MOUNT AMIATA
Starting from Borgo Etrusco, Scarlino, located in the rolling hills of the Tuscan Maremma, Mount Amiata is a fantastic destination for a day of adventure, relaxation and discovery of natural beauty. To reach Mount Amiata, the drive is about 90 km and takes just under an hour and a half. The route will take you along the SS1 Aurelia, then through the scenic SP64 road, passing through the characteristic villages of Cinigiano and Arcidosso, until you reach the foot of the mountain.
Available parking spaces
Mount Amiata is well equipped for visitors, and there are several easily accessible parking areas. If you decide to climb to the summit for a day of hiking, you can park at the Rifugio Cantore, located at about 1,400 meters above sea level, where you will find free parking. In Arcidosso and Santa Fiora, the two main nearby villages, there are also public parking areas, often free or with modest fees. From these villages, you can then explore the area on foot or with short drives.
What to see and activities to do on Mount Amiata
Mount Amiata is an ancient extinct volcano, now covered with a rich vegetation of beech and chestnut trees, making it one of the most beautiful natural areas in Tuscany. Once you arrive, you can choose from a variety of activities, both for those who love adventure and those who want to relax.
If you are a nature lover, you can engage in trekking along the many scenic trails that wind through the woods, such as the Sentiero della Vetta, which will take you up to 1738 meters above sea level, where a large iron cross dominates the landscape with a breathtaking view of the entire Maremma, Val d'Orcia and the surrounding hills. Along the trails, you can spot wild animals such as deer and fallow deer, as well as enjoy a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by greenery.
For a quieter day, you can visit the picturesque towns at the foot of the mountain. Arcidosso and Santa Fiora are two charming medieval towns. In Santa Fiora, in particular, you can visit the Peschiera Park, a public garden with a pond fed by the waters of the Fiora River, a perfect place for a relaxing break in the midst of nature. If you're interested in historical traditions, don't miss the Mercury Mines Museum in Abbadia San Salvatore, which chronicles the area's important mining past.
During the winter, Mount Amiata transforms into a ski resort with ski and snowboard slopes, while in the summer it is a paradise for mountain bikers, with trails of varying difficulty winding through the woods.
What to eat and where
After a morning in the great outdoors, stop at one of the area's typical restaurants to sample the traditional cuisine of Mount Amiata, which reflects the authentic flavors of the Maremma. Dishes not to be missed include pici all'aglione, a typical Tuscan pasta served with a tomato and garlic sauce, or Maremma tortelli filled with ricotta and spinach. Another typical dish is porcini mushroom soup, which reaches its peak in autumn thanks to the mushroom harvest in the Amiata woods.
A great lunch option for a more casual meal, stop at one of the rustic trattorias, such as Trattoria La Scottiglia in Seggiano, where you can enjoy homemade dishes prepared with local ingredients.
What to buy typical
Before leaving Mount Amiata, you can buy some typical products of the area, perfect as gastronomic souvenirs. These include the chestnuts of Monte Amiata, renowned for their quality and used in so many traditional recipes, such as castagnole or chestnut flour to make desserts like castagnaccio. Another product not to be missed is the extra virgin olive oil from Seggiano, famous for its delicate flavor, ideal for dressing raw dishes.
In addition, you could buy chestnut honey, rich in intense aromas, or dried porcini mushroom products, which lend themselves to seasoning risottos or pastas once you return home.
End of day
After a day spent exploring Mount Amiata, including hiking, historic villages and gastronomic delights, returning to Borgo Etrusco will be an opportunity to relax and reflect on the beauty of this corner of the Tuscan Maremma.
