Discover Salaiola: Forests, Trails and Poetry

Salaiola lies on the slopes of Monte Aquilaia and combines a wooded mountain landscape with a place where history and poetry remain visible. The woodland includes chestnut, silver fir, elm, maple and oak trees. A signposted network of trails connects Arcidosso with Salaiola and Monte Aquilaia. Walks and hikes can therefore follow the connection between the village and the mountain. The location on Monte Aquilaia shapes Salaiola’s landscape.

Forest Landscape and Biodiversity

The vegetation of Salaiola provides a habitat for more than 80 bird species. The ecosystem of Salaiola includes the Fosso, which is rich in cyprinids and a great variety of insects. For those interested in nature, the tree species, bird species, cyprinids and insects of Salaiola offer specific subjects for observation. Almost all the residents of Salaiola have joined a protocol for the protection of biodiversity. Salaiola is described as Italy’s first “Borgo Naturalistico”. The protocol combines the protection of biodiversity with everyday life in the village. In the Fosso, cyprinids and insects complement the bird and tree species found on the slopes.

Trail Network and Gravel Route

The trail network between Arcidosso and Salaiola is equipped with signage adapted to regional standards. This makes it possible to follow the route between Arcidosso, Salaiola and Monte Aquilaia on walks and hikes. The Monte Labbro gravel route is 31.7 km long. After a descent towards Macchie, it continues to Salaiola and then returns to Arcidosso via the provincial road. When planning a cycling tour, the 31.7 km distance and the sequence Monte Labbro, Macchie, Salaiola and Arcidosso form the fixed reference points. The 31.7 km distance represents the total length of the gravel route. When planning the cycling tour, the changes of location, the descent, the onward journey and the return can be arranged as separate stages and scheduled in advance.

Early Medieval History and Poems

Salaiola has early medieval origins. The Chiesa di San Leonardo in Salaiola is dedicated to Saint Leonard of Limoges. Poems can be seen along the streets of Salaiola, on the walls of houses and even on the old washhouses. As they walk through Salaiola, visitors interested in culture therefore encounter both the village’s early medieval history and texts in public spaces.

Festivals and Organised Walks

Every year, the Associazione L'Aquilaia organises the Festa della Luna in Salaiola. Its activities include meditative walks and woodland walks with environmental guides. For 2025, the programme of the Festa della Poesia includes readings, book presentations and a poetry workshop. The walks with environmental guides are separate nature-focused activities alongside the programme of the 2025 Festa della Poesia, with its readings, book presentations and poetry workshop.

Further Places for Planning Your Trip

Further places for planning your trip: Carige Alta, Semproniano, Pancole, Gavorrano, Scarlino, Manciano, La Dispensa and Arcidosso.

For the higher-level travel overview: Grosseto.