Grosseto
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Latest page update: 18 June 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Grosseto
Grosseto has a wide range of accommodation, from central city hotels to country resorts in the surrounding Maremma area. Many of the top-rated options combine modern comfort with convenient access to both the historic centre and nearby beaches.
Grand Hotel Bastiani, located within the city walls, is a long-established hotel offering refined rooms, attentive service and proximity to Grosseto Cathedral and main attractions (€€€). Hotel Airone, close to the railway station, provides modern facilities including a restaurant, wellness area and meeting rooms, appreciated for its accessibility and professional atmosphere (€€€). A short drive south, Fattoria La Principina offers resort-style accommodation with multiple pools, sports facilities and a restaurant, popular for family stays and easy connections to the coast (€€€).
Grand Hotel Bastiani, located within the city walls, is a long-established hotel offering refined rooms, attentive service and proximity to Grosseto Cathedral and main attractions (€€€). Hotel Airone, close to the railway station, provides modern facilities including a restaurant, wellness area and meeting rooms, appreciated for its accessibility and professional atmosphere (€€€). A short drive south, Fattoria La Principina offers resort-style accommodation with multiple pools, sports facilities and a restaurant, popular for family stays and easy connections to the coast (€€€).
Where is
Where is Grosseto?
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The city of Grosseto is the capital city of the Province of Grosseto with a population of 82,353 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 10 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 474 km² and lies 140 kilometres south west of Florence, the regional capital of Tuscany. The southernmost of Tuscany's 10 provincial capitals, Grosseto is situated around 10 kilometres inland of the Tyrrhenian Coast, and is one of the principal towns of the Maremma. |
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The first thing you notice when you enter Grosseto is the towering complex of defensive walls that surrounds the city. Construction of the walls started in the latter part of the 16th century; commissioned by the Medici family, they are now known as the Medicean Walls. The walls remain an integral part of life in modern Grosseto; you can enjoy a pleasant stroll around them, which also helps to gain an understanding of the city's layout.
Inside the city walls the centre is neat and compact. The main square is Piazza Dante and this is where you'll find the main religious building in the city: Grosseto Cathedral. The Cathedral was started in the 13th century but has undergone extensive renovation, modification and refurbishment in the intervening years.
Once a week, on Thursdays, Grosseto comes to life with market day. The market takes place both inside and outside the city walls and is one of the most important in the local area. For the rest of the week it's business as usual; there are plenty of shops and places to eat and drink around but this is certainly one of the quietest of the major cities in Tuscany.
Inside the city walls the centre is neat and compact. The main square is Piazza Dante and this is where you'll find the main religious building in the city: Grosseto Cathedral. The Cathedral was started in the 13th century but has undergone extensive renovation, modification and refurbishment in the intervening years.
Once a week, on Thursdays, Grosseto comes to life with market day. The market takes place both inside and outside the city walls and is one of the most important in the local area. For the rest of the week it's business as usual; there are plenty of shops and places to eat and drink around but this is certainly one of the quietest of the major cities in Tuscany.
Comune di Grosseto
What People Ask About Grosseto, Tuscany
Is Grosseto worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Grosseto?
How do I get to Grosseto?
What is Grosseto known for?
When is the best time to visit Grosseto?
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Discover
Discover Grosseto
Grosseto is a city in Tuscany, located in the heart of the Maremma plain near the Ombrone River. Set at around 10 metres above sea level, it lies a short distance inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea, surrounded by farmland, wetlands and coastal nature reserves. The city has a compact centre enclosed by sixteenth-century walls built by the Medici, which remain almost completely intact and now form a pedestrian circuit around the historic core.
Within the old town, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo dominates the central Piazza Dante, alongside the Palazzo Aldobrandeschi and several elegant Renaissance buildings. The Archaeological Museum and Art of the Maremma traces the region’s Etruscan and Roman heritage, while the nearby Medicean Walls and Bastione Cavallerizza recall its defensive past. Grosseto serves as the main gateway to southern Tuscany, with road and rail links to Castiglione della Pescaia, Marina di Grosseto, and the broader Maremma coast.
