Maremma Park: 5 walking trails to discover, also in autumn

Maremma Park: 5 walking trails to discover, also in autumn

• Category What to visit in Maremma

Discover five walking trails in Maremma Park near Alberese, the Ombrone river mouth, pinewoods and the Uccellina Hills, with practical tips for your visit.

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As summer gives way to cooler, quieter days, Maremma Regional Park becomes one of the most enjoyable destinations for nature lovers. Between October and November, the landscape slowly changes colour, the beaches become quieter and the trails take centre stage.

A few kilometres from Grosseto, between Alberese, the mouth of the Ombrone River and the Uccellina Hills, the park protects one of the most distinctive natural landscapes on the Tuscan coast: pine forests, Mediterranean scrub, wetlands, wooded hills and long stretches of largely unspoilt shoreline.

Autumn is an excellent time to explore without the summer heat, choosing between easy walks and more demanding hikes. Here are five trails worth discovering.

1. Bocca d’Ombrone: a walk between land and sea

Trail A7 – Bocca d’Ombrone

Distance: approximately 5.6 km. Difficulty: easy. Estimated walking time: 1 hour 30 minutes.

This is one of the most accessible and scenic trails in Maremma Park.

The route crosses the coastal plain towards the mouth of the Ombrone River, where fresh water meets the Tyrrhenian Sea and the landscape is constantly reshaped by the waves.

The walk passes through open countryside with broad views of wetlands and the coast. It is also rewarding for birdwatchers, especially during migration periods.

Autumn light makes the views around the river mouth especially attractive, while milder temperatures encourage a leisurely pace.

A good choice for anyone wanting a few hours outdoors without tackling a strenuous hike.

2. The wildlife trail: discovering the park’s animals

Trail A6 – Faunistico (Wildlife Trail)

Distance: approximately 2.2 km. Difficulty: easy. Estimated walking time: 30 minutes.

Maremma Park is also well known for its rich wildlife.

Fallow deer, roe deer, wild boar, foxes and many bird species live in its woods and clearings. Sightings can never be guaranteed, but walking quietly improves your chances of seeing animals in their natural surroundings.

The A6 wildlife trail near Alberese is one of the park’s shortest routes and is particularly enjoyable at quieter times of day.

Walk slowly, avoid making excessive noise and keep an eye on movement among the trees and across the clearings.

Even without seeing any animals, the walk offers an enjoyable immersion in Mediterranean vegetation.

3. I Valloni: through the Grand-Ducal pine forest

Trail A9 – I Valloni

Distance: approximately 8.3 km. Difficulty: easy, thanks to the largely level ground. Estimated walking time: 2 hours 30 minutes.

For a longer walk, the I Valloni route crosses some of the most interesting environments of the coastal plain.

Most of the path runs through the historic Grand-Ducal pine forest, among towering pines, clearings and areas of Mediterranean scrub.

The landscape changes throughout the walk: shady sections alternate with more open spaces, leading towards the Collelungo area.

Along the way, the green vegetation contrasts with the sandy soil, while the nearby sea is part of the scenery for sections of the route.

In autumn, when temperatures are better suited to walking, this is a lovely way to see quieter corners of the park.

4. Le Torri: panoramic views across the Uccellina Hills

Trail A2 – Le Torri

Distance: approximately 11.3 km. Difficulty: demanding. Estimated walking time: 3 hours 40 minutes.

Experienced walkers looking for wider views can choose the Le Torri trail.

The route climbs through woodland and hills, offering panoramas over the Ombrone plain, the Uccellina Hills and the sea.

On clear days, the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago can be visible in the distance.

The trail also reveals traces of the historic coastal defence system: old watchtowers recall the time when this stretch of shore needed protection from attacks arriving by sea.

This is a hike for people with some walking experience who want to spend much of the day exploring the landscape.

5. The Collelungo olive grove: farming history and nature

Trail A3 – Oliveto di Collelungo

Distance: approximately 9.6 km. Difficulty: demanding. Estimated walking time: 3 hours.

The Collelungo olive grove trail is especially appealing in autumn, combining natural landscapes with evidence of Maremma’s agricultural past.

The route passes through the Grand-Ducal pine forest and reaches a historic olive grove containing trees more than four centuries old.

It tells the story of the relationship between people and the land, showing how deeply olive growing is rooted in Maremma’s history.

Throughout the walk, Mediterranean plants frame woods, clearings and glimpses of the hills.

The experience fits naturally with the olive-harvest season and the production of extra virgin olive oil, one of this part of Tuscany’s most important food traditions.

Alberese and Marina di Alberese: what to see after your walk

A trip to Maremma Park is also a good opportunity to explore the surrounding area.

Alberese is one of the main gateways to the protected area. Surrounded by fields, pastures and farms, the small village retains strong ties to Maremma’s rural traditions.

The landscape is also known for its Maremman cattle and horses, symbols of a pastoral culture that is still alive today.

Nearby Marina di Alberese is famous for its long natural beach and the distinctive driftwood trunks washed ashore by the sea and currents.

Even in autumn, when beach umbrellas and sun loungers are no longer the focus, the coast is well worth a walk along the sand, between the sea and vegetation that almost reaches the shore.

With more time available, visit Grosseto too: its historic centre is enclosed by Medici walls and offers squares and monuments to explore.

Practical tips for visiting Maremma Park in autumn

Before choosing a trail, check the current access arrangements.

Routes vary in length and difficulty, and some may be subject to restrictions, changes or temporary closures.

The Alberese Visitor Centre is the main point of reference for trail information and ticket purchases.

Wear comfortable shoes, preferably hiking footwear, bring water and check the weather forecast before setting out.

Even on seemingly mild days, shaded paths may stay damp and slippery.

Respect the environment, stay on authorised trails and keep a safe distance from wild animals.

For up-to-date information on trails and visiting arrangements, consult the official Maremma Park website.

Where to stay when visiting Maremma Park

If you want more than a day to explore, staying in a farmhouse near Alberese is an excellent option.

Its location makes it easy to reach the park entrances and experience the Maremman countryside, with olive groves, pastures and rural scenery.

Farm stays around Grosseto and towards the coast also provide a convenient base for walks and cultural visits.

Autumn brings opportunities to taste seasonal produce, traditional dishes and freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil.

A two- or three-day stay lets you combine nature walks with villages and local flavours, rather than trying to fit everything into a single day.

Discovering a quieter side of Maremma, step by step

Maremma Park is much more than a summer destination.

In autumn, it is especially appealing to anyone looking for nature, tranquillity and landscapes that have been little altered by human activity.

From the Ombrone river mouth to the Uccellina Hills, from ancient pine forests to centuries-old olive groves, each trail reveals a different side of the region.

A Maremma best enjoyed slowly, one trail at a time, making the most of mild days and the beauty of the season.