Just 10km from breathtaking beaches along the Tuscan coast, Grosseto is a hidden gem of a city, often overlooked by tourists. With its historic centre wrapped in Medici ramparts, peaceful marina, regional park and proximity to major landmarks, like Florence and Siena, the attention the destination is attracting feels long overdue.
In 2024, Grosseto was named European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, selected ahead of 40 other destinations, and the first city to win the title in Italy. The award recognises small, emerging sustainable tourism destinations that exemplify best practice across the industry.
Whether you come for the crystal-clear waters, the natural oasis surrounding the city or the history, culture and cuisine, Grosseto is a destination that promises a slower, more meaningful travel experience.
To celebrate this well-deserved award, here are 5 reasons why Grosseto is the perfect destination for your next luxury vacation to the Tuscany Coast.
An ancient city bursting with history and culture
Grosseto’s old town is one of the few places in Italy still enclosed by the original Medicean walls that date back to the 16th century. Today, you can walk along the ramparts and admire the ancient city gates.
Within the historic centre, visit the picturesque Piazza Dante, which is home to the stunning Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its pink and white marble facade. Lovers of ancient history should prioritise a visit to the Museo Archeologico e d’Arte della Maremma, which houses one of Tuscany’s best Etruscan collections.
Many of the artefacts housed in the museum have been excavated from Roselle Archaeological Park just outside of Grosseto. Take the trip out of town to walk through the ruins of the Etruscan city of Roselle, which features well-preserved city walls, a Roman amphitheatre and baths.
The Natural Beauty of Maremma Regional Park
At the heart of Grosseto’s sustainability endeavours is the Regional Park of Maremma. Just a few kilometres west of the city centre is 9,000 hectares of wildly beautiful landscapes that reach from the Uccellina mountains to the Tyrrhenian Sea. From grand ducal pine forests to vast wetlands and long sandy beaches, the park is home to over 250 species of birds, as well as wild horses, porcupines, wolves and wild boar.
The Parco della Maremma offers the same remote, untouched beauty of the coastline that draws many visitors to the Monte Argentario peninsula. Yet, here more investment is going into the responsible tourism experience. The park provides plenty of advice on walking and cycling itineraries, with guided tours available. Active guests can explore on horseback, by horse drawn carriage, and by canoe along the Ombrone River.
A paradise for walking, hiking, cycling & bird watching
With 100 kilometres of cycling and pedestrian paths, and 250 kilometres of trekking routes to explore, Grosseto is a haven for outdoor lovers. The bicycle path from the Gorarello district of the city takes visitors through some of the area's most beautiful countryside before reaching the expansive beaches along Marina di Grosseto. Flat plains make these cycling routes perfect for all levels of ability, while the more experienced cyclist can venture deep in the Maremma Regional Park or up onto the slopes of Monte Amiata.
Grosseto is also home to the Diaccia Botrona nature reserves, which is one of the most important wetlands in Italy. Over 200 species of animals and birds call the area home, and birdwatchers can tick flamingos, ospreys, egrets, purple herons, kites and jays off their sighting checklist.
Some of the best beaches in Tuscany
Grosseto is in the perfect location for exploring some of Southern Tuscany’s most beautiful beaches along the Tyrrhenian Sea. The nearby seaside towns of Marina di Grosseto and Principina a Mare boast natural sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and plenty of opportunities for water sports.
The pretty seaside resort of Castiglione della Pescaia is perfect for visitors seeking a family-friendly beach, while those looking for a private beach experience can head into the Maremma Regional Park. Cala di Forno is arguably the most beautiful beach on the Maremma coast. Its remote location means you’ll have to embrace the walk or a private boat ride to get there, but it is worth it for the tranquillity and wildlife sightings.
Immersive local food and wine experiences
Grosseto may also be one of Tuscany's best-kept secrets for food and wine lovers. The cuisine is deeply rooted in the local traditions, featuring hearty dishes like Acquacotta — a rustic vegetable soup, Tortelli Maremmani —- handmade stuffed pasta, and fresh seafood.
In and around the city and regional park, small food producers offer a seemingly endless offering of gastronomic tours and speciality dishes. You could spend your entire time in Grosseto sampling the local cheeses, honey, olive oil and pasta.
On top of this, the area is known for a number of off-the-radar Tuscan wines. Morellino di Scansano is the DOCG red wine of choice in the area, produced mainly from the beloved sangiovese grape. Maremma Toscana DOC, on the other hand, is a relatively new Tuscan wine that grows across the province of Grosseto. When you stay at Villa Auramaris, which is tucked away on a family-owned winery, you can enjoy a tasting of this local appellation included in the rental price.
Where to stay on the Tuscan Coast
Our villa rentals near Grosseto bring some of the best coastal towns in Tuscany straight to your doorstep. Whether you are looking for a romantic bolthole like Casetta Termine that is surrounded by breathtaking Maremma countryside, or something more exclusive like Sartomare, a luxury eco-estate perfect for a large group, we can tailor your visit to your needs.
And, once you’ve found your dream villa, our Complimentary Concierge can help plan additional experiences to complete your stay. Whether you would like to master the local Grosseto cuisine in an in-villa cooking class or enjoy private winery tours and cheese tastings, we can make it happen.