Archive for 'Tuscan Coast'

Tuscany is a beauty and there is lots to see and do, all across the region. In fact, it is one of the most picturesque and pretty places in the world. There is an endless list of places you could visit, things you could see and things you could do. However, some are more picture-perfect than others and, to help you narrow down the list and make it possible to fit into one trip, here are more of this author's picks of the most photogenic sights in Tuscany that you'll want to visit and then capture in a photograph forever.

9. The most photogenic beach in Tuscany?

Follonica is a coastal city that is often seen as the “Miami” of Tuscany, with a modern, busy city centre and long stretches of beautiful beaches. Torre Mozza is one of these beaches, located just 3km from the center of Follonica and is named for an ancient tower built right on the cusp of the shore.

We've previously discussed Italy's Santa, a witch called Befana, before. Befana is a good witch, whose name comes from the Roman dialect's pronunciation of the Italian "epifania" (or Epiphany), and comes delivering gifts for the good children, and lumps of coal to the bad ones on the 5th of January, the night before Epiphany, to make up for missing Jesus long ago. She is visualised as an old and ugly witch who flies on her broom and delivers presents in stockings hanging over the fireplace (sounds familiar!), coming down from the chimney.

Befanini, meanwhile, are soft, sprinkle-covered, cake-like lemon-scented cookies that are typical of the Versilia area on the Tuscan coast. Traditionally made on the 5th, when the Befana is coming to visit, they are beloved of kids and adults alike and for good reason: they're delicious!

Sadly, the title of these posts will have ruined the ending of the story, however, the details still make it worthy of being told. We discussed the rather tumultuous life and times of the great Italian painter Caravaggio in the last post. In it, we learned about how, while he may be remembered for his art, his murkier history is often overlooked today. A bit of a bad boy who was fond of brawling and drinking, one of his disagreements went too far and ended up in murder, causing Caravaggio to spend the latter years of his life on the run for his crimes.

Caravaggio is mostly remembered as a genius and great Italian painter today but that was not the only image that he has ever had. While his skill was recognised in his own lifetime, it was paired with a bit of a reputation as a bad boy. He was fond of drinking and gambling, was known to have rather drastic mood swings and was prone to violence. In fact, he was often found brawling in different establishments.

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.