La Marea
Our guide to the local secret gems...
Towns & Villages
TODI
Perched on a lofty hilltop, high above the winding River Tiber, Todi’s tumbling traditional architecture makes it one of Umbria’s prettiest towns. Once a simple agricultural town, today’s gentrified Todi is a trendy retreat for foreign expats and Rome’s arts and media types. At its heart, the lovely Piazza del Popolo has plenty of good cafés and restaurants, plus you can climb the tower of San Fortunato church for fabulous views. Once you arrive, bypass the city gates and use the well signposted Porta Orvietana car park instead. Rather than having to climb the seriously steep hill into the centre, you will instead be able to ride up in style via the (free) lift.
ORVIETO
Just west of Todi, the glow of this small city is beautiful from every angle. With architecture reminiscent of both Florence and Rome, its exquisite cathedral façade reflects the golden light of sunset like few others in the world. There are lots of shops and bars/restaurants, fabulous delis and wonderful bakeries. Well worth a visit.
MONTEPULCIANO
Surrounded by vineyards, this medieval hill top town is best known for a sight just outside the town, the splendid Madonna di San Biagio church. That said, do take the time to have a good wander around town. There’s the beautiful Piazza Grande with the Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Nobili-Tarugi, Cathedral and tower (with a great view from the top). If you’ve got some spare time, visit the Sant Agostino church and small museum, too.
BEVAGNA
Umbria’s foodie capital with several restaurants crammed into its small centre. It is home to not one but two stunning Romanesque churches.
TERNI
The unlikely birthplace of St Valentine, bishop of the town until his martyrdom. He is now entombed in his personal basilica at nearby San Valentino. Despite its history, it would be hard to imagine a less romantic city than Terni. Because of its important arms and steel industries, it was a target for Allied bombing in 1944 and 80% of the town was reduced to rubble. Its other claim to fame… the gun used to assassinate President Kennedy was made here. However, the surrounding area is lovely and you can’t miss the stunning Marmore Waterfall, just outside town (see Do & See.)
DINING & DRINKS
NEAR LA MARERA:
RISTORANTE DA GUIDO
Address: Via Castellana, 18, 58051 Magliano in Toscana, (GR). Phone: +39 0564 592447 Distance: 4.4 km Ristorante da Guido
Very good local kitchen. Just ask them to start with their 'antipasto' (starters) and to be followed with 3 tastings of their home made pasta's.
DA SANDRA
DA SANDRA
Address: Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 20, 58051 Magliano in Toscana, (GR). Phone: +39 0564 592196 Distance: 4.5 km Da Sandra
OSTERIA MAREMMANA DA GIOVANNA
OSTERIA MAREMMANA DA GIOVANNA
Address: Piazza Marconi, 5, 58051 Magliano in Toscana, (GR). Phone: +39 393 898 0726 Distance: 4.5 km Osteria Maremmana da Giovanna
IN SURROUNDING AREAS:
RIFRULLO
Address: Via Guglielmo Marconi, 3, 58054 Scansano, (GR). Phone: +39 0564 189 1211 Distance: 14 km Rifrullo
“IL CARRAIO”
“IL CARRAIO”
Address: Via 4 Novembre, 15, 58054 Scansano (GR). Phone: +39 339 536 8991 Distance: 14 km “Il Carraio
TRATTORIA LE MANDORLAIE
TRATTORIA LE MANDORLAIE
Address: km. 9, Strada Provinciale Aione, 58054 Scansano (GR). Phone: +39 0564 183 7733 Distance: 13 km Trattoria Le Mandorlai
IL GROTTONE
IL GROTTONE
Address: Via degli Addobbi, 58054 Scansano (GR). Phone: +39 0564 507641 Distance: 14 km Il Grottone
LA CASTAGNETA RESTAURANT
LA CASTAGNETA RESTAURANT
Address: Località Castagneta, 58054 Scansano (GR). Phone: +39 0564 507219 Distance: 15 km Ristorante La Castagneta
DELIS & FOOD SHOPS
BUTCHER’S SHOP: IL NORCINO BUTCHER’S SHOP
Address: Via Giosuè Carducci, 14, 58051 Magliano in Toscana (GR). Distance: Approximately 5-7 km from Poggio Bestiale.
FISHMONGERS:
PESCHERIA SANT’ANNA DI B.MAZZELLA & C.SNC
Address: Via Caduti sul Lavoro, 4, 58015 Orbetello GR. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 AM–1:00 PM, 4:30 PM–7:00 PM; Sunday 8:30 AM–10:00 AM; Closed Monday. Distance: Approximately 30 km from Poggio Bestiale.
PESCHERIA LA FONTEAZZURRA (TALAMONE- FONTEBLANDA)
Address: Via Talamonese, 11, 58010 Fonteblanda GR. Contact: +39 338 332 1569. Distance: Approximately 27 km from Poggio Bestiale.
DA ROBERTO FISH SHOP (PORTO SANTO STEFANO)
Address: Via Scalo Colombo, 20, 58019 Porto Santo Stefano, GR. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8:00 AM–7:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM–1:00 PM; Closed on Mondays. Distance: Approximately 36 km from Poggio Bestiale.
