Tuscany
About Tuscany
Tuscany’s allure lies in its captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and exquisite culture. With its rolling vineyards, picturesque olive groves, and charming medieval towns nestled amidst the stunning countryside, Tuscany is a visual delight that inspires artists and travellers alike.
Below we’ve got some info about the cities to visit, wine tasting places, islands, hiking, spas and things to do with the kids. Let’s dive in.
Things to do
Cities
Florence
One of Italy’s most famous cities, Florence is the capital of Tuscany. It’s rich in history and picturesque streets, and you can walk everywhere with no need for public transport or a car. It feels busy but it’s quite small and, unless you want to visit the museums, you can visit it in one day.
Very easy to access by train (direct trains from Piombino), its main rail station is Santa Maria Novella, which is in the town centre.
It’s around a two hour drive from Piombino. Here’s a travel guide for those of you thinking of heading up:
https://www.theblondeabroad.com/ultimate-florence-travel-guide/
Pisa
Pisa owes its fame to the well-known leaning tower, located right in the middle of town. Aside from the piazza where the main cathedral and tower are, there’s not too much to do in Pisa so, if you’re keen to see it, I’d spend half a day there before you go somewhere else.
The main railway station is called Pisa Centrale with direct connections both to Piombino and to the airport.
It’s around 75 minutes north of Piombino by car.
Another guide for you here: https://www.saltinourhair.com/italy/pisa/
Siena
This is one of Tuscany’s gems and it’s right in the Chianti area, famous for its wine.
Siena is quintessentially medieval, rich in traditions like its world famous Palio horse race (its mark is visible everywhere across the town’s multiple neighbourhoods) and utterly breathtaking.
If you’re like us, Siena will steal your heart.
It’s around a two hour drive east of Piombino.
A little guide for you here:
Elba Island
Elba island is situated just across from Piombino – you’ll see it from pretty much anywhere in Piombino.
Ferries to and from Elba run very frequently and multiple ferry companies operate from the Piombino harbour all year round. The crossover lasts about 50 minutes on a regular ferry and 30 minutes on a faster boat.
Portoferraio is the biggest town on the island, where most ferries to and from Piombino will be. If you decide to avoid renting a car, Portoferraio is the best place to stay because you can take buses to most areas of the island, beaches included. It has nice restaurants and bars and it’s quite lively.
Walking distance from Portoferraio you will find some beautiful beaches: le Ghiaie, Padulella and Capo Bianco. Some of these beaches in Portoferraio are equipped with facilities, parasols, etc. and some aren’t.
Other truly stunning beaches include: Fetovaia, Cavoli, Marina di Campo, Biodola and Procchio.
If you fancy seeing Elba from above, Monte Capanne can be reached by cable car (also see hiking below). You can take the cable car from Marciana Alta and/or I think there’s a bus.
Wine Tasting
Bolgheri
The Chianti area between Florence and Siena is famously known for its wine. However, if you want to stay more local, we recommend the Bolgheri region for amazing wine tasting experiences and quintessentially Tuscan landscapes. Check out the cypress tree-lined Via Bolgherese (pictured) whilst you’re there!
Poggio Rosso
If you want to stay even closer to Piombino, Tenuta Poggio Rosso by Baratti organises wine tasting tours in an intimate setting.
Hiking and other activities
Monte Capanne
If you prefer a challenging hiking experience, Monte Capanne (Mount Capanne) on Elba will be your best bet. It is the highest peak on the island and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Mediterranean Sea and neighbouring islands.
There are multiple trails that lead to the summit of Monte Capanne. The most popular routes start from different points on the island, such as Marciana, Poggio and Sant’Ilario. It usually takes around three hours to reach the summit.
More info here:
https://www.virtualelba.com/excursions/trekking-elba/mont-capanne/
Kid-friendly activities
Cavallino Matto
On top of the beaches and outdoor activities, you can enjoy a theme park with rides, carousels and rollercoasters.
Cavallino Matto (meaning Crazy Horse) is the largest amusement park in Tuscany, Italy, and is located in the coastal town of Marina di Castagneto Carducci. It’s also a couple of minutes away from the Tombolo Spa.
Their site is in Italian https://borgoverdevacanze.it/en/tickets-cavallino-matto/
but there’s more info in English here: https://borgoverdevacanze.it/en/tickets-cavallino-matto/
Parco Gallorose
Another fun option is Parco Gallorose, a zoo in Cecina. With 130 animal species from 5 continents (kangaroos, parrots, lynx, flamingos, zebras and more) there’s lots of things to see and there are play areas for the kids.
Spas and Relaxation
La Cerreta
A favourite of ours, at La Cerreta you’ll leave all your worries behind and will fully relax. These thermal baths are immersed in a large park, surrounded by greenery, among woods of ancient chestnut trees and majestic oak. At this spa you’ll find an indoor pool with jacuzzi jets and waterfalls, connected to an outdoor pool with jacuzzi jets and waterfalls, multi-level mini plunge pools and a second outdoor pool with colder water, river stone steam room, chromium and aromatherapy showers, aromatherapy sauna with natural essences, kneipp path, relaxation area with sunbeds. All the pools are made of river stone. Treatments like massages should be booked in advance. There’s also a restaurant on site, a bar, a shop and overnight accommodation.
Tombolo Talasso Resort
Beautiful cave-style spa with sea-water pools. You’ll find 5 pools of heated sea water, waterfalls, jacuzzi, kneipp, steam room, sauna, relaxation room and treatment options like massages (bookings should be made in advance).
It’s also a 5-star hotel, so feel free to stay here for our wedding too (if you’re making your own way to the wedding venue or planning to meet us in Piombino and use the transport we’ve provided.)