5 romantic getaways in the Maremma

Magazine

5 romantic getaways in the Maremma

01 February 2023

One of the most charming destinations in Tuscany is the Maremma territory: off the beaten path and home to beautiful villages and great wine.


Tuscany is the home of romance with its scenic landscapes, stunning sunsets, great food, and perfect wines. If you're looking for romantic getaways in Italy for Valentine's Day (or any other day of the year!), one of the most charming destinations in Tuscany is the Maremma territory, famous for Morellino wine, natural hot springs, wild nature, and beautiful hilltop villages.

5 romantic getaways in Italy: Maremma, Tuscany

Saturnia: hot springs for hot dates

Terme di Saturnia Terme di Saturnia - by Jarle Refsnes

Saturnia is a renowned thermal springs destination in Tuscany, famous both for its exclusive spa and resort and its natural hot springs that cascade from waterfalls into warm pools—open to the public free of charge. These natural thermal springs have been popular since at least the time of the ancient Romans, to whom we owe numerous legends of their origins: the Roman god Saturn grew angry with the war-mongering people, and he struck the land with lightning bolts, splitting the earth to form hot springs that flowed in warm waterfalls and into pools to pacify the people; yet another says they were formed from a battle between Jupiter and Saturn. The thermal water has a constant temperature of 99.5°F (37.5°C) and is clean and rich in sulfur. Open all year round, Saturnia’s hot springs are just perfect for your romantic hot date anytime of the year.

Montemerano: love is in the air

The small hamlet of Montemerano, located not far from Saturnia, was recently included in I Borghi Più Belli d’Italia, an exclusive list showing Italy’s most beautiful villages. At the castle of Montemerano At the castle of Montemerano - © Valentina Dainelli

Montemerano is a charming medieval village still enclosed within its ancient, massive walls and preserving an all-around medieval look with its narrow, curved streets, brick houses, and small squares. The main attraction is the old castle’s square, Piazza del Castello, probably one of the most pictured squares in Italy. Another peculiarity of this lovely place in Tuscany is its heart-shaped city center, making it just the place for your romantic getaway in the Maremma.

Morellino: the quintessential wine of the Maremma

The region of Maremma is a land rich in flavors, colors, and fragrances, with a terroir that creates one of the best wines of southern Tuscany: Morellino di Scansano. This DOCG ruby-red wine is made in the hills of Scansano and surroundings. Made with a minimum of 85% sangiovese, this dry and full-bodied wine lends itself well to pairing with Tuscan specialties, from first dishes to wild boar. And is there any Tuscan activity more romantic than visiting a winery and doing a wine tasting? Wine cellars Wine cellars - © Fattoria Le Pupille

Castiglione della Pescaia: the glamorous side of Maremma

The former fishing village of Castiglione della Pescaia has evolved into a glamorous town with its own harbor, where both fishing and luxury boats dock almost all year round. The well-tended city center is full of shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs, many of which overlook the sea. Above the village is the Medieval Fortress, offering a stunning view over the sea and out to the Natural Reserve of Diaccia Botrona across the watery divide of the Bruna River that spills into the Tyrrhenian Sea. This reserve is home to flamingos, herons, and more than two hundred species of birds. Stroll through the town, head out on a boat, go for a bird-watching tour, or simply enjoy a romantic walk in nature surrounded in birdsong.

Pitigliano: the town built from tufa

Pitigliano is known as the “città del tufo,” or the city of tufa (a kind of sandstone), because it’s literally carved out of tufa rock, dramatically overlooking the green valleys of two rivers, the Lente and Meleta, below. Pitigliano Pitigliano - © Valentina Dainelli

Apart from the medieval center, Pitigliano is famous for its striking Jewish ghetto, the so-called Little Jerusalem. Visit the Synagogue and museum, the Hebrew cemetery, and the kosher bakery, which serves delicious cakes. Don’t miss the suggestive Vie Cave, at the bottom of the slope. These “streets” were carved out of tufa by the ancient Etruscans centuries ago for unfathomable reasons, and today they still preserve their secrets and legends.