Monterotondo Marittimo
Monterotondo Marittimo is a small town in the province of Grosseto, set among Tuscany's Colline Metallifere
Updated 21 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Monterotondo Marittimo now
The story
The story of Monterotondo Marittimo
Introduction and location
Monterotondo Marittimo lies in the province of Grosseto, Tuscany, at the heart of the Colline Metallifere, a hilly district named after the mineral deposits mined here since ancient times. Its name can be misleading, since the town is not on the coast: the settlement sits well inland, away from the sea, surrounded by chestnut and oak woods. The municipal territory includes several hamlets scattered across the hills and borders other towns within the geothermal area, a district unique in Italy for the intensity of its underground heat, long harnessed to generate energy.
History and origins
The origins of Monterotondo Marittimo date back to the Middle Ages, when the village grew as a fortified settlement on high ground, guarding the routes crossing the Colline Metallifere. Like many towns in the area, its history is tied to mineral mining and, in more recent times, to the discovery and industrial use of the boric steam vents, natural jets of vapour that characterise the subsoil here. Over the centuries the town passed under different local lordships and later under the Republic of Siena, before becoming part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and, eventually, of unified Italy.
Nature and landscape
The landscape around Monterotondo Marittimo is dominated by wooded hills, where chestnuts, oaks and Mediterranean scrub alternate with clearings and small streams. It is a territory shaped by geothermal activity: fumaroles, steam vents and pale, bleached ground known as biancane create unusual, almost lunar scenery, with vapour rising through the vegetation. This blend of nature and geological phenomena makes the area appealing for hikers and nature lovers, offering a quiet, less touristy setting than other parts of Tuscany, where the heat of the earth can literally be felt while walking the trails.
What to do and see
The historic centre of Monterotondo Marittimo is worth a stroll among narrow lanes, remains of the old walls and panoramic views over the surrounding hills. Just outside town lies the Biancane Park, an equipped natural area with trails that let visitors observe fumaroles and steam vents up close in complete safety, an experience blending hiking with geological curiosity. From the hamlets of the municipality, further paths lead through woods and small valleys, ideal for trekking and for anyone wanting to explore a corner of Tuscany still off the main tourist routes, yet rich in natural and historical interest.
Flavours and traditions
The cuisine of Monterotondo Marittimo reflects its rural, woodland character: chestnuts, porcini mushrooms and truffles take centre stage on the autumn table, alongside cured meats, cheeses and honey produced by local farms. Village festivals, often centred on the chestnut harvest, punctuate the local calendar and offer a chance to taste traditional dishes made from recipes handed down through families. Extra virgin olive oil and wine from the Maremma hills also feature in the local gastronomy, reflecting a balance of simple, genuine flavours consistent with the rural character of this corner of Tuscany.
Not to be missed
- The historic centre with remains of the old walls
- The Biancane Park and its geothermal phenomena
- Hiking trails through chestnut and oak woods
- The fumaroles and steam vents of the Colline Metallifere
- Autumn festivals dedicated to chestnuts and woodland produce
To see
What to see in Monterotondo Marittimo
Routes · Trovido Route
