South of Tuscany, in the province of Grosseto, the National Park of Maremma overlooks the Tyrrhenian sea and extends towards the mainland, stretching from the sand dunes to the woodland and the nearby mountains. This protected area also covers the final stretch of the Ombrone river and shows all the typical habitats of Maremma: sea coasts, marshes, dunes, forests towards the inland, the Uccellina hills, to end up with the Mediterranean 'macchia' or bushland and pine forests within a stone's throw from the sea.
The two suggested itineraries are both short and easy walks which could become enticing alternatives for spending a pleasant bank holiday along the coasts of Tuscany, away from the crowds on the beach.

How to get there
From Grosseto, via the SS 1 Aurelia, you reach Alberese Scalo. From here you take the minor road on your right hand side towards Alberese, the gate entrance and headquarters of the Ente Parco or Park Board.

The park in figures
Founded: 1975 (initial plan of 1960)
Authority: Ente Autonomo, or Independent Board, with headquarters at Alberese (Grosseto)
Area: 9,800 ha (24,500 acres), 20 km (12 miles) of coast
Altitude: from 0 to 417 m (1,300 ft) above sea level

Useful information
Information and booking office: Alberese, tel. 0564407098
Entrance fee with a limited number of people, guided visit only in summer, otherwise (from October to June) entrance is free. You can only travel along the routes mapped out by the Park authorities, without deviating from the trails. The routes are not always accessible: before you visit, it is advisable to ring.