The area known as the Maremma begins south of Livorno and forms a coastal plain running to the very southern end of Tuscany. Famous for cowboys (the butteri), Etruscans, naturally heated springs, and the odd mosquito, this is a different and relatively undiscovered Tuscany, with several large nature reserves, well-kept hill towns and countless Roman and Etruscan ruins. There are some splendid beaches (Marina di Albarese), and a couple of popular resorts in Monte Argentario and Punta Ala. Massa Marittima, like Volterra to the north, grew rich on silver and copper mining, and was 'plucked' by Siena to become the second town of the Sienese republic. Elba is the largest island of the Tuscan arpichelago and is incredibly popular at peak-season times. It has fine white beaches, wonderfully clear waters and a mountainous interior that is ideal for strolling or hiking. Piombino is the main port for catching ferries to Elba - you may also sail to Sardinia from here. Livorno (known as Leghorn in English, but not widely used) is Tuscany's second largest city and a very busy port. As such, it was blanket-bombed during WW2 and nowadays cannot match the 'Cities of Art' for decoration and architecture. The Livornese are said to offer the friendliest welcome in Tuscany, however, and the villas overlooking the town were once called home by Byron and Shelley. There was once a sizeable British expatriate community here, and Livorno's classification as a free port by Medici dukes, with an accompanying liberal constitution, led to an influx of Jews, Greeks, English Catholics and Spanish Muslims. In recent times Livorno's most famous son is, undoubtedly, Amedeo Modigliani. Click here for some images of Livorno, and please use the link below to find accommodation in the Maremma and Elba.

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INFORMATION AND ACCOMMODATION FOR THE MAREMMA AND ELBA, SOUTHERN TUSCANY