Archive for 'Localities'

Monsummano Terme is a welcoming and famous spa town is located in the province of Pistoia. It is divided into two sections, Monsummano Alto and Monsummano Basso, an historic, older part of the town and a more modern section. The town is a haven for nature lovers and is in a scenic setting, surrounded by flora and fauna. Best known for its thermal water natural spas, the town is home to a famous cave that was formed thousands of years ago and is now a world-renowned attraction. So beautiful that the composer Giuseppe Verdi dubbed it “the eighth wonder of the world,” the cave is all the more wonderful because of the natural Turkish bath formed inside of it.

Discovered in the 19th century, the caves garnered much attention and treatment rooms were opened inside the cave, which eventually became the present-day Grotta Giusti Spa. Its reputation spread internationally and it attracted royalty and celebrities alike. The complex that exists at the Grotta today also offers an outdoor therapeutic spa pool with a waterfall and hydromassage, a well-being centre and a spa centre.

The Tuscan coast is home to some truly lovely little seaside towns and if the bright and fun Follonica is the Miami of Tuscany, then Punta Ala is a more low-key but equally charming option. Lesser-known and a bit of a hidden gem, Punta Ala is located on a stretch of the coastline between Pisa and the Maremma Natural Park. Expect a marina full of thousands of sailboats and racing yachts, private beach clubs, regattas, excellent restaurants, seaside bars, ultra-bright blue water and air fragranced with pines. If you have found a vacation rental on the Tuscan coast, it is a perfect spot to go and get away from it all.

Levanzo, as we have noted in the last post, is an island off the coast of Sicily where you won't find endless tourist attractions but, instead, an incredibly charming and beautiful slice of paradise. A former agricultural settlement that is now home to just 200 people, it is a sleepy and peaceful place that boasts crystal-clear waters, an amazing cave full of prehistoric paintings, a single (but very pretty) village, and astounding views. It makes for the perfect day trip location if you are exploring the area. Just find a vacation rental in Sicily and come explore it for yourself - you're sure to fall in love.

After checking out the town and the Grotta del Genovese, if you still feel like exploring, the whole island is