BAKERY:
BIAGIONI BAKERY AND PASTRY SHOP
Address: Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 28, 58051 Magliano in Toscana, GR. Distance: Approximately 5-7 km from Poggio Bestiale.
SUPERMARKETS AND GROCERY STORES IN MAREMMA:
In the smaller towns of Maremma, such as Magliano in Toscana, local supermarkets tend to have a more limited selection of products. For a wider and more varied selection, it's best to head to larger cities like Grosseto or Orbetello, where you'll find larger supermarkets.
Supermarkets with a Wider Selection: Here are some of the main supermarkets in Grosseto and Orbetello, reachable by car from Magliano in Toscana: In Grosseto (about 30-40 minutes from Magliano in Toscana):Aurelia Antica Shopping Center (Conad Hypermarket, Eurospar)Address: Via Aurelia Antica, 46/C, 58100 Grosseto GRTypical Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sun 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (please check specific hours) Features: A large shopping center with hypermarkets offering a wide range of food and non-food products.
WINE:
The Maremma is a land of great wines, particularly Morellino di Scansano and Vermentino. Near Villa La Marea, and within a day trip, you'll find several excellent wineries where you can taste and purchase local products.
PODERE POGGIO
Podere Poggio Bestiale Address: Podere Poggio Bestiale, 58051 Magliano in Toscana GR. Contacts: Tel: +39 366 169 4097 | Website: http://www.poderepoggiobestiale.it/ Special Note: This winery takes its name from the same village, "Poggio Bestiale," where the villa is located. It's just a short walk from the villa, making it extremely convenient to reach. The vines around the property are managed by Podere Poggio Bestiale. This is the wine production of the La Marea Estate.
WINE SHOP LA CANTINA DI CECCO
(Magliano in Toscana) Address: Via Bruno, 1, 58051 Magliano in Toscana GR. Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday 17:30–23:30; Wednesday 23:30–00:00 (check); Saturday 11:30 AM–1:00 AM; Sunday 11:00 AM–1:00 AM; Closed Tuesday. Contact: +39 345 882 4701. Distance: Approximately 22.1 km from Poggio Bestiale (in the center of Magliano).
PLAZA BISTROT
(Orbetello). Address: Piazza Odoardo Borrani 16, Via Franco Baghini, 17, 58015 Orbetello GR. Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:30 AM–3:00 PM, 5:00 PM–11:00 PM; Closed Sunday. Contact: +39 391 105 9014. Distance: Approximately 7.3 km from Poggio Bestiale.
Inside the villa, you'll find wines from Cantina Poggio Bestiale. They're available for purchase, and you can pay for them at the end of your stay.Home Tasting: Yes, Podere Poggio Bestiale offers the possibility of organizing tastings directly at your villa! This is an excellent opportunity to savor their wines in the comfort and privacy of Villa La Marea. We recommend contacting them in advance to book and organize the experience.
DELIS & FOOD SHOPS
BUTCHER’S SHOP: IL NORCINO BUTCHER’S SHOP
Address: Via Giosuè Carducci, 14, 58051 Magliano in Toscana (GR). Distance: Approximately 5-7 km from Poggio Bestiale.
FISHMONGERS:
PESCHERIA SANT’ANNA DI B.MAZZELLA & C.SNC
Address: Via Caduti sul Lavoro, 4, 58015 Orbetello GR. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 AM–1:00 PM, 4:30 PM–7:00 PM; Sunday 8:30 AM–10:00 AM; Closed Monday. Distance: Approximately 30 km from Poggio Bestiale.
PESCHERIA LA FONTEAZZURRA (TALAMONE- FONTEBLANDA)
Address: Via Talamonese, 11, 58010 Fonteblanda GR. Contact: +39 338 332 1569. Distance: Approximately 27 km from Poggio Bestiale.
DA ROBERTO FISH SHOP (PORTO SANTO STEFANO)
Address: Via Scalo Colombo, 20, 58019 Porto Santo Stefano, GR. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8:00 AM–7:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM–1:00 PM; Closed on Mondays. Distance: Approximately 36 km from Poggio Bestiale.
BAKERY:
BIAGIONI BAKERY AND PASTRY SHOP
Address: Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 28, 58051 Magliano in Toscana, GR. Distance: Approximately 5-7 km from Poggio Bestiale.
SUPERMARKETS AND GROCERY STORES IN MAREMMA:
In the smaller towns of Maremma, such as Magliano in Toscana, local supermarkets tend to have a more limited selection of products. For a wider and more varied selection, it's best to head to larger cities like Grosseto or Orbetello, where you'll find larger supermarkets.
Supermarkets with a Wider Selection: Here are some of the main supermarkets in Grosseto and Orbetello, reachable by car from Magliano in Toscana: In Grosseto (about 30-40 minutes from Magliano in Toscana):Aurelia Antica Shopping Center (Conad Hypermarket, Eurospar)Address: Via Aurelia Antica, 46/C, 58100 Grosseto GRTypical Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sun 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (please check specific hours) Features: A large shopping center with hypermarkets offering a wide range of food and non-food products.
