On the beach
Posted in: Beaches Islands Livorno Localities Pisa Tourist Attractions Travel Tips Tuscan Coast

We often remark on the less-celebrated wonder that is the Tuscan Coast. The northern stretch merges with Liguria, renowned world-wide for its beloved coastal area, the Cinque Terre, so why then do fewer travellers think of a holiday rental on the Tuscan Coast when planning an Italian escape by the sea? 


Perhaps it is simply that the cultural wonders, heavy-hitter tourist attractions, and the iconic rolling green hills of the Tuscan countryside are too impressive that they overshadow some of the other, equally delightful traits of the region. However, we always say that Tuscany is about much more than the well-trodden narratives. There is an endless list of wonders, hidden gems, and obvious but less talked about delights to discover in the region!

GTE, the Great Elba Crossing
Posted in: Activities Curiosities Hiking Islands Localities Tuscan Coast
The exceptionally lovely Elba is an island located off the coast of Tuscany that is most famous as the place in which Napoleon lived out his exile. It is a great beauty with diverse and lush flora, plenty of interesting fauna, incredible views, and some excellent beaches. As such, it makes for a wonderful place to spend a day if you have found a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast. If you are interested in hiking, it is an especially good day-trip location as it is home to the Grande Traversata Elbana, or Great Elba Crossing. This is a long circuit of routes and trails around the island that make it an absolute dream for hikers! To get active while you explore Tuscany, come and see it for yourself and try out some of, or the entirety of the route, and feel yourself get refreshed by the majestic beauty of the island!
Butterfly
Posted in: Islands Localities Pretty Views Tourist Attractions Tuscan Coast
The island of Elba, off the Tuscan Coast, is already an exceptionally beautiful place. For those who have found a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast, it is a must-see.

However, there is something that makes it even more incredible: a butterfly sanctuary that is part of the Arcipelago Toscano National Park, in a natural oasis that stretches from the picnic area of Monte Perone and ends on the slopes of Monte Capanne.
Tuscan Countryside
Posted in: Activities Florence Hiking Islands Localities Lucca Tuscan Coast
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.
Rock Climbing
Posted in: Activities Countryside Hiking Islands Localities Tuscan Coast
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.