For many, Tuscany is synonymous with Italy. The hills, the terracotta colored villages and the vineyards. The region is exciting because it offers so much – and the fact is that there are still areas to discover for those who have already visited, for example, Florence and Pisa. If you want city life, try Lucca instead. A postcard-pretty city surrounded by a four kilometer long and intact ring wall. Also medieval Siena is a lovely city.
One of Italy’s cleanest coasts
We often see images of the Tuscan wine landscape, but the coast – which is one of Italy’s cleanest – also deserves attention. Several localities here have been awarded the blue flag, which shows that the water quality is high. The coast stretches from the Riviera Apuana in the north to the Maremma in the south. Here we find both the Versilia area, with fashionable seaside resorts such as Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio with velvet sandy beaches. Farthest south in Tuscany is Monte Argentario with wonderful rock baths.
Archipelago and Alps
Here is also what is known as the Tuscan archipelago: the islands of Gorgona, Capraia, Elba, Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri. Elba is the largest and can be reached all year round by ferry from Piombino on the mainland.
In the background we find the mountains. The Apuan Alps frame the central coastline of Versilia with their rugged beauty. It is from these mountains that the world-famous Carrara marble is mined.
Adventure
Further inland, on the border with Emilia Romagna, rises Monte Prado, which at 2,054 meters is Tuscany’s highest mountain. In the area you can hike, climb and ride a mountain bike. Feel free to start from the nice village of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, where there are several nice places to stay.
Dream villages
Back to the movies and postcards. Which is really the most beautiful Tuscan village? You have probably heard of Monte Gimignano, Montepulciano, Montalcino and Greve in Chianti. But do you know Anghiari, Capalbio, Lucignano and Pitigliano?
One thing is certain. You can always return to Tuscany, regardless of whether you fancy a city weekend, wine tasting, beach holiday or hiking.
