WITH SO MANY AMAZING DAY- and HALF-DAY TRIPS NEAR VILLA TRAMONTALBA, IT REALLY IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO STAY FOR EXPLORING TUSCANY (AND BEYOND!)

PLENTY OF OTHER ACTIVITIES TO CHOOSE FROM

DISCOVER FLORENCE

Florence (Firenze), known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, is a city that breaths romance, fairytale, and irresistible charm. It’s a destination where you can indulge in world-class art and Tuscan cuisine.

Florence’s museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo’s architectural genius. Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio, and experience the “newest” area of Florence, the Oltrarno. Be sure to set aside time to see the vast and varied art collection housed in the Pitti Palace. When you grow weary of museums and monuments, head outdoors. Spend a day at the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte to experience an beautiful view of Florence.

Wine lovers, can we get your attention, please! In Florence, you’ll find a unique feature known as Buchette del vino, or wine windows. These are small openings with inscriptions found on the walls of certain noble palaces. For centuries, they’ve served as a means to sell wine in glass bottles (fiaschi) without the need for a formal shop, thus avoiding taxes.

Interestingly, during the epidemic of 1630-1633 and more recently during the COVID-19 pandemic, these wine windows became a practical means of selling wine while minimizing contact. Restaurants, bars, and gelaterias utilized these ancient buchette del vino to serve their products, echoing the practices of 400 years ago.

These wine windows are scattered throughout Florence, with a significant concentration found in the Santo Spirito neighborhood and the city center.

Santo Spirito, historically a hub for nobility and artisans, has a high density of these wine windows embedded in the walls of urban palaces. Exploring this area allows you to appreciate the stunning architecture while looking going on a wine window scavenger hunt. Take a stroll through Santo Spirito to soak in its beauty and uncover these unique features of Florentine history.

In Florence’s city center, you’ll encounter the wine windows belonging to the most prominent families in the region, many of whom maintain a strong reputation for producing Tuscan wines. Among them are the Antinori, Frescobaldi, Rucellai, and Verrazzano families, among others. These palaces, which continue to be central landmarks in Florence, proudly display their traditional wine windows, making them easy to spot and appreciate.

Enjoy your hunt!

OUR PERSONAL FAVORITES

Piazzale Michelangelo - Don't miss the wonderful sunsets here and magnific panorama of Florence

Mercato Centrale - Wonderful food market in the heart of Florence, with great lunch options upstairs

Casa del Vino - great wines and great Tuscan food

Il Santino - wonderful little bar, which makes a huge impression

Tratoria Cammillo - hard to describe, easy to love

DISCOVER LUCCA

Did you know that the historic city of Lucca is just a quick drive away from Villa Tramontalba? In just an hour, you can go from our doorstep to the ancient walls of Lucca. This Renaissance beauty gives you a chance to travel back in time and absorb all the amazing history and culture of Lucca.

One of Lucca’s coolest features is its perfectly preserved Renaissance walls that wrap around the city center. Nowadays, these walls are like a big public park where you can stroll, bike, or have a picnic while enjoying awesome views of the city’s towers and spires.

Lucca’s streets are like a history lesson, blending influences from its Roman beginnings to the Napoleonic times. Check out the awesome Romanesque architecture of the Lucca Cathedral, also known as Duomo di San Martino, and don’t miss climbing the famous Torre Guinigi. It’s got a garden on top with killer views of the city and countryside.

Lucca isn’t just about old buildings; it’s also a hotspot for the arts. It’s famous for its summer music festival and as the birthplace of the legendary opera composer Giacomo Puccini. You can visit the Puccini Museum or catch a concert in one of the many churches that host musical performances regularly.

Once you’ve enjoyed a stroll through this amazinig city, you could enjoy an Aperol and a snack at one of our personal favorites, OSTERIA DEL PODERE (Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, 20, 55100 Lucca).

Treat your taste buds to the flavors of Tuscany in Lucca’s awesome restaurants and trattorias. They whip up amazing dishes with local ingredients that’ll blow your mind. We can imagine it is quite hard to pick a great spot for a lunch. To make you life a bit easier, here are two of our favorite lunch spots: 1) Ciacco (P.za Napoleone, 10, 55100 Lucca) and, 2) Undici Undici Lucca (Piazza Antelminelli, 2, 55100 Lucca). Enjoy!

