Tourism and environmental landscape in Tuscany

The Maremma region of Tuscany is highlighted for its combination of natural thermal baths, such as the Saturnia Cascades, and historic villages like Pitigliano, Sorano, and Sovana. While the area offers wellness and cultural experiences, environmental concerns have been raised regarding the scarcity of free beaches. Federico Gasperini, regional director of Legambiente, noted that approximately half of the shoreline is occupied by private resorts, attributing the loss of free coastal space to tourism development, climate change, and human impact.

Tourism in the region is expanding to include industrial and renewable energy landmarks. The Enel geothermal district in the ‘Valle del Diavolo’ attracts 60,000 tourists annually, serving as a site that produces 70% of the region’s renewable energy and provides district heating to 13,000 residential users. This area also features cultural sites such as the Larderello Geothermal Museum.

Other notable Tuscan destinations include the Monte Ceceri Historical-Natural Park in Fiesole, a 44-hectare site recognized for its ancient stone quarries and views of the Arno valley. Travel interest in the broader Italian landscape also includes the early autumn foliage season in the Alps and the Sila massif, with regions like Trentino-Alto Adige expected to show seasonal color changes by late September.