Maremma Region according to the New York Times

THE QUITE CORNER OF ITALY

Discovering the Maremma Region through the lens of The New York Times has unveiled a hidden gem, a serene corner of Italy that captures the essence of pastoral bliss. Journalist Laura Rysman, paints a vivid picture of Maremma through all her journey and experiences in the territory. According to the NYT, Maremma is “the quiet corner of Italy”, a distinction we wholeheartedly embrace!

Rysman’s expedition through Maremma led her to charming places such as Civitella Marittima, Castiglione della Pescaia, Orbetello, and the quaint Pereta, a hilltop village adorned with medieval stone dwellings.

Maremma beckons with an invitation to immerse oneself in nature, as Rysman says: “Whether on horseback, by bike or on foot, the least populated part of Tuscany offers a pastoral escape, where your days follow the cycles of the weather, animals and plants”. Maremma Regional Park stands as a testament to this, a nature reserve along more than 15 miles of coastline inviting exploration and contemplation.

Butteri, Maremma’s cowboys

One of Maremma’s unique charms highlighted by The New York Times are the “butteri” —described as “Maremma’s own brand of cowboys” who skillfully guide packs of the Indigenous lyre-horned cows, riding sturdy Maremmano horses in a tradition that traces its roots back to the ancient Etruscans. This enduring and vital equestrian link sets Maremma apart as one of the few places preserving such a rich tradition.

Local flavors

The culinary delights of Maremma also captivated Rysman throughout her journey. The regional cuisine, featuring wild boar, freshly caught fish, local wines, farm-made jams, honeys, and cheeses, became an integral part of her exploration.

NYT addresses

For those considering Maremma a new adventure, The New York Times recommends these addresses:

Tenuta di Alberese in Alberese (€60 for an approximately 4 hour excursion).
State-funded farmstead with Maremmana cows offering visitors the chance to accompany its squad of butteri as they tend to the herd on horseback.

Posto Pubblico in Castiglione della Pescaia (six-course tasting menu, €70 plus beverages; pizza from €10; wine from €6 a glass).
Ambitious restaurant with local farm-sourced ingredients and a natural wine bar.

Corte di Ardengo in Civitella Maritima (starting from €50 for a two-hour ride)
Offers horseback

Cooperativa I Pescatori in Orbetello (€25 for two seafood courses, plus beverages).
Casual restaurant, run and supplied by a collective of local fishermen.

Ristorante Fontanile dei Caprai in Marsiliana, originally supplied sustenance to hunters in the area’s woods and now serves traditional cuisine to all comers (about €25 for two courses, plus beverages).

Parco Regionale della Maremma in Alberese (entry is €10).

🔎 Read here NYT full article: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/11/travel/maremma-italy.html