And don’t forget to visit the artisan shops—they’ve got all kinds of amazing crafts, from handmade paper to beautiful jewelry, so you can take a piece of Lucca home with you.

Treat yearself to a great gelato, which you’ve deserved after a long day strolling around Lucca. Our favorite gelato spot is Gelateria Anfiteatro Lucca (Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, 18, 55100 Lucca). The gelato there is just wonderful.

Lucca is the perfect spot for a day trip, especially when you’re staying at Villa Tramontalba. Whether you’re wandering through its historic center, enjoying its vibrant culture, or just trying the deliciousness of Tuscany, Lucca will win you over with its charm.

Lucca is a must-visit on any Tuscan adventure. It’s a city that captures the essence of the region’s past and present. So make sure to include a trip to Lucca during your stay at Villa Tramontalba. Every street, square, and church tells a story of a land filled with beauty and tradition.

What we like to do when we’re in Lucca is walk through the winding streets to the Duomo di San Martino, grab a gelato and then head to the city walls for a lovely walk all the way around Lucca. If you love people watching, we would recommend finding a spot in the anfiteatro. Lucca is also great for shopping. Amazing shops spread throughout the old town and there is a great antique market for bargain hunting. Definitely worth a visit!

DISCOVER VOLTERRA

Volterra is a small town just a quick drive away from the Villa, but it’s definitelly worth a visit. It’s small but mighty 🙂 !

Things to do: Visit Piazza dei Priori. Dominated by the imposing Palazzo dei Priori with its stunning clocktower, is the ideal starting point for discovering Volterra’s top attractions. See the Palazzo dei Priori, too. Volterra is home to the oldest municipal building in all of Tuscany, which is very remarkable given that this is a region known for its numerous historic structures. Once on top of the Palazzo, you can enjoy stunning views.

Another thing you can do is dive into the history of Alabaster. Alabaster has a long history in Volterra, and if you’re dedicated to shop during your trip, you can pick up beautiful pieces here. Do you want to learn about the carftmanship? Visit the Museum of Alabaster! Explore the Roman Theatre. Dating back 2000 years, the Roman Amphitheater in Volterra is worth a quick peak! You can also find the remains of a Roman Forum and a part of the Roman Baths. Looking for a unique Tuscan museum? Visit the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum. Considering that this one has thousands of Etruscan urns, it’s hard to imagine finding another museum quite like it!

You should definitelly visit to the Duomo. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, also known as Volterra’s Duomo, dates to the 12th century, though it was built on the site of a previous church that was destroyed in an earthquake. As you walk inside, be sure to look up–the gilded ceiling is gorgeous, and quite different from the typical Tuscan Duomo interior! Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Volterra is simply to get lost in it: with a dizzying maze of tiny streets and alleys set inside towering town walls that mean you can’t get too far away from your intended destination, exploring Volterra on foot is an absolute blast.

Explore the Pinacoteca. While world-famous museums like the Uffizi are absolutely magnificent, there’s another kind of charm to exploring some of Tuscany’s smaller museums: with far fewer crowds, we often find ourselves slowing down to enjoy the art. Volterra’s Pinacoteca, housed in Palazzo Minucci-Solaini, focuses on local artists from the 14th to 17th centuries. One of the facinating hilltop towns, is their fantastic views, and Volterra is no exception. Standing on the edges of town, you can enjoy absolutely magnificent views of Tuscan countryside.

What we like to do when visiting Volterra is walk through the winding streets, take panoramic photos, grab a gelato at L’isola del Gusto Gelateria, and then head to the Parco Archeologico for a lovely walk. Once we get hungry, we like to stop for a lunch at Porgi l’altra Pancia for amazing Tuscan food Thereafter, we would visit the amazing Teatro Romano, go shopping within nice local shops spread throughout the old town (no chain stores) and check out the alabstra shops (e.g. Rossi Alabastri Volterra, Piazzetta della Pescheria, 56048 Volterra).