Within the old town, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo dominates the central Piazza Dante, alongside the Palazzo Aldobrandeschi and several elegant Renaissance buildings. The Archaeological Museum and Art of the Maremma traces the region’s Etruscan and Roman heritage, while the nearby Medicean Walls and Bastione Cavallerizza recall its defensive past. Grosseto serves as the main gateway to southern Tuscany, with road and rail links to Castiglione della Pescaia, Marina di Grosseto, and the broader Maremma coast.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Grosseto
- Duomo di Grosseto is a Gothic-Romanesque cathedral located in Piazza Dante, built between the 13th and 15th centuries with a white and pink marble façade. Its interior features frescoes, a 15th-century baptismal font, and a Baroque altar. The cathedral is the city’s main religious building and a central landmark.
- Mura Medicee are Grosseto’s 16th-century hexagonal city walls, originally built by the Medici to protect the town. The ramparts are well preserved and now form a tree-lined walkway. Visitors can follow the full circuit and view bastions, gates, and the historic layout from above.
- Museo Archeologico e d’Arte della Maremma houses a rich collection of Etruscan and Roman artefacts from the surrounding region. Exhibits include tomb relics, ceramics, and sculptures, along with a section on medieval art. The museum is located in a former courthouse near the main square.
- Piazza Dante Alighieri is Grosseto’s main square, home to the cathedral, Palazzo Aldobrandeschi, and a statue of the poet Dante. Surrounded by cafés and shops, it’s a popular gathering place. The square also hosts markets, festivals, and local events throughout the year.
- Guided tour of Etruscan sites in the Grosseto countryside visits ancient settlements and necropolises in nearby areas like Roselle or Vetulonia. Tours often include walking paths, panoramic views, and expert commentary. It’s a way to explore the deep historical roots of the Maremma region.
Tours and Activities
Grosseto Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Grosseto
Dining in Grosseto combines the rustic flavours of inland Tuscany with the freshness of produce from the nearby Maremma coast. Restaurants are found throughout the historic centre, especially around Piazza Dante and Corso Carducci, offering a mix of traditional trattorias, wine bars, and modern bistros. The atmosphere is relaxed, and menus often focus on seasonal ingredients. Lunch is usually served between 12:30 and 14:30, with dinner beginning from about 19:30.
Local cuisine features dishes such as tortelli maremmani (pasta filled with ricotta and spinach served with ragù), acquacotta (a traditional vegetable soup with egg and pecorino), and cinghiale in umido (wild boar stew). Starters often include crostini con fegatini or local cold cuts, while desserts feature classics like torta di ricotta and cantucci con vin santo. Wines from the area include Morellino di Scansano, Monteregio di Massa Marittima, and Parrina Bianco, typically €6–€8 by the glass or €20–€35 per bottle.
Typical Prices of Popular Dishes
Antipasto toscano (€10–€14), tortelli maremmani (€13–€17), cinghiale in umido (€22–€30), and cantucci con vin santo (€6–€8). A typical meal with wine costs around €35–€45 per person.
Local cuisine features dishes such as tortelli maremmani (pasta filled with ricotta and spinach served with ragù), acquacotta (a traditional vegetable soup with egg and pecorino), and cinghiale in umido (wild boar stew). Starters often include crostini con fegatini or local cold cuts, while desserts feature classics like torta di ricotta and cantucci con vin santo. Wines from the area include Morellino di Scansano, Monteregio di Massa Marittima, and Parrina Bianco, typically €6–€8 by the glass or €20–€35 per bottle.
Typical Prices of Popular Dishes
Antipasto toscano (€10–€14), tortelli maremmani (€13–€17), cinghiale in umido (€22–€30), and cantucci con vin santo (€6–€8). A typical meal with wine costs around €35–€45 per person.
Photo Gallery
Grosseto Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Grosseto
- Montalcino (approx. 45 km northeast of Grosseto): A historic town renowned for its production of Brunello di Montalcino wine, Montalcino offers stunning views of the Tuscan countryside. The town is home to the Castello di Montalcino, where visitors can explore its medieval architecture and enjoy wine tastings at local vineyards. Montalcino is perfect for wine lovers and those seeking to experience the beauty of rural Tuscany.
- Castiglione della Pescaia (approx. 20 km southeast of Grosseto): A charming coastal town, Castiglione della Pescaia is known for its beautiful beaches and medieval old town. Visitors can explore the Castello di Castiglione della Pescaia, stroll along the seafront, or relax at the beach. The town also offers a variety of seafood restaurants, making it an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy both history and seaside relaxation.
