Florence Maremma Day Trip with Family
The Maremma is a coastal region in southern Tuscany known for its wild beaches, pine forests, and unspoiled natural parks. It is one of the most different landscapes you can reach on a day trip from Florence.
Unlike the busy Versilia beaches near Pisa, the Maremma coast is less developed and more natural. Some beaches have no facilities at all, which families who want space and quiet will appreciate.
Maremma day trip with family
The Maremma stretches roughly from Follonica in the north to Capalbio in the south, a coastal strip of about 100 km. The most visited section for families is around Castiglione della Pescaia, Marina di Grosseto, and the Maremma Natural Park near Alberese.
A day trip here is more practical by car than by public transport. The beaches and park areas are spread out, and having flexibility to move between spots is valuable.
Children of all ages enjoy the Maremma coast. The shallow water near the beaches of Castiglione is particularly safe for younger children. Older children enjoy the park trails and the chance to spot wildlife.
How far the Maremma is from Florence
Castiglione della Pescaia, one of the most popular coastal towns in the area, is about 160 km from Florence. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes via the E78 and SS1.
Alberese, the main access point for the Maremma Natural Park, is about 170 km from Florence. The drive is around 2 hours.
Follonica, the northernmost point of the Maremma coast, is 130 km from Florence and can be reached in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Leave Florence by 7:30 at the latest to reach the coast before 10:00. This gives you the best parking options and the cooler part of the morning.
Family beaches with children
Le Rocchette is a small cove near Castiglione della Pescaia with calm, clear water. It is one of the most beloved beaches on the Maremma coast. The depth increases gradually, making it safe for children aged 3 and up. Parking is limited and fills up by 9:00 in August.
Marina di Grosseto has a long sandy beach with both free and paid sections. The lido areas cost around 15 to 20 euros per family per day for two sunbeds and an umbrella. The free sections are less organised but workable with your own equipment.
Cala Violina, south of Follonica, is a protected beach in a nature reserve. Access by car is permitted in the morning only until 11:00 from June to September. After that, you park 1.5 km away and walk through pine forest. The beach is outstanding: fine white sand and shallow turquoise water. Entrance to the reserve costs 3 euros per person.
The Maremma Natural Park
The Parco Naturale della Maremma, also called the Uccellina Park, covers 10,000 hectares of coast, Mediterranean scrub, pine forest, and wetland. It is one of the best-preserved natural areas in central Italy.
The park is only accessible on foot or by organised transport from Alberese. Private cars cannot enter beyond the visitor centre. Shuttle buses run from Alberese to the trail entrances from May to September, roughly every 30 minutes.
The park entrance fee is 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for children aged 6 to 14. Children under 6 are free. Entry includes the shuttle bus.
Family-friendly trails include the A1 route (Dune e Pineta), which is 9 km long and suitable for children aged 8 and up. It passes through coastal forest and ends at the beach. Allow 3 to 4 hours.
The park is home to Maremma horses, wild boar, deer, herons, and golden eagles. Wildlife sightings are common, especially on morning visits.
How to organise the day
A well-paced Maremma day for families works best with one main activity plus beach time. Do not try to combine the park, a beach, and a town visit in a single day.
Morning (8:00 to 12:00): arrive at the beach early while temperatures are manageable.
Midday (12:00 to 15:00): lunch at a beach bar or in a nearby town. A simple lunch for two adults and two children at a beach bar costs around 40 to 55 euros.
Afternoon (15:00 to 17:00): either return to the beach for a second swim or take a short park trail before driving back.
Return to Florence no later than 18:30 to avoid peak evening traffic around Grosseto.
Pack sun protection, water, snacks, and a change of clothes for children. The Maremma coast in summer is very hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35 degrees Celsius.
Where to stay
Charlotte is a family guesthouse in Florence, well placed for an early departure toward the Maremma coast. The team is happy to suggest the best route and beach for your family depending on the ages of your children.
