Top Things to Do in Val d’Orcia and Monte Amiata

The Val d’Orcia and Mount Amiata area is so rich in sights to see and things to do that listing all the possible ways to spend your time here is practically impossible. What we at Valdorciamiata.it can do is offer you some ideas on what to see and what to do during your free time. Your choices will depend on the season you choose to visit our land, although there are many attractions to enjoy throughout the year.

Discover itineraries through historic villages, unspoiled nature, and authentic flavors. Enjoy unique experiences among the Tuscan hills, mountain forests, thermal baths, scenic walks, art, and breathtaking landscapes.

Southern Tuscany, thanks to its ancient volcano, is an area rich in thermal water springs and is renowned worldwide. The benefits of thermal waters have been known since ancient times, and today they represent one of the main attractions of our region.
Thermal spa facilities can be visited in every season of the year.

There are numerous parks and museums to explore throughout our area, from the Parco Museo Minerario di Abbadia San Salvatore to the Giardino di Daniel Spoerri.

You can find an overview of the museums to visit at this link, or click the button below to access the Parks and Museums page.

A land rich in medieval history could not be without magnificent fortresses and castles to visit. Almost all the villages in our area originally developed around a castle, a palace, or a church. Today, many of these historic structures are open to visitors or have been transformed into museums. From the Fortezza di Radicofani to the Castello di Arcidosso, discover in our articles some of the fortresses you can visit.

Every village has its own church to visit. Some are more historically significant than others, but all feature architectural styles and details worth admiring. From the Abbazia di Sant’Antimo in the municipality of Montalcino, to the Duomo di Pienza, the Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta, and the Abbazia di San Salvatore with its Lombard crypt.

There are hundreds of marked trekking routes throughout our area. You can enjoy long hikes or relaxing walks, taking in the silence that the unspoiled nature of forests and green fields has to offer. From the mother of all routes, the Via Francigena, to the circular trail around Monte Amiata, you will admire breathtaking views and walk for hours immersed in nature.

On Mount Amiata there are many rock faces suitable for rock climbing. The Amiata crags, formed by ancient volcanic activity, have become very popular, and every year hundreds of climbers come here to test their skills.

If you love the thrill of long downhill bike rides through forest trails, you can’t miss downhill riding, a sport that has become increasingly popular in recent years among young people. Routes start from the summit of Mount Amiata, or just below it, and descend all the way to the valley.
Discover more about downhill riding on our website.

Although it is an anti-Apennine mountain relatively close to the sea, Mount Amiata offers opportunities to ski during the winter months. Equipped with around ten ski slopes and lift facilities, from December to March snow lovers will have plenty of chances to enjoy this popular winter sport.

Not only trekking, but also countless routes to explore by mountain bike or pedal-assist e-bike. Many of the trails follow the same paths used for hiking, but you will also find numerous unmarked white gravel roads, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the landscapes you ride through.

In our area there are events, festivals, and celebrations taking place almost all year round. Mostly concentrated in the summer and autumn months, you can discover on our website some of the most popular recurring local festivals. Along with the festivities, there will be no shortage of excellent tastings of Tuscan food and wine.