Very rich and famous all over Europe is the network of marked trails which allow hikes of all lenghts. This network has at its centre the Anello della Montagna (Mountain Ring), the magnificent 28 kilometre hike around the volcano. The entire hike takes about twelve hours. Many of the villages that crown the mountain (Abbadia San Salvatore, Vivo d'Orcia, Arcidosso, Piancastagnaio, Santa Fiora) are connected to the "Ring" by a marked "bretella" (secondary path). Other marked itineraries link Santa Fiora, Piancastagnaio and the "Mountain Ring" to Mount Civitella and to Castell'Azzara through the Pigellato and Mount Penna natural reserve.

 

Of great floral and cultural interest are the "chestnut" trails, crossing some of the most beautiful chestnut groves in the volcano area, passing colonial houses and "seccatoi" (drying structures) of great interest. Lovers of trekking trips which last several days can combine the above mentioned itineraries in different ways, or use the marked ways that connect the Amiata trails to some of the most interesting localities of the Maremma and of the Siena area. 

 

Using the marked itineraries in the province of Grosseto, Pitigliano, Saturnia, Scansano and the Argentario can be reached; those in the province of Siena lead to Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano, Chiusi and Siena itself. The Firenze-Siena-Roma trail, inaugurated in 1996, links in 25 legs, Tuscany's chief town to the capital city, crossing the Amiata forrests and the Mount Labbro pastures.

 

Specialised operators also organise trekking trips on horse-back covering all marked itineraries on the Amiata and its surroundings. Many trails (but not all) can be used also by mountain bike lovers. On most paths of the Amiata, however, a comfortable "all terrain" bike is recommended, as it is suitable for paved and unpaved roads and for all gradients.