San Leonardo farm holidays - Renovated farm houses welcome guest in the Maremma, South Tuscany near the warm spa of Saturnia, immersed in the green of Mediterranean bush between century old trees and the silvery colour of olive tree foliage.
SATURNIA and Spa
The southwestern part of Tuscany is known as the Maremma. It falls from the steep slopes of Monte Amiata, an extinct volcano reaching to 1738 m., to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The climate here is very mild; almond trees start blooming in February. Ancient Etruscan settlements and tombs dot the landscape and some of Tuscany’s most intriguing towns adorn the hilltops. The coast itself offers gentle beaches, natural areas, hills for hiking, fishing villages, resort towns.
A two or three night stay near the well-known spa of Saturnia in southern Tuscany can be a relaxing way to begin or end your Italian travels. Or you can opt for a week or two at the seaside, with plenty to see and do in the immediate area as well as direct train connections both north and south.
SATURNIA
The legend holds that an angry Saturn hurled a lightning bolt into the ground here, causing warm, sulphurous waters to gush forth from the crater of a volcano. Better documented are Etruscan tales of the spring, thus dating it to at least 3000 years old. In modern times, a thermal spa harnesses the “miraculous properties” of the 98.6 degree water before it flows nearly a mile to cascade in the countryside through a series of gently sloping ledges.
Saturnia itself is a charming medieval village and the surrounding, unspoiled hills are filled with olive groves and woodlands and rich with Etruscan remains. It is about an hour and a half from Rome, an hour from Siena, and a half-hour to the sea.
Sets of accommodations:
Oliveto and Frantoio: 2 two-bedroom apartments in the village, about a mile from the spa; one ground floor, one second floor.
San Leonardo: 2 one-bedroom apartments and 2 two-bedroom apartments in a brick house about 250 yards from the spa.
Vigna Grande: a farm house with 2 two-bedroom apartments, 1 three bedroom apartment, 2 one-bedroom guest cottages.
Rentals are by the night.