Between Grosseto and Castiglione della Pescaia, just behind the popular beach and the pinewoods, lies the Diaccia Botrona Natural Reserve, a marshy area little known, but incredibly beautiful. It is considered one of the most important wetland areas in Italy.

Diaccia Botrona is actually one of the few wetlands spared by the massive land reclamation projects that have been implemented for centuries in Maremma. It seems incredible, but in Roman times the sea occupied the whole area and the Port Trajan once stood here. Then, over the centuries, the “tomboli” (=deposits of alluvial sands) have closed the marine mirror, first forming a lake - Lago Prile overlooked by Roselle and Vetulonia in Etruscan time - and finally a lagoon.

Today the Reserve covers an area of over 1000 hectares, of which a small part is a freshwater marsh, while the remaining areas are brackish lagoons.

Maybe ponds, marshes and swamps evoke, perhaps unconsciously, the idea of an environment a bit desolated, but in reality it is not like that! And those who decide to visit this enchanting Reserve realize that quickly. This is a unique habitat, ideal for many living beings: animals and plants. This fragile and magnificent ecosystem offers a natural sight of rare beauty and harmony. For example, Diaccia Botrona Reserve is a paradise for "birdwatchers!"

The most recommended times to visit Diaccia Botrona Natural Reserve are spring – season of mating and migrations - and autumn, for the magnificent colours of the nature. You might spot a marsh harrier or a hen harrier, a graceful egret, a funny crested cuckoo or a lot of other unusual and particular animals, even simply from the observation point of "Casa Rossa" (= Red House). This is a huge edifice, built as water regulator for the refilling of marshes, entitled to "Ximenes," the Jesuit engineer appointed by the Duke of Lorraine said "Canapone", for the land reclamations of Maremma. Today, restored and converted into a modern, well-equipped Visitor Center, occupies a strategic position, straddling the two channels – Canale Unico e Bilogio – and allows the observation from several points and the access to the trails in the Reserve. The guides of the Maremma Trekking Association are at your disposal.

In the heart of the Natural Reserve, on Clodia Island, there are also some archaeological findings of Roman times and the remains of the Abbey of San Pancrazio al Fango of medieval period.