Walk to the summit of Monte Amiata, Tuscany's highest volcanic peak, through beech forest with wide views over Val d'Orcia and Maremma.
Monte Amiata is an extinct volcano rising to 1,738 m between Siena and Grosseto provinces. Walks to the summit use forest tracks through beech woods and open ridges. The area also hosts the Parco Faunistico del Monte Amiata at Arcidosso, a wildlife park of around 200 hectares inside the Monte Labbro reserve, and an Indiana Park treetop adventure park.
The mountain is a two-hour excursion from Siena by car, and the weather is cooler and more changeable than in the plains. Summer is the best season for hiking; snow may remain into spring.
| Distance | Summit loops typically 8-14 km depending on start; the Anello della Montagna loop is much longer |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-5 hours for a summit loop |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Trailhead | Car is the practical option (about 80 km, 1.5 hours from Siena); no direct public bus to the summit trailheads, so check regional services at at-bus.it. |
| Best season | June-October |
| Address | Prato delle Macinaie, 58031 Arcidosso GR / Abbadia San Salvatore SI area, Monte Amiata, Italy |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Monte Amiata, on the border of Siena and Grosseto provinces, about 80 km from Siena
- Trail type
- Out and back or loop on forest paths
- Terrain
- Forest tracks and rocky mountain paths; snow and ice possible November to April.
What to bring
Hiking boots, layers and rain jacket (weather changes quickly), water, map.
Location
Prato delle Macinaie, 58031 Arcidosso GR / Abbadia San Salvatore SI area, Monte Amiata, Italy
42.8855, 11.6262 View on map
Highlights
- Summit at 1,738 m with views to Val d'Orcia, Maremma and on clear days the sea
- Beech woods and mountain meadows
- Forest paths linked with the Parco Faunistico del Monte Amiata area at Arcidosso
- Cooler temperatures than the plains in summer
Tips for visiting
- Check weather forecasts; Monte Amiata attracts fog and storms.
- Use a waymarked route and confirm the start point with the Monte Amiata tourist offices before leaving.
- Fill up on water before leaving the village; mountain springs are not guaranteed.
- Winter conditions require crampons or snowshoes on the upper slopes.
When to visit
June to October for clear weather.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair-accessible; some lower forest tracks are gentler.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How high is Monte Amiata?
The summit is 1,738 m.
Can I reach it by public transport?
Not directly from Siena to the trailheads; a car is the practical option.
When is snow likely?
From November to April on the upper slopes.