The Western coast region of Tuscany is one of Italy’s most renowned tourist spots. Its renaissance architecture, delicious local recipes and warm climate attracts millions of tourists each year. It’s also part of Italy’s famous wine country and connoisseurs regularly flock to the award-winning region.
The region is made up of a number of provinces, the most notable being the regions of Livorno, Pisa and Siena. The capital of the region is Florence, a beautifully constructed gem of a city whose beauty is unmatched in the rest of Italy. For those visiting, there are a plethora of things to do, such as visit the city’s museums; the Accademia Gallery and Pitti Palace are wonderful places to start.
Getting to Tuscany
There are two airports in the region; one in Florence and the other in Pisa. Flights to Pisa are ideal as the airport is situated just a mile south of the city. Pisa is another architectural beauty; naturally, the city is most famous for the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Though normally very busy, visitors are able to enter the building and ascend right to the top which offers fabulous views of the rest of the city. For those wishing to escape the crowds, the Cathedral nearby caters to art-lovers everywhere and is usually a very calm and relaxed atmosphere.
Culture In Tuscany
Cathedrals can be found in every city within the region, showcasing the historical significance of this religious landscape. Many of them feature archaic and renaissance-styled art generating interest in visitors. Florence also features Michelangelo’s sculpture of David which is world-renowned and the Leonardo Da Vinci museum is perhaps one of the most famous in the world.
Tuscan Foods
The cuisine is not to be missed out on; for those looking to get caught up in the art and architecture of the cities, Tuscany offers some absolute delights within their local recipes. Tuscany prides itself on simple menus which manage to dazzle and delight through appearance and taste; it’s also very diverse, with vegetables, cheese and bread being ubiquitous throughout the region along with a variety of fresh game. The wine regions are located all over the land, but the renowned area of Chianti is where the money is truly made.
Tucan Wines
Chianti may be recognisable through its name, which is also lent to a gorgeous red wine, and lives up to its reputation. The region offers wine-lovers a unique experience involving great customer service and activities such as wine-tasting as well as tours around the more productive areas of the region. For those wishing to get away from the built-up areas of Tuscany, Chianti also features some stunning countryside which really sets one’s mind at ease.
Staying in the countryside, Tuscany features many parks and open spaces for tourists to escape to; The Park of the Apuan Alps and Livorno Hills Park are just two examples of Tuscany’s ability to offer something for everyone. For those looking for a more conventional holiday, the sea-side towns of the Livorno and Grosseto regions are proud to display their 4+ star hotels and excellent amenities.
Tuscany is a developing region; the growth in population over the years as well as the increase in visitors to its shores has brought about the need to expand and evolve. A lot of the region is sprawling countryside which, everyone agrees, is best left untouched, but the cities and seaside regions, as beautiful as they are, need to be able to accommodate the growing rate of tourists. Culturally, the region is striking; there is something for everyone and Tuscany truly represents the very best of Italy and offers a memorable experience for all.
by Adrian Harrison