Southern Tuscany is home to a mountain of volcanic origin that has made all outdoor enthusiasts fall in love: Monte Amiata. A ski resort in winter and an area for trekking, walking and mountain biking at high altitude in the other seasons, it is a place suitable for those travelling with family or friends. The opportunities for recreation and fun in contact with nature are truly varied and are suitable for both adults and children.

To begin with, you can easily reach the Prato delle Macinaie locality by car, where you can stop in a large car park and go to the picnic area with tables arranged on several levels and several braziers available for everyone. This picnic area is ideal for those who wish to get in touch with nature without venturing onto the trails. Also in the vicinity of the Macinaie is the ‘Indiana Park’ Adventure Park, a magical place for children, where they can try out obstacle courses suspended among the beech trees and the descent to the ground with a pulley.

For the adventurous and lovers of mountain trails, of course, one of the paths leading up to the summit of the mountain is a must. Awaiting you at the end of the path is the monumental iron cross commissioned by Pope Leo XIII at the end of the 19th century. Unfortunately, the cross does not represent the original, since that one was crashed by bombing during World War II, but it is still loved and protected by the inhabitants of Amiata as if it were. Of course, this is not the only element that awaits you once you arrive at your destination. Even more surprising will be the natural spectacle, a 360° view of the entire Maremma and beyond. If you are lucky, on a clear day, you will also be able to see all the islands that make up the Tuscan Archipelago.

There are many paths to reach the summit, varying in length, commitment and altitude difference. But it is also possible to get there comfortably by car, in fact the last refuge, La Vetta, is located at 1700 metres and is very close to the highest point of the Amiata. Here you can refresh yourself with traditional dishes and enjoy all the pleasure of a day in the mountains.

Also not to be missed, for those in the Monte Amiata area, is the Antica Fattoria del Grottaione restaurant, located along the road to Montalcino. Places are limited to 50, so hurry and book, it will be worth it. Here you can enjoy delicious Maremma meat and other delicious dishes for which the restaurant has been listed in the slow food guide.