Archive for 'Localities'

If you have dreamed of going somewhere for a very long time, it can be hard to believe, once you're there, that it's actually happening. Tuscany is one of those locations for many. The best way to make it all very real for yourself is to find a great viewing spot and to take in the scenery that you've always seen in books and pictures and your own imagination.

Once Tuscany – be it cities or rolling countryside – is laid out before your eyes, you can truly take it all in and appreciate its beauty. We have compiled a list of some of the best views and panoramic locations in the region to help you experience Tuscany in all her majesty; and maybe even take some excellent shots to make everyone back home jealous.

Two spots in Florence, in particular, offer amazing views over that beautiful Renaissance city. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and make it a point to head to both.

Lardo di Colonnata is one of those must-try typical food products in Italy. Interestingly, it is also actually made using two great Tuscan products: the white marble of the Apuan Alps and Tuscan pork, the main livestock of the region. Both products have long histories in Tuscany, as well, with marble having been quarried since the time of the Ancient Romans and pork having been raised consistently since the time of the Barbarians who came after the Romans.

While Chianti may be the most famous wine region in both Italy and Tuscany, it is not the only celebrated wine region in the country or the region. Tuscany is also home to Carmignano, a Tuscan wine region centered on the city of Carmignano, about 10 miles northwest of Florence. It has been praised for the high quality of its wines since the Middle Ages and was even singled out and favoured by Cosimo III de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. Protected since the 18th century, it was awarded Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) status in 1975 and subsequently promoted to Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) status in 1990.

Lake Massaciuccoli is a lake in the Province of Lucca, Tuscany, that is home to a wildlife oasis in a marsh. While the wildlife and vegetation may have shrunk substantially since the 20th century, the lake is still an area of great natural beauty and bounty. There is much to see and do and the surroundings are pretty alright too.

A boardwalk extends over the edge of the lake and all around it, allowing you to readily and comfortably explore the flora and fauna that can be seen blooming and frolicking around the lake.

Not a particularly challenging walk, it offers a chance to get out and about and stretch your legs in a wonderfully scenic setting, without having to take on an incredibly strenuous hike; something that those with younger kids, limited mobility or less will, to appreciate.

As we mentioned in the last post, as much as Tuscany is a cultural gem, it is also a natural beauty with a wonderful and varied landscape that facilitates many outdoor pursuits, including rock climbing. If you are interested in trying something a little different on your holiday in Tuscany, or something a little off the beaten tourist path, or you happen to be an avid climber planning on spending time in Tuscany, it is a perfect match. We have already mentioned some of the best places to go climbing in the region but there are many more so take note of these destinations, pick the one that suits your plans and abilities and get out to see a different side of Tuscany!

3. Capo d'Uomo, Argentario Island

Capo d'Uomo on Argentario Island is an incredibe crag that is set in very picturesque surroundings, with the sparkling seas of the Mediterranean below and the ruins of an ancient watchtower above, overlooking it all.