The mountain region of Amiata to the north east of Capalbio is incredibly beautiful, with thick beech tree forests near the summit, nature reserves, thermal baths, and a ring of five enchanting little medieval towns circling the mountains. The whole area is striking, with a wild and fascinating history, its own proud customs and distinct cuisine, and miles of nature walks, hiking routes, and cycling paths.

Amiata itself is an extinct volcano, one of the largest in Europe, and was considered a sacred site by the Etruscans and the home of their most important god, Tinia. In medieval times the towns were fiercely independent, controlled much of the region, and battled meddlesome invading forces repeatedly and with considerable success. There are a lots of reasons the visit the Maremma, but Amiata, definitely, is one.