Finally we would hop in for visit to the lovely Palazzo Incontri Viti. One of our tips would be to check out the event calendar, because Volterra has frequent events / happenings throughout the summer, and vintage car rallies!

Fun fact about Volterra Readers of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series might have heard (or better said, read about) of Volterra from these books. Reading New Moon, the second of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, you might have noticed the details which resemble Volterra. The clocktower on the Palazzo dei Priori is mentioned as Bella races to find Edward in the square, and the Piazza dei Priori is mentioned several times, starting when Alice gives Bella directions to find the square. Stephenie Meyer reportedly initially planned to house the Volturi in a fictional Tuscan hilltop town, but changed her mind when she saw that Volterra was everything she was looking for. Fast forward to the movie adaptation of New Moon featuring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, and you’ll see that the movie was shot in Tuscany but not in Volterra.. Twilight’s movie franchise instead filmed in Montepulciano! The biggest difference between Volterra and Twilight series? Neither Volterra nor Montepulciano have a fountain in the square, which, in the book and movie, played a role in the climax when Bella ran through it.

DISCOVER PISA

Pisa is well-known for its iconic Leaning Tower, a magnet for tourists seeking that perfect snapshot. However, beneath its touristy facade, Pisa hides a trove of treasures waiting to be explored. Pisa has a rich history steeped in academia and military significance. It served as a pivotal port city for Tuscany and nurtured some of Italy’s most eminent figures, from Galileo Galilei to Andrea Bocelli.

Drenched in medieval charm, Pisa attracts visitors with its labyrinthine streets and remarkable landmarks. Pisa is so much more than just the Leaning Tower!

What to see in Pisa:

Piazza dei Miracoli
Dubbed the Square of Miracles, Piazza dei Miracoli is a testament to Pisa’s architectural prowess. Home to the iconic Leaning Tower, the square also hosts the Cathedral and Baptistery, all crafted from pristine white marble. The cathedral, adorned with Gothic sculptures by Giovanni Pisano, houses a treasure trove of Italian artistry. Don’t miss the Museo dell’Opera for a glimpse of ancient Egyptian and Roman artifacts.

Università di Pisa
Established in 1343, the University of Pisa has a rich legacy of academic excellence. Known for its scholarship program, the university offers full-ride scholarships to Italy’s brightest minds. Take a leisurely stroll through its historic campus, where luminaries like popes and Nobel Laureates once roamed.

Orto Botanico
Located within the university’s confines lies Europe’s oldest botanical garden, Orto Botanico. Founded by Cosimo de Medici in 1544, this verdant oasis showcases a dazzling array of flora. Explore its leafy trails and dive into the serenity of nature.

Santa Maria della Spina
Go on a riverside stroll along the Arno River and discover the Santa Maria della Spina. Despite its size, this Gothic gem boasts intricate spires and pinnacles, steeped in centuries of history.

Borgo Stretto
Step back in time as you wander through Borgo Stretto, Pisa’s medieval quarter. Traverse cobblestone streets flanked by Gothic-Romanesque churches and iconic leaning towers, a testament to Pisa’s architectural characteristics.

Piazza dei Cavalieri
Once the epicenter of power, Piazza dei Cavalieri exudes an air of grandeur. Admire historical edifices like Palazzo della Carovana and Santo Stefano degli Cavalieri, a 16th-century marvel designed by Giorgio Vasari.

Palazzo Reale
Delve into Pisa’s aristocratic past with a visit to Palazzo Reale. This 16th-century royal abode once hosted luminaries like Galileo Galilei, who unveiled his astronomical discoveries to the Grand Duke of Tuscany.

TOP TIP - take a walk along the old city walls of Pisa to see the city from a while new perspective.

Must try: Food

In every Tuscan town, including Pisa, you’ll uncover a vibrant local food scene rooted in simple yet flavorful dishes made from the region’s finest ingredients: seasonal vegetables, premium extra virgin olive oil, savory cold cuts, olives, pecorino cheese, meats, and bread, all complemented by delightful wines.