- Sovana (approx. 40 km northwest of Grosseto): A small, picturesque village, Sovana is known for its Etruscan ruins and historical charm. Visitors can explore the ancient Etruscan Necropolis, the Duomo di Sovana, and the village's quaint streets. Sovana offers a peaceful escape with its rustic atmosphere and is perfect for those interested in ancient history and the natural beauty of the Tuscan countryside.
- Pitigliano (approx. 60 km northwest of Grosseto): Known as the "Little Jerusalem" for its historic Jewish quarter, Pitigliano is perched dramatically on a tufa rock and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the town's narrow streets, visit the Pitigliano Synagogue, and enjoy the medieval architecture. Pitigliano is a perfect destination for history enthusiasts and those looking for a unique experience in Tuscany.
- Orbetello (approx. 35 km southeast of Grosseto): Situated on a lagoon, Orbetello is a small town known for its scenic beauty and rich history. The town features the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta and offers easy access to the Parco Naturale della Maremma, ideal for outdoor activities such as birdwatching and hiking. Orbetello is perfect for those looking to explore the Tuscan coast and enjoy its natural landscapes.
Tuscany Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Grosseto
Grossseto's train station is situated north west of the city centre, a 15 minute walk from Piazza Dante (1.2 km). You can take a train from Grosseto to Florence (2 hours 49 minutes) without having to change but there are more frequent services to Livorno (1 hour 29 minutes) and Pisa (1 hour 49 minutes) from where you can find further connections available. Trains also run north east from Grosseto to Siena (1 hour 45 minutes), stopping along the way at minor countryside towns including Buonconvento (1 hour 7 minutes). Heading south there's a train to Rome (1 hour 58 minutes); its only stops being at the port town of Civitavecchia (51 minutes) and the outskirts of Rome.
The most convenient airport for Grosseto is Pisa Airport which is an hour and 32 minute drive away (155 km), while Tuscany's other major airport, Florence Airport, is the next best option at an hour and 49 minutes away (156 km).
Places to visit close to Grosseto include the seaside town of Castiglione della Pescaia while just a little further in the same direction will take you to the port of Piombino from where you can take a ferry to the island of Elba. It's also only a short distance south to another port, Porto Santo Stefano from where you can sail to two other islands in the Tuscan Archipelago: Giglio and Giannutri. Also to the south but inland, lies a quartet of interesting places all clustered together: the hill towns of Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana as well as the famous outdoor spa of Saturnia. A short distance north of Grosseto lies an important hill town: Massa Marittima.
The most convenient airport for Grosseto is Pisa Airport which is an hour and 32 minute drive away (155 km), while Tuscany's other major airport, Florence Airport, is the next best option at an hour and 49 minutes away (156 km).
Places to visit close to Grosseto include the seaside town of Castiglione della Pescaia while just a little further in the same direction will take you to the port of Piombino from where you can take a ferry to the island of Elba. It's also only a short distance south to another port, Porto Santo Stefano from where you can sail to two other islands in the Tuscan Archipelago: Giglio and Giannutri. Also to the south but inland, lies a quartet of interesting places all clustered together: the hill towns of Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana as well as the famous outdoor spa of Saturnia. A short distance north of Grosseto lies an important hill town: Massa Marittima.
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Close by: Castiglione della Pescaia, Piombino, Porto Santo Stefano
Recommended accommodation: Fattoria San Lorenzo (5 km) Public transport: Train station 1.2 km from centre, local buses |
By train: Livorno -1 hour 29 minutes, Pisa - 1 hour 49 minutes
By car: Siena - 1 hour (75 km), Livorno - 1 hour 39 mins (135 km) Fly to: Pisa Airport - 1 hour 32 minutes by car (155 km) |
Private Transfers
Grosseto Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a convenient and comfortable way to reach Grosseto or continue your journey to other destinations in Tuscany and central Italy. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken directly to your destination by a professional driver, without the need to manage public transport or navigate unfamiliar roads.
From Grosseto, transfers can connect you with Pisa International Airport and Florence Airport, while longer routes are also available to Rome Fiumicino Airport and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. They are also suitable for shorter journeys to nearby coastal and inland towns such as Castiglione della Pescaia, Massa Marittima, and Scansano, or for travelling further across southern Tuscany and the Maremma region.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Grosseto, transfers can connect you with Pisa International Airport and Florence Airport, while longer routes are also available to Rome Fiumicino Airport and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. They are also suitable for shorter journeys to nearby coastal and inland towns such as Castiglione della Pescaia, Massa Marittima, and Scansano, or for travelling further across southern Tuscany and the Maremma region.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
