The best running trails around Nature Reserve Diaccia Botrona

The Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve is a spectacular marshland protected area located in Maremma, between Castiglione della Pescaia and Grosseto. Recognized as a wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention, it covers over 1,270 hectares and represents the last precious remnant of the ancient Lake Prile. This extraordinary ecosystem is a fundamental stopover for nesting, resting, and overwintering for over 200 bird species, making it a true paradise for birdwatching.

The Abbey of San Pancrazio al Fango is a fascinating archaeological ruin, located on the border between the municipalities of Grosseto and Castiglione della Pescaia, immersed in the splendid setting of the Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve.

The Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve is a splendid protected wetland area located in Tuscany, extending over 1200 hectares between the municipalities of Castiglione della Pescaia and Grosseto. Considered the most significant wetland in Italy and protected internationally by the Ramsar Convention, it represents the last remnant of the ancient Lake Prile, a vast basin drained starting from the 18th century following the major reclamation works by the House of Lorraine. To see is the Casa Rossa Ximenes. A historic building constructed in 1765 by engineer Leonardo Ximenes, originally designed to regulate water and combat malaria. Today it serves as a museum, visitor center, and the main access point to the entire reserve.

A new cycle path runs alongside the road for a few kilometers. After a few kilometers, however, it rejoins the old path, and cyclists with road bikes should return to the road.

The area currently known as the Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve once contained a saltwater basin connected to the sea, which for centuries provided a significant economic source, ensuring the livelihood of the surrounding areas thanks to fishing, the fish trade, and the supply of salt. This enormous "piscaria" or fishpond, on which the castle stood, later became the toponym of the town, called Castiglione della Pescaia. Over the centuries, the Prile initially lost its salinity (the lake was declared a freshwater pond in 1386) and then gradually dried up, forming the marshy basins that characterize the wetland.

The area currently known as the Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve once contained a saltwater basin connected to the sea, which for centuries provided a significant economic source, ensuring the livelihood of the surrounding areas thanks to fishing, the fish trade, and the supply of salt. This enormous "piscaria" or fishpond, on which the castle stood, later became the toponym of the town, called Castiglione della Pescaia. Over the centuries, the Prile initially lost its salinity (the lake was declared a freshwater pond in 1386) and then gradually dried up, forming the marshy basins that characterize the wetland.

Moreno Beach is a modern and well-maintained beach establishment, located in Marina di Grosseto, in the splendid natural setting of the Tuscan Maremma. The wide, sandy beach is surrounded by the Tombolo pine forest and overlooks a quiet and easily accessible stretch of coastline. It is a perfect destination for cycle tourists travelling the cycle path between Grosseto and the coast, or continuing towards Principina a Mare and Castiglione della Pescaia. In addition to beach services, the establishment offers refreshments, shaded areas, easy access, and an e-bike charging point, making it ideal for a comfortable and regenerating stop during your journey. Moreno Beach is also the ideal place to recharge your e-Bike and earn DINAclub points. Find out how at: https://dinaclub.repower.com/ To discover the territory, here is an itinerary ready to be cycled: https://www.komoot.com/it-it/tour/2443292083

Beautiful cycle path through Riserva Naturale Diaccia Botrona with its many beautiful Pineta's