A cycling holiday in Italy? Where, if not in the province of Grosseto, immersed in the nature of Maremma? This wild corner of Tuscany offers to us eco-travelers infinite possibilities and a large number of cycle paths and routes that we can tackle by bike.
In the province of Grosseto, Maremma has kept its most authentic soul, still offering unforgettable views, millenary art, surprising panoramas, and endless expanses of maquis shrubland. Everything seems to invite the traveler to slow down, to enjoy the simple but breathtaking beauty of nature. So, let’s dive into the green. Let’s bike between hills and sea, following the footsteps of the wild animals that have made the Maremma their home.
We have selected 5 bike itineraries capable of satisfying the desires of families, groups, couples, or single travelers; let’s discover them together!
Via Leopoldina by bike
For the first itinerary to discover Maremma by bike we have chosen an excellent starting point: Glamping Il Sole. Here you can sleep in a treehouse, inside a suggestive dome, or in a yurt; all surrounded by pristine nature. A historic and fascinating route starts just a few steps from the eco-friendly accommodation. This is Via Leopolinda, an ancient commercial road commissioned by Pietro Leopoldo di Lorena and now a wonderful cycle path.
The itinerary starts from Piazza Della Vittoria in Paganico and heads towards the Cassero Senese, a fortified gate of medieval origins. From here, take the S.P. 64 which you will need to travel with particular attention for about 3 kilometers, until you turn left towards Monte Antico, passing under the railway bridge. From here the road proceeds slightly uphill until it reaches an ancient post station. The slope increases significantly in the last 600 meters: now begins the steep descent to the village of Fercole. Through panoramic scenarios and cypress avenues you then reach the Casenovole castle. Continue in the direction of Monte Antico and Paganico, along the plain of the Ombrione until you return to the starting point.
The route, entirely on asphalt, is quite challenging, especially for the length of 38.4 kilometers.
Pedaling through the vineyards and the villages of Maremma
The Morellino Gravel is a project which aims to promote tourism linked to wine and bikes in the territory of the denomination. The route is now open to everyone and allows you to discover the history, nature, and flavors of these territories. We cross the places where some of the most precious treasures of the Maremma are born: EVO oil and Morellino di Scansano wine. In a succession of ups and downs and vineyards, the horizon sweeps over the Tyrrhenian coast between Monte Argentario, the Maremma Park, and the islands of the Tuscan archipelago.
It is a 67-kilometer ring route that runs through the municipalities of Grosseto, Magliano in Toscana, and Scansano. Here you’ll find the Podere Novo, an agritourism and center for holistic and artistic activities.
The overall difference in height of the itinerary is about 1300 m, with the highest point being reached near Scansano.
From Semproniano to Saturnia by bike
Starting from Semproniano, a medieval village, we can reach one of the most famous places in the Tuscan Maremma: Saturnia. Leaving behind us the mountainous Rocca Aldobrandesca in Semproniano, we follow the road signs for Manciano, placed at the intersection that we find at the exit of the town. Two hundred meters later, at the fork, keep the right to take the SP 155 of Fibbianello. Just outside the town, we find the Church of Madonna Delle Grazie, dating back to the sixteenth century. Our itinerary continues on the right of the church, immediately after the road begins to meander among the olive trees with a slope that increases until it reaches, in some places, 14%.
We continue to pedal on our bikes and soon we can admire a wonderful view of Saturnia and the Albegna valley. After a few kilometers, here we are in the main square of the small village. We can stop to admire its beauty or go straight to its natural hot springs; here a stop is a must.
Once back on our bike, we head towards Catabbio, then follow the signs for Catabbiaccio – Scalabrelli.
Reaching the small center of scattered houses Scarabrelli, we find ourselves in front of new panoramas. We are in fact under the watershed ridge between the Albegna and Fiora rivers. From here we can admire the Fiora valley, the Monte Penna Nature Reserve, the remains of the Rocca Silvana, and the Convent of the Holy Trinity in the Selva di Monte Calvo. We continue to climb for a few more kilometers and then gradually descend towards the gates of Semproniano. The itinerary is 30 km long and has an altitude difference of 830 meters.
If leaving after a hot bath seems too difficult, know that, not far away, there is Relais Villa Acquaviva. It’s a romantic and charming farmhouse with an excellent restaurant.
By bike, on the trail of Etruscans
Maremma is also a perfect destination for those approaching cycling tourism for the first time. There is no lack of simpler routes, such as the one starting from Roselle. After staying in one of the beautiful apartments of Corte Degli Ulivi farmhouse, we are ready to tackle this itinerary that will lead us to the discovery of the landscape and archaeological treasures that link the territory to the Etruscan culture.
The route starts from the ancient Terme Leopoldine di Roselle, from where we take first Via Batignese and then Strada Dei Ruderi. After the E78 underpass, follow the signs for Nomadelfia – Sementarecce and enter the Strada Della Valle, a slightly uphill road that passes inside the Nomadelfia valley and offers wide panoramic views of the archaeological area of Roselle, including the great Etruscans walls. Shortly after, on our right, we can see the Salica stream, along which we can find the remains of ancient watermills. We continue until we reach the medieval village of Batignano.
Here we can visit the Romanesque parish church of San Martino, the Baroque style Church of the Confraternity of San Giuseppe, and, in the final part of the suggestive Via di Mezzo, a three-arched loggia built with reused Roman columns and capitals. Back on the bike to proceed along the SP Batignanese, which will lead us to the archaeological site which houses important evidence of Etruscan civilization. From here it is possible to return to the Terme Leopoldine di Roselle.
The loop itinerary is 22 kilometers long and is on asphalt and cycle path.
From Follonica to Capalbio, the Sun Route
Maremma is maquis shrubland, cultivated hills, and dense woods, but also crystalline sea, long beaches, and impervious rocks. So let’s get on our bike and ride along what is a section of the Euro 7 route. The starting point is Follonica, a renowned summer destination. We cycle along its coast to Puntone where we continue inland arriving at Castiglione Della Pescaia, a characteristic seaside village perched on a promontory. After crossing the bridge over the Bruna river, we reach the coastal pine forest of Tombolo where the cycle path that leads to Marina di Grosseto begins. From here we go back inland, up to the intersection with the S.P. 158 where we take the cycle path that leads us to the center of Grosseto.
From here we proceed in a southerly direction, parallel to the railway. Once out of the town, we take the S.P. 154 “Spadino” arriving on the bridge that crosses the Ombrone river. Then we follow the signs first for Istia d’Ombrone and then for Pratini. After an underpass begins the Strada Comunale della Grancia which crosses a beautiful stretch of countryside with rural houses. After just over three kilometers the road joins the S.P. 16 of Montiano. We bike among the beautiful hills of the hinterland, approaching the village of Montiano; then we arrive in Magliano in Toscana. At this point we have two options: proceed towards the Argentario or Capalbio. We choose the latter: this is where this amazing farmhouse awaits us, just 30 minutes from the sea.
The itinerary is very long and therefore demanding. It is possible to divide its 94 kilometers into two days.
