Monte  Amiata​

Latest update: 21 January 2024
By: Dion Protani
​Situated within the Provinces of Grosseto and Siena, Monte Amiata (or Mount Amiata in English), rises to a maximum height of 1,738 metres above sea level. 

Places of interest around the mountain include the Abbey of Sant'Antimo, the historical towns of Castiglione d'Orcia and Montalcino, as well as the famous Val d'Orcia. 

​Florence Airport is 130 kilometres away and reachable by car in an hour and 52 minutes while the recommended accommodation in the area is the Hotel Palazzo del Capitano in San Quirico d'Orcia.
Picture
Monte Amiata, Tuscany
Related links
Profile
Monte Amiata is a prominent mountain located in the Tuscany region of central Italy. Rising to an elevation of 1,738 meters (5,702 feet), it is the highest peak in the southern part of Tuscany. The mountain and its surrounding area offer a diverse range of natural beauty, outdoor activities, historical sites, and charming villages, making it an attractive destination for tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure.

The mountain is part of the Amiata volcanic complex and is characterized by its gentle slopes, dense forests of chestnut, beech, and fir trees, and scenic meadows. In the winter, the mountain is covered with snow, making it a popular destination for skiing and winter sports. In the warmer months, it transforms into a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature enthusiasts.

The mountain is surrounded by several picturesque villages, including Abbadia San Salvatore, Castel del Piano, and Arcidosso, each offering a glimpse into the traditional Tuscan way of life and local culture.
History
Monte Amiata has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It was once an important mining area, known for its deposits of cinnabar, from which mercury was extracted. The mining activity on the mountain dates back to Etruscan and Roman times and continued until the 1970s.

The villages around the mountain have a medieval heritage, with ancient castles, churches, and fortifications that bear witness to the historical significance of the region.
Key features
  • Skiing and Winter Sports: In the winter, Monte Amiata becomes a popular ski destination with ski resorts like Monte Amiata Ski Area offering slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
  • Hiking and Nature Trails: In the summer, the mountain provides numerous hiking and nature trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints, lush forests, and unique volcanic formations.
  • Monte Labbro: Explore Monte Labbro, a nearby mountain with an ancient Etruscan fortress and a breathtaking view of Monte Amiata and the surrounding landscape.
  • Hot Springs: The area around Monte Amiata is known for its natural hot springs, including Bagni San Filippo, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in thermal waters.
  • Festivals and Events: The villages in the region host various festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating local traditions, food, and culture.
  • Local Cuisine: Savor the local Tuscan cuisine, which includes hearty dishes like wild boar stew, mushroom risotto, and traditional chestnut-based sweets.
Monte Amiata
Provinces: Grosseto and Siena

Region: Tuscany

Maximum elevation: 1,738 metres

Close by: Abbey of Sant'Antimo, Castiglione d'Orcia, Montalcino

Fly to: ​Florence Airport - 1 hour 52 minutes (130 km)​​​

Recommended stay: Hotel Palazzo del Capitano (21 km)

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via  my Facebook and Instagram pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone.