Grosseto in the Maremma region of coastal Tuscany is regarded as one of Italy’s less travelled destinations. So much so that it’s been named European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism an award championing small, non-traditional, emerging sustainable tourism destinations. Travel there and you’ll discover a land of crystal-clear sea, wild, rolling countryside, hot springs and villages rich in Etruscan history.

Responsible tourism is just one element of Grosseto’s appeal along with its centuries-old medieval centre and its fertile landscape stretching out along the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

So, if you want to go off the beaten track in this stunning part of Italy, there is no better way than by hire car. What’s more, the Maremma region is known for its laid-back, tranquil lifestyle and you’ll find roads in this part of Italy are fairly empty making driving a pleasure. Grosseto is also well connected to other popular destinations in Tuscany like Sienna and Florence making the city the perfect base to explore in your Avis rental vehicle.

You’ll find our friendly Avis team on hand to offer advice and provide the perfect rental car for your trip at our Avis Grosseto agency at 40 Viale Telamonio. Our rental location is conveniently close to the centre of the city and a 5min taxi ride or 15min walk from Grosseto Railway Station.

Grosseto is on the main railway line connecting Rome and Pisa, so if you’ve flown into Pisa Airport and are planning to explore the Maremma region, this is a perfect opportunity to make the most of your trip with Avis One Way Hire where you simply drive from A to B with no need to double back to return the car. You might want to pick up your hire car at Pisa Airport and drop it off in Grosseto or perhaps catch the train to Grosseto and drive back to Pisa for the perfect Tuscan road trip.

Kick off your tour of Grosseto by stepping inside its impressively preserved medieval walls parts of which date back as far as the 12th century. The walls have been rebuilt over the centuries and today in the centre, you’ll find an oasis of green space – the perfect spot to relax and watch the world go by as you adjust to the pace of life in Grosseto. For a flavour of the region head to the Archaeological and Art Museum of the Maremma.

Next, you’ll want to delve further into the city’s past and head to the 13th century Cathedral of San Lorenzo. If you’ve travelled elsewhere in Tuscany, you might spot a resemblance to the cathedral in Sienna as both were designed by the same architect, Sozzo Rustichini. After admiring the sweeping Piazza Dante with its marble sculpture dedicated to Grand Duke Leopold II of Lorraine, dive into one of the narrow side streets that surround it to discover a cornucopia of small independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Catch the local food market and don’t miss sampling the dishes of the region which range from simple vegetable soups topped with egg and parmesan cheese to meaty stews featuring the local wild boar from the Maremma and Frittelle di Riso, fried lemon and almond sweet treats.

Grosseto is a great base for exploring central Tuscany, the Tyrrhenian Sea coast and Maremma nature reserve by hire car.

Populonia and Massa Marittima

Just a 58min – 75km – drive north of Grosseto, Populonia is an ancient and important Etruscan city – the only one built by the coast. This remarkable settlement has many archeological sites and affords unforgettable views of the stunning Gulf of Baratti.

Mount Argentario Peninsula

Around 45min, or 45km south of Grosseto via SS 1/E80 the Mount Argentario Peninsula, is a remarkable peninsula attached to Tuscany by two narrow ribbons of land. This is a remote and unspoiled landscape has a stunning coastline described as an Italian Côte d'Azur. Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ecole are two of the prettiest villages worth finding.

Maremma Road Trip

Grosseto is the perfect place to begin a Maremma road trip and you are in for a treat as you explore this peaceful, undulating region.

Drive south of the town for the Maremma Regional Park passing fields of vines, olives and sunflowers. The drive via Strada Provinciale Alberese is just 36 min (18.7 km) from Grosseto. The Natural Park of Maremma, is a green oasis spanning a remarkable 9,000 hectares extending along the coast between Principina a Mare and Talamone. You’ll find hiking and cycling trails and you can even explore the area on horseback.

While there is plenty to see in Grosseto itself, driving around this part of central and southwest Tuscany is a great way to experience the life, culture and scenic beauty of the beautiful Maremma region. If you are feeling inspired, our experts have compiled some great Italian road trips.

Hiring a car is a great way to explore the region around Grosseto. The roads in this vast and sparsely populated region are quiet and easy to navigate. If you have not driven in this part of the world before just as in the rest of mainland Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road. We’d advise familiarising yourself with the road rules for driving in Italy before you travel.

There is plenty of parking in Grosseto, both on the outside of the city walls and closer to town but be aware that part of the town centre is now designated as a ZTL, a limited traffic zone. Check the guide to urban access to Grosseto for the latest information on parking zones and charges around the town.