When spending a day in Pisa, immerse yourself in the city’s culinary delights and experience its gastronomic heritage like a true local. Food and wine are integral to Pisan culture and identity, offering a tantalizing journey into the region’s culinary traditions. Pisa invites you to savor its array of signature dishes, from seafood delights and hearty meat-based recipes to savory treats like Cecina, a savory chickpea pie, and Torta coi bischeri, a delectable cake adorned with prized pine nuts.

For discerning food enthusiasts, indulge in pasta dishes featuring game sauces like hare or wild boar, along with Ravioli adorned with ragout sauce made from local cow meat known as “mucco pisano.”

With its maritime heritage, Pisa has a bounty of seafood specialties, including Spaghetti con le arselle (clam pasta), stuffed mussels Pisan-style, and Grilled salt cod with leeks. Don’t miss the “poor man’s Anchovie,” fresh anchovies marinated in white vinegar and served with sliced onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.

A must-visit in Pisa is its known pizzerias, where you can relish two local favorites: Cecina, a savory pie made from chickpea flour, and Pizza Pisana, a traditional Pisan pizza featuring tomato sauce, anchovies, capers, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a quick and satisfying snack.

Our favourite pizza place is Quarto D'Ora - the best, lightest pizza you'll ever taste - try the one with fresh tuna strips on it - absolutely amazing!

Beyond its magnificent monuments, Pisa’s historic center is adorned with traditional pastry shops offering an enticing array of local treats. Indulge in the famed Torta coi bischeri, a Pisan cake enriched with chocolate, rice, raisins, and organic pine nuts, cherished delicacies emblematic of the region’s culinary heritage. The term “bischeri” denotes the cake’s distinctive edges, adding a touch of whimsy to its delicious allure.

Luckily your will easily get your 20k steps in 😉

DISCOVER SIENA

Siena, with its low-key charm in the historic center, is a colorful city full with history and culture. It’s a haven for food lovers and those fascinated by its medieval glamour.

The city’s historic significance traces back to Roman times, but it wasn’t until the 10th century that Siena flourished economically and politically. Artists like Duccio di Boninsegna and Simone Martini left their mark during its golden years. The University of Siena, founded in 1240, still stands as one of the oldest.

The climax of Siena’s magnificence was during the Government of the Nine from 1287 to 1355. However, the plague of 1384 marked the beginning of its decline. Despite this, the city’s pride endures, evident in its annual Palio horse race among the contrade, or city quarters.

What to see in Siena:

Piazza del Campo: Start your journey here, surrounded by monumental landmarks.
Duomo: Marvel at the cathedral’s Romanesque-Gothic architecture and masterful sculptures.
Fonte Gaia: Admire the city’s first public fountain.
Baptistery of San Giovanni: Experience 15th-century Sienese painting at its finest.

What to do in Siena:

Explore the Loggia of Mercanzia and the Sanctuary of Santa Caterina.
Visit the Museo dell’Opera for a glimpse of Siena’s artistic heritage.

What to eat in Siena:

Taste local delights like cured meats, cheeses, and hearty pasta dishes. Try pici pasta with wild boar ragout or ricotta-filled gnudi for a taste of authentic Sienese cuisine.
Don’t miss out on Siena’s sweet treats like panforte di Siena and ricciarelli almond sweets.
In Siena’s red streets, the aroma of traditional cuisine awaits, promising a culinary adventure rooted in history and authenticity.

Top Food Tip: For an excellent Tuscan food delight try to get a table at Taverna di San Giuseppe - no wonder why they keep getting into the Michelin guide. Wow

DISCOVER BOLGHERI

Wine paradise!

This part of the Tuscan coast south of Livorno is a delightful surprise in a part of Tuscany inhabited by the Etruscans at the beginning of the 9th century BC where they built their major port, Populonia. The jewel among the little towns in this area is definitely Bolgheri, which lies in the foothills of the Colline Metallifere. First mentioned in 1075 in a papal bull by Pope Gregory VII, its name derives from Bulgari (Italian for “Bulgarians”) due to the presence of a military camp of Bulgarians, allies of the Lombards. The town, not far from the coast, is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.

