions: in particular, some itineraries can be covered only participating in guided visits. The Park Office in Alberese is open daily from 8:30 to 16:0o. Don’t forget to bring fresh water and food (that you can purchase in Alberese or Talamone), since the Park is total wild and once entered you don’t find any commercial activity.
Every season is the right one for a visit and a walk through the park: the natural environment and the magnificent landscape, together with the sense of freedom and wellbeing felt at every step, made a visit always a perfect chance to live a splendid and authentic experience.
