Archive for 'Localities'

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.

We here, at Tuscany Villas, are keen to find attractions and activities for you to enjoy in Tuscany that are a little off the beaten track. We want to show you various sides of this beautiful region, often sides tourists never see, and offer you a wide variety of things to see and do. Hit up the must-see spots and iconic attractions, of course, but if you are looking for something a little different as well, we've got you covered. Recently, we discussed surfing (and how surprisingly good it is) in Tuscany but that is not the only excellent outdoor pursuit that the region facilitates perfectly; there are also brilliant rock climbing facilities throughout Tuscany.

The landscape of Tuscany is beautiful and varied, with lots of rolling hills, medieval hill towns and craggy cliffs that offer a wide range of rock climbing, from single pitch sport routes to long multi-pitch routes across a wide range of grades.