To get to Bolgheri, you have to drive on the Viale dei Cipressi (Cypress Avenue), a straight scenic road about 5 km long lined by majestic and ancient cypress trees which ends in front of the Bolgheri Castle. Perfect for a picture or two. Just above the entrance of Bolgheri town, you will certainly notice the big coat of arms of the ancient noble Gherardesca family, who has owned the castle of Bolgheri since 1200.

The town itself is a real gem: no cars are allowed inside the walls, the streets are filled with charming restaurants, trattorias and wine shops (Enoteca Tognoni is the best in town, also really good are Osteria Magona and Osteria San Guido, right at the beginning of the cypress avenue). When it comes to wine, Bolgheri is a relatively young but already prestigious Italian label. It is mostly known for deeply colored, yet ageworthy red wines. Due to the particular characteristics of the soil and a sunny, dry, and moderately windy climate, the grape varieties of Bordeaux origin grow very well here such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. The winemaking zone goes from the hills inland to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The region most famous wine is Sassicaia, deriving its name from “stony field,” reflecting the gravel banks reminiscent of vineyards in Graves and Haut-Médoc. Produced at Tenuta San Guido estate by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, Sassicaia helped Bolgheri into fame.

In the mid-1970s, a six-year-old Sassicaia won in a blind tasting organized by Decanter, surpassing various Bordeaux wines. In the next years, influential Italian wine dynasties followed suit, with Lodovico Antinori initiating the Ornellaia estate project in the 1980s, emphasizing Merlot cultivation in rocky terrain (in fact, the well-known Masseto wine is 100% Merlot), and Gaja establishing the Ca’ Marcanda estate in the 1990s. Before the current DOC regulations were established in 1994, Sassicaia and other Super Tuscan wines from the region were typically labeled as Vino da Tavola or Toscana IGT, the lowest classifications in Italy’s wine hierarchy. Maybe you should try the Bolgheri Bianco, which is less popular but definitely still interesting.

DISCOVER SAN GIMIGNANO

They call it the Manhattan of the Middle Ages, San Gimignano. This town got that nickname because it used to be filled with residential towers. Back in the day, there were seventy-two (!) of these towers. Families were in a race to build the tallest tower because, you know, the higher, the better.

By 1580, only twenty-five towers were left standing. Nobody can agree on how many are left today. Some international Tourist websites would say thirteen, while the Italian Wikipedia says sixteen. Driving into the town’s center, you might lose count as the road twists and turns.

The oldest tower is Torre Rognosa, standing tall at fifty-one meters. In 1255, a law was implemented, saying that nobody could build a tower taller than this one. However, the owners of Torre Grossa at Piazza del Duomo didn’t care about that law and they build Torre Grossa three meters taller than the city’s oldest tower.

You can climb up the fifty-four meters high Torre Grossa, also known as Torre del Podestà. After the climb, you will be rewarded with an amazing view.

Once you get town from the tower, grab some well-deserved Gelato from Sergio Dondoli and relax at Piazza della Cisterna. Sergio was the first to mix white wine into his gelato successfully. Try his prosecco or Vernaccia flavors (made from local white wine), along with Crema di Santa Fina and honey gelato.

You can also enjoy your gelato while sitting on the cistern steps, named after the water well in the square. From here you can spot the tower on the northern side, called Torre del Diavolo, or Devil’s Tower.

Do you wonder what the inside of a residential tower looks like? One of San Gimignano’s towers still has its original furniture. Visit Torre Campatelli for a unique blast from the past experience.

Marvel at Gozzoli’s Frescoes in Sant’Agostino. In 1463, Benozzo Gozzoli painted frescoes in Sant’Agostino showing stories about St. Augustine and St. Monica. One of the best frescoes shows Augustine leaving for Milan, together with writers and family. Gozzoli even painted himself, wearing red, into the fresco. Can you find him?

Enjoy San Gimignano’s Best Restaurants
At Ristorante Chiribiri (Piazza della Madonna 1), there’s a great variety of amazing food on the menu, e.g. ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup) and pici (a type of thick spaghetti) with wild boar. Everything’s delicious, thanks to fresh ingredients and old, traditional recipes.

