Luxury holidays in Maremma
Stretching between Livorno and Grosseto, along Tuscany’s southern coast, Maremma is a chocolate box of varied treats: long beaches, green-carpeted hills, marshes, cliffs and wide, sunflower-spotted fields are all present and correct here. A timeless region with ancient roots, Maremma was once home to the Etruscans and then the Romans – see the vestiges of their historic tenure in the cities of Populonia and Rusellae. Plunge into the thermal baths at Saturnia; ride horses through the peaceful Diaccia Botrona nature reserve; and uncover brightly painted sculptures between the trees at artist Niki de Saint Phalle’s Tarot Garden in Capalbio. By the coast, hop from Cala Felice (for its exclusive beach club and restaurant) to Puntone di Scarlino with its resident nesting sea-turtles. If you’re feeling adventurous, charter a yacht to explore the pin-drop quiet of the Tuscan Archipelago islands; Elba is just an hour’s boat ride from Piombino.
When to go
Maremma’s climate is typical of southern Italy: roasting in the summer months and chillier from October to March. Hit the beaches in September for maximum tanning time without the summer holiday crowds.