Activities in Tuscany … pick your favorite.
The Tuscan territory is remarkably varied with different landscapes offering numerous attractions, activities and things to do. It is divided into 33 areas, consisting of 10 provinces and 278 municipalities, each with more than a thousand years of history to tell. The regional capital of Tuscany is Florence. The other provincial capitals are Arezzo, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena. The Tuscan mountainous area, hills, and plains are diversified with stretches of wild coastline and trendy beaches, and numerous hotels. In the intensively cultivated valleys, cities rich in history, monuments, castles, villages and art treasures make up an extensive historical, artistic and cultural heritage.
VILLAGES (read more)
Pitigliano – Province of Grosseto (GR) – Tuff Zone
The struggles for the conquest of territory in the Middle Ages have left numerous villages, castles, and fortresses scattered throughout Tuscany, as well as religious buildings and churches with various architectural styles. A large part of this historical heritage has undergone extensive restoration. Walking through the narrow streets of ancient villages, you can still breathe the air of the past. Folkloristic events and historical re-enactments take place periodically in towns and villages.
COUNTRYSIDE (read more)
Valdichiana Area
The Tuscan territory is hilly with plenty of agricultural activity, mainly olive and vine. In fact, 65% of the region consists of hills that form the typical Tuscan landscape. Of all the Italian landscapes, Tuscany has a unique attraction to the visitor, with its attractive hills, ancient olive trees shaped by the ages and majestic cypresses that have inspired Italian and foreign artists for centuries. Farm stays (Agriturismo) are the best way for lodging in the countryside. They offer a unique opportunity for discovering the region, eating genuine, tasting local products, and practicing outdoor sports.
ART CITIES (read more)
Basilica di San Francesco – Arezzo (AR)
The historical centers of the major Tuscan cities are open air gems with an incredible number of monuments and museums, that house works of art of great significance and importance. Tuscany was the birthplace of the Etruscan civilization and later the cradle of the Renaissance, the artistic movement that significantly changed the philosophical-social concepts of Europe in the sixteenth century. The most famous artworks are housed in Florence, Pisa, Siena, Lucca, Pistoia, and Livorno. Not only the big cities but also many smaller towns have a lot to offer like the ceramics of Montelupo Fiorentino, the goldsmith art of Arezzo, the marble art workshops in Carrara and Massa, the city of Pienza, Etruscan Volterra and Cortona and many others.
SEA (read more)
Etruscan Coast
Tuscany, touching the Ligurian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea, is characterized by a coastline that stretches over 230 km. The beaches are generally low, sandy and very diversified in their characteristics. Off the coast you’ll find the Tuscan archipelago islands: Elba, Gorgona, Capraia, Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio Island and Giannutri, as well as some minor islands. Particularly important are the beach resorts of Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, Livorno, Punta Ala, la Versilia, la Maremma of Grosseto, Castiglione della Pescaia, Talamone, Argentario and Ansedonia.
MOUNTAINS (read more)
Garfagnana Area
Only 25.1% of Tuscany region consists of mountainous territory. Tuscany is surrounded both on the north and on the east by the Apennines. Other significant mountain ranges are the Alps, Mount Pratomagno, the Pistoia mountains, the massive Monte Amiata, an ancient volcano of 1734m high, and Monte Falterona where the Arno River had its spring. For winter sports enthusiasts different slopes can be found mainly in the area in Abetone, Cutigliano, and Mount Amiata: Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, slopes for disabled, snow parks, snowboarding, sledding, and snow tubing.
PARKS and NATURAL RESERVES (read more)
Casentino Forest
The Tuscan region shows a large variety of landscapes from the Apennine mountains covered in forests and the rocky Apuan Alps, to rolling hills, marshes, pine forests and coastal dunes. The need to protect this rich artistic and cultural heritage led to the foundation of several protected areas that covers a total of 9.3% of the Tuscan territory. The numerous protected areas include: National Park of Casentino Forests, Monte Falterona, Campigna, the Park of the Apuan Alps with the famous marble quarries, The Regional Park Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli, the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, that includes all the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago and the Regional Park of Maremma. The Natural Artistical Cultural Park of Val d’Orcia is listed by UNESCO among the World Heritage Sites. The nature reserves often also provide protection for native animals, such as the Maremma horses and the cattle breed “Chianina”. For the protection of the landscape, numerous eco-museums and faunistic parks promote the preservation and conservation of craft traditions.
SPA and WELLNESS (read more)
Spa of San Giuliano Terme
Enjoy a spa vacation and dedicate your holiday to your health and recharging your battery. Numerous thermal sites in Tuscany including Montecatini Terme, Chianciano, and Saturnia make it an important destination for tourists wishing to enjoy relaxing moments and getting into shape. Many different therapeutic treatments are available, but also aesthetic, and treatments to regenerate the body and mind. The thermal waters of Tuscany, ranging in temperature from 25°C at Montecatini Terme to a steaming 54°C at San Filippo Terme, are beneficial for several diseases and have recognized therapeutic virtues.
