La Casa nel Borgo

Visiting the Riviera Apuana region of Tuscany is like stepping into paradise! Enjoy exploring the white sandy beaches that stretch along the Tuscan coast below the tall majestic marble mountains of the Apuan Alps. The Riviera Apuana is bordered by the River Magra and the River Versilia that flow down from higher ground into the sea, and is home to several Blue Flag beaches. The most popular of these are Marinella di Sarzana, Marina di Carrara and Marina di Massa.

Tourists have a superb selection of beautiful vacation rentals on the tuscan coast to choose from; from the towns scattered on the sea to some cosy hamlets tucked into the hills behind.

Visitors will marvel at the vibrant colours that exist naturally here; from the white marble of the mountains, the lush green of the trees and vegetation in the low hills, the yellow sand beaches and the clear blue waters of the sea. There is so much to do and see in the Riviera Apuana; enjoy the many amenities available close to the twenty kilometre long stretch of beaches where you can partake in thrilling water sports like surfing, sailing, sea kayaking and snorkelling.

In the last post in this series, we are rounding out our spooky Tuscan spots to get you in the mood for Hallowe'en. No matter what time of year you are planning your trip Tuscany – but especially during this creepy time of year – these haunted palaces, fascinating legends and spooky tales will never not be interesting. Here are more of our picks of must-see ghoulish destinations in Tuscany...

7. Brolio Castle's Terrifying Ghost

Brolio Castle, located in the Chianti region, in the province of Siena, is a beautiful architectural gem but is also home to an eerie legend and the ghost of Bettino Ricasoli, a rather fearsome spirit.

Stop off for a day in the hilltop village of Fosdinovo, built upon a mountain overlooking the spectacular Tuscan coast in Massa Carrara province. From the Middle Ages onwards, Fosdinovo prospered thanks to the powerful Malaspina family who lived in a fortressed castle.

They established strong trading ties across sea and land and attracted business due to the castle’s proximity to the famous pilgrim route to Rome called Via Francigena.

Stay in a fabulous villa rental in Rometta, which is located only nine kilometres from Fosdinovo.

Come to visit the castle of Fosdinovo in Tuscany to learn about the tragic tale of a wealthy daughter from a noble family and how she fell in love with a stable hand who worked there. Tourists wishing to stay here for a few days have a wealth of tuscany villas for rent available to them in and around the town of Fosdinovo on the border between Tuscany and Liguria.

The castle, where this story is based is where the noble Malaspina family had lived for centuries. A beautiful girl called Bianca Maria Aloisia, a member of the family resided here during the mid fifteenth century and fell in love with a handsome young man who worked in the stables there. They had to meet in secret and fell deeply in love after only a few brief meetings.

Torta di Riso alla Carrarina, or “Carrara-style Rice Cake”, may not be the sexiest sounding dessert but it is actually quite the delicious treat.

As one might imagine from the name, the dessert originates from the town of Carrara in the northwest of Tuscany, a town primarily famous for its marble quarries that were beloved of Michelangelo. However, like the rest of Tuscany, it is also well-known for its comforting and tasty peasant food tradition. Torta di Riso alla Carrarina is no exception.

If you’re touring through the scenic province of Massa Carrara on your next vacation to Tuscany then be sure to stop off in the famous town of white marble called Carrara! Situated on the Carrione River, this thriving town is twinned with the neighbour town of Massa.

Together, Massa Carrara, as they are commonly called became a huge marble mining industry which exported this precious stone throughout Italy and Europe.

Stay in a charming vacation villa in Massa Carrara province where you can easily explore the entire province within a day or two.