Cum Quibus (Via San Martino 17) is one of San Gimignano’s best-kept secrets, with food that’s as good as the city’s towers. If you want a really special night out, don’t forget to reserve a table!

In one of San Gimignano’s oldest palaces’ former wine cellars, is Ristorante Perucà (Via Capassi 16), where Lidia and Fabio serve up amazing dishes. Definitely try the risotto Perucà.

Other must-tries include: Osteria del Carcere (Via del Castello 13), Osteria delle Catene (Via Mainardi 18), Locanda di Sant’Agostino (Piazza Sant’Agostino 15), I Quattro Gatti (Via di Quercecchio 13), and Trattoria Rigoletto (Via Roma 23).

Get a Taste of Vernaccia di San Gimignano
“He kisses, licks, bites, seduces, and paralyzes.” That’s what the famous Michelangelo said about Vernaccia. Vernaccia is a white wine produced around San Gimignano. Michelangelo couldn’t be happier with a glass of this straw-yellow wine.

Visit Casa alle Vacche, in the hills north of San Gimignano, for an amazing spot to try a glass of Vernaccia. Another great place for a tasting is the Vagnoni family estate. Both places can tell you all about Vernaccia. Will you agree with Michelangelo?

Also, check out the Strada del Vino Vernaccia di San Gimignano, which hosts a lot of wineries, agriturismos, restaurants, and wine bars.

Have fun!

DISCOVER CECINA

Cecina, situated in the heart of Livorno province, is a key town in the Etruscan Coast region, located at the end of the Val di Cecina near the river mouth sharing its name. While Cecina itself lies a little over two kilometers inland, its coastal hamlet, known as Cecina Mare or Marina di Cecina, hugs the shoreline. Over time, the two areas have essentially melded together, forming a district along the connecting avenue.

Visitors go to Cecina for its extensive sandy beaches and amazing sea views. Each year, Marina di Cecina earns the prestigious Blue Flag recognition for the exceptional quality of its beaches and seawater.

Cecina’s roots trace back to prehistoric times, with its name possibly stemming from the Etruscan Caecina family, later known as Caecina during Roman rule. Notable landmarks include the villa built by Roman consul Albino Cecina, whose remnants lie in San Vincenzino. Despite periods of decline, significant revival occurred in 1590 when the Grand Duke of Tuscany commissioned the “Fitto di Cecina” palace for administrative purposes. However, the bubonic plague of 1631 and subsequent events led to further challenges.

The turning point arrived in the 19th century with extensive land reclamation efforts by the Lorraine Grand Dukes. Pine forests were cultivated to separate the coast from the hinterland, and railway connectivity was established in 1863. Cecina gained autonomy as a municipality in 1906, initially under Pisa’s jurisdiction before merging with Livorno in 1925. The city played a pivotal role in the Battle of Cecina during World War II, culminating in its liberation by Allied forces in 1944.

What to do:
Today, Cecina and Marina di Cecina offer idyllic beach getaways for families and young travelers alike. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as the Acqua Village water park, numerous bars, restaurants, clubs, and discos. The coastline features clean seas and expansive sandy beaches, while the hinterland harbors several historic villages and points of interest.

Sea and Beaches:
Cecina and Marina di Cecina offer a stretch of beaches spanning several kilometers, flanked by Rosignano Marittimo to the north and Bibbona to the south. Notable beaches include Le Gorette, Cecina Mare, and the Parco Naturale dei Tomboli di Cecina, each offering unique experiences and amenities. A walk, or indeed a bike ride, among the pines bordering the sea is truly unforgettable and one of our favourite places to relax.

Art and other attractions:
Despite its coastal allure, Cecina has several cultural attractions, including the Roman villa in San Vincenzino, the Municipal Archaeological Museum La Cinquantina, and the Parco Gallorose, a zoo and farm located south of Cecina along Via Aurelia Sud. These sites offer engaging experiences for visitors of all ages, complementing the town’s natural beauty and seaside charm.

TOP TIP: Don't miss the weekly street market every Tuesday morning in Cecina - the perfect place to buy anything and everything you need, and don't need!