WINE:
The Maremma is a land of great wines, particularly Morellino di Scansano and Vermentino. Near Villa La Marea, and within a day trip, you'll find several excellent wineries where you can taste and purchase local products.
PODERE POGGIO
Podere Poggio Bestiale Address: Podere Poggio Bestiale, 58051 Magliano in Toscana GR. Contacts: Tel: +39 366 169 4097 | Website: http://www.poderepoggiobestiale.it/ Special Note: This winery takes its name from the same village, "Poggio Bestiale," where the villa is located. It's just a short walk from the villa, making it extremely convenient to reach. The vines around the property are managed by Podere Poggio Bestiale. This is the wine production of the La Marea Estate.
WINE SHOP LA CANTINA DI CECCO
(Magliano in Toscana) Address: Via Bruno, 1, 58051 Magliano in Toscana GR. Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday 17:30–23:30; Wednesday 23:30–00:00 (check); Saturday 11:30 AM–1:00 AM; Sunday 11:00 AM–1:00 AM; Closed Tuesday. Contact: +39 345 882 4701. Distance: Approximately 22.1 km from Poggio Bestiale (in the center of Magliano).
PLAZA BISTROT
(Orbetello). Address: Piazza Odoardo Borrani 16, Via Franco Baghini, 17, 58015 Orbetello GR. Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:30 AM–3:00 PM, 5:00 PM–11:00 PM; Closed Sunday. Contact: +39 391 105 9014. Distance: Approximately 7.3 km from Poggio Bestiale.
Inside the villa, you'll find wines from Cantina Poggio Bestiale. They're available for purchase, and you can pay for them at the end of your stay.Home Tasting: Yes, Podere Poggio Bestiale offers the possibility of organizing tastings directly at your villa! This is an excellent opportunity to savor their wines in the comfort and privacy of Villa La Marea. We recommend contacting them in advance to book and organize the experience.
DO & SEE
NEARBY TOWNS TO VISIT:
From Casa Allegra, many places of cultural interest can be reached within a 2-hour drive.
In the immediate vicinity (within 1 hour):
MAGLIANO IN TOSCANA:
MAGLIANO IN TOSCANA:
The village itself offers the opportunity to stroll along the ancient medieval walls, visit the Parish Church of San Martino, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the evocative Witch's Olive Tree, and the remains of the Monastery of San Bruzio. There is also an Archaeological Documentation Center.
Talamone: A charming coastal village dominated by the Rocca Aldobrandesca, with a history tied to Greek legends.
TARQUINIA (LAZIO):
TARQUINIA (LAZIO):
About an hour's drive away, famous for its Etruscan Necropolis (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the National Archaeological Museum, offering an immersive experience of Etruscan civilization.
Vulci: An important Etruscan archaeological site with a nature park and a medieval castle, about an hour's drive away.
TAROT GARDEN (CAPALBIO):
TAROT GARDEN (CAPALBIO):
A unique art park, created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle, with gigantic sculptures inspired by the major arcana of the Tarot. It is located in Capalbio, less than an hour's drive away.
Vetulonia: An ancient Etruscan city with an important archaeological site and a museum, about a 40-50 minute drive away.
SATURNIA:
SATURNIA:
Although famous for its natural hot springs, the village of Saturnia has ancient origins and offers cultural attractions, about a 45-50 minute drive away.
GIGLIO ISLAND:
To reach Giglio Island, it takes about 26 minutes by car to Porto Santo Stefano, and then about an hour by ferry. The total travel time is approximately 1 hour and 26 minutes.
To reach Giglio Island, it takes about 26 minutes by car to Porto Santo Stefano, and then about an hour by ferry. The total travel time is approximately 1 hour and 26 minutes.
Within 1 hour and 30 minutes / 2 hours and 30 minutes:
The Tuff Cities: These three villages, carved into the tuff rock, are a true gem of the Maremma and offer a unique cultural experience with their Etruscan cave streets, the Cathedral of Sovana, the Masso Leopoldino in Sorano, and the Jewish ghetto in Pitigliano. They can be reached in about 1 hour - 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Orvieto (Umbria): About 1 hour and 30 minutes by car, it is famous for its magnificent Cathedral, St. Patrick's Well, and the underground city.
Massa Marittima: A charming medieval town with a splendid Piazza Garibaldi and the Cathedral of San Cerbone, about 1 hour and 30 minutes - 1 hour and 45 minutes by car.
Florence: The driving distance from Magliano in Toscana to Florence is approximately 2 hours and 18 minutes, making it a viable destination for a cultural excursion.
Please note that travel times are estimates and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
Val d’Orcia (Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino) (120 km to San Quirico d’Orcia)
Since 2004, this valley, along with Chianti, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is perhaps the most distinctive landscape of Tuscany we all know and admire. With Pienza, the famous goat cheese town, and even more famous wine towns like Montepulciano and Montalcino, this valley is easily accessible by car from the property, in the morning or afternoon.
Please call first to check restaurants and museums are open, and check the relevant government guidance before travelling.
No responsibilty can be accepted by Scott Williams for any issues that may arise as a result of the enclosed recommendations and information.