3 Days in the Maremma: The Perfect Itinerary

A three-day Maremma itinerary is the best way to taste this land without rushing, touching its three main souls: the crystal-clear sea of Monte Argentario, the medieval villages of the interior and the natural hot springs of Saturnia. Three days are few for discovering everything, but enough to fall in love with this region and promise yourself a return visit.

This itinerary is designed for those travelling by car, based in the Maremma. Transfers are short, the landscapes along the roads are already part of the experience and each day is calibrated not to feel excessively hectic.

Day 1: The coast, Orbetello and Monte Argentario

The first day is dedicated to the coast and the Monte Argentario promontory, one of the most spectacular stretches of the entire Tyrrhenian coast.

Morning: Orbetello and the lagoon

Start the day with a walk through the historic centre of Orbetello. This city built on the lagoon peninsula has a character all its own: the sixteenth-century Spanish walls, the cathedral with its Gothic facade, the quiet alleys with craft shops. At the Pescheria, the fish market, you can observe the variety of local catch: eels, grey mullet, sea bass and of course the mullet bottarga, the gastronomic symbol of Orbetello.

Leave Orbetello around 10:30 and take the panoramic road to Monte Argentario. Circumnavigating the Argentario is already in itself an experience: the road hugs the sea with continuous views over hidden coves, Mediterranean scrub and the profile of the island of Giglio on the horizon.

Afternoon: Porto Ercole and a cove on the Argentario

Arrive at Porto Ercole for lunch. The fishing village, with its colourful houses sloping down towards the harbour, is one of the most picturesque in Tuscany. Lunch at one of the restaurants on the port: the fish is extremely fresh and prices, in the less tourist-frequented waterfront area, are still reasonable.

In the afternoon, choose one of the Argentario coves for a swim or a walk. Cala Piccola and Cala Grande, on the southern side, are reachable by car and offer transparent waters with rocky seabeds. If you have time, also visit Porto Santo Stefano, the main port of the Argentario, with its lively waterfront promenade and fish market.

Evening

At sunset, head back to base. The light of the sunset over the Maremma hills and the Orbetello lagoon is a spectacle worth the trip on its own.

Day 2: Medieval villages in the interior

The second day is entirely dedicated to the Maremma interior, with a route through the most evocative medieval villages in the region.

Morning: Magliano in Toscana and Capalbio

Set off early for Magliano in Toscana (about 10 minutes from Montiano). Park outside the medieval walls and walk along the path that runs beside them: the view over the olive-covered hills is beautiful in the morning, with the low light casting long shadows between the stones. The historic centre takes about an hour to visit.

Continue towards Capalbio (about 30 minutes from Magliano). The medieval village with the Aldobrandeschi Tower and the fourteenth-century walls deserves a stop of at least an hour and a half. If you have children or are interested in art, it is worth visiting the Tarot Garden by Niki de Saint Phalle, reachable in a few minutes from the Via Aurelia.

Afternoon: Pitigliano, the “little Jerusalem”

After lunch, head towards Pitigliano (about an hour’s drive). The landscape accompanying the journey is already extraordinary: tuff hills, deep gorges, holm oak woods. The arrival at Pitigliano is a moment of genuine surprise: the city appears suddenly at the top of a vertical tuff cliff, like a medieval mirage.

Visit the historic centre, the Jewish quarter with the synagogue and the tuff caves (wine cellars and underground oil press open to visitors). If you still have energy, make a brief detour to Sovana (20 minutes from Pitigliano) to see the Romanesque cathedral and the Etruscan rock-cut tombs.

Evening: dinner in a country osteria

On the way back to base, look for an osteria along the road. The trattorias of the Maremma interior are often small, family-run, with few tables and a menu that changes every day according to the market and the season. Wild boar stew, pici with hare sauce, ribollita with unsalted Tuscan bread and a glass of Morellino di Scansano.

Day 3: The Terme di Saturnia and return

The last day is dedicated to the Terme di Saturnia, one of the most iconic and relaxing places in all of Tuscany, before heading home.

Early morning: the Cascate del Mulino

Arrive at the Cascate del Mulino as early as possible, ideally at dawn. The natural basins of white travertine, fed by thermal water at 37.5 degrees that flows continuously, are among the most photographed places in Italy. Early in the morning, with mist over the surrounding field and the warm water steaming in the cool air, the atmosphere is almost magical. Since access is completely free, you can arrive at any time.

The sulphurous water has beneficial properties for the skin and muscles: many visitors stay for hours. Bring a towel, water shoes for walking on the slippery travertine and a dry change of clothes.

Late morning: the paid thermal spa (optional)

If you want to continue relaxing, the Saturnia thermal centre is a few minutes’ walk from the free waterfalls. It offers heated pools at various temperatures, treatments, mud baths, sauna and a restaurant. Entry is paid and can be expensive in high season, but the experience is high quality.

Afternoon: return or visit to Manciano

Before heading home, stop at Manciano (30 minutes from Saturnia, towards Grosseto). The village is quiet, with a small medieval fortress and a few shops selling local products. It is a good place to buy something to take home: olive oil, wine, cheese, honey.

Practical tips for the 3-day Maremma itinerary

Bookings: In high season (July–August), the Terme di Saturnia and the better-known restaurants in Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano fill up quickly. Always book in advance.

Car: Essential. Public transport in the inland Maremma is almost non-existent.

Approximate daily budget: Excluding accommodation, allow 40–60 euros per person per day for meals, fuel and entry fees.

Recommended season: May–June or September–October for mild climate and fewer crowds.

Where to stay

Tramonto Dorato in Montiano is a perfect base for this three-day itinerary. The central position in the Maremma allows you to reach Orbetello and the Argentario in 25–30 minutes, Capalbio in 20 minutes, Pitigliano in about an hour and the Terme di Saturnia in 45 minutes. The apartment with a fully equipped kitchen allows you to manage meals flexibly, optimising visiting times.

Related property: Homelink Argentario · Tramonto Dorato Link: /tramonto-dorato/