DISCOVER ISOLA D'ELBA

If you love crystalline beaches and stunning landscapes, water sports and also want to vary your lazy beach days with a few mining museums or historic homes, Elba is perfect: it’s like the Caribbean but right here in Tuscany!

Here’s a little history and an itinerary of things to see and what we love to do on a trip to Elba.

History of Elba Elba is very rich in iron deposits, and was used as a mine from Etruscan times onward. The principal port city is in fact called Portoferraio, in which is buried the word ferro, or iron. It passed through various hands during the Medieval and Renaissance periods. The Medici changed the mining system from tunnel to open air. Since the second world war, the island’s economy has moved increasingly towards dependence on tourism.

Elba may be best known for the fact that Napoleon was in exile there from May 3 1814 to February 26 1815.That’s also a reason why Elba has devoted statues and other acknowledgements to hum.

Napoleon & Elba Portoferraio: Villa dei Mulini di NapoleoneThis was Napoleon’s public residence and certainly the most important Napoleonic site in Elba. Following the defeat of the French army in Leipzig and the subsequent Treaty of Fontainebleau, Napoleon, now in enemy hands, was forced to abdicate April 4, 1814. The former emperor arrived at Portoferraio on the evening of May 3, 1814 aboard the English frigate Undaunted. He devoted himself at once to establish an efficient organization on the island, based on the same formulas and techniques bureaucratic empire. The villa dei Mulini was purchased and adapted for use by Napoleon by architect Paolo Bargigli, who demolished some windmills in order to make a lovely Italian garden, and built the always-essential ballroom on the ground floor. A few months later, Napoleon, settled in the small palace, which decorated by Vincenzo Antonio Revelli, the court painter of Elba.

Beaches and sea of the Island of Elba The Island of Elba has many beaches and shores that are perfectly suited to the most diverse needs hobbies, and preferences. There are beaches with fine sand and beaches with gravel and pebbles as well as stretches of coast with rocks. For families with children there are several stretches of sea with sandy beaches and shallow waters such as in Fetovaia, Lacona, Marina di Campo and Procchio. One of the most beautiful beaches is the Biodola beach which is located within a charming bay overlooking the Mediterranean scrub. This beach is suitable for snorkeling and diving. Capo d’Enfola beach is the only one with an isthmus that connects it to a very suggestive peninsula. There is a large parking area where you can rent pedal boats or jet skis. Here, you can also find an old tonnara which has now been renovated and has become the seat of the Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago Toscano (Tuscan Archipelago National Park).

If you love sheltered and slightly wild beaches, you can go to Chiessi, Patresi and Capo Sant’Andrea which, among cliffs and sea beds to explore, offer a breathtaking spectacle.

DISCOVER LIVORNO

A Port with History Livorno has a tale to tell, once a hotspot for artists and thinkers, now a bustling port city. The 16th-century Fortezza Vecchia and the modern port area tell stories of trade and progress. And those canals? They give Livorno a Venice vibe, adding to its nice maritime vibe.

Livorno’s got it all—a mash-up of cultures seen in its buildings and tasted in its food. From classic Tuscan dishes to flavors brought in by merchants over the years, you’ll find it all here. Don’t miss strolling through “Little Venice,” where canals meet cafes and seafood joints.

Livorno’s Terrazza Mascagni is THE spot for a seaside walk, with beautiful views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The perfect spot for some Instagram content. And nature lovers, you’re in luck! The Livorno Hills nature reserve nearby is a hiker’s paradise, offering stunning coastal scenes along its trails.

Livorno knows how to throw a bash! From the Mascagni Festival to other cultural gigs, the city’s buzzing with art and music. Plus, there’s the “Effetto Venezia” fest, turning its waterways into stages for artists and musicians.

With Livorno so close to Villa Tramontalba, you can definitelly fit a day trip into your Tuscan adventure. Whether you’re into art, seafood, or just relaxing by the port, Livorno’s got your back.

Livorno isn’t just a city; it’s your gateway to the Tuscan Archipelago. Hop on a ferry from its port and voila! You’re off to islands like Elba for more Mediterranean fun.