The mountain is a sleeping volcano. Lava doesn’t flow any more, but thermal waters still do. The natural springs of Terme San Filippo, at the base of the mountain, are surrounded by the green and peaceful nature. Here you can admire the Fosso Bianco, also called the “white whale” because of its size and the white colour of its limestone. Its thermal waterfall has given rise to wondrous and crystal-white calcareous deposits over the years.
Not far away, right in the heart of the Val d’Orcia, is the town of Bagno Vignoni, where you can see stunning sunsets from Piazza delle Sorgenti, with its fabulous baths, dating back to the Roman era, where it was possible to bathe before 1970's. In the town there are spas of all kinds to take advantage of the healing waters, like Hotel Posta Marcucci, with its outdoor pool.
If you’re dreaming of a luxury experience, there is also the Adler Thermae, which combines a spa centre, restaurant and hotel. With breath-taking views over the Val d'Orcia, unwind in the outdoor pools, purify your body in its saunas, try different types of beauty treatments and massages (even featuring Brunello wine), and have a nap in the relax area, which offers beds similar to big hammocks hanging from the ceiling.
Inside the Faunistic Park of Monte Amiata, a network of paths - which must be strictly followed - and specific structures such as platforms, permit visitors to observe without physical barriers many species that are naturally present in the central Apennines. There's also a path that runs through a splendid gorge full of water; following this route it is possible to observe numerous vegetable species. With the arrival of spring there is an explosion of life and colours. The yellow of the broom stands out amidst the green and flowers are in bloom everywhere.
You can also take a bike ride through nature in the Amiata forests, following a ring-shaped trail that goes from Abbadia San Salvatore, following the signs for ‘Vetta Amiata’ and passing through Crocetta.
You cannot miss the wonderful food and wine of the region either, including pecorino from Pienza, Cinta Senese salami, soupes like acquacotta, pasta like pici, drinking some delicious wines including Brunello from Montalcino, Nobile from Montepulciano and Orcia Doc.
The cultivar “Olivastra Seggianese” is a plant that resists to low temperatures and grows at 460-650 meters above sea level. With its olives a precious extra virgin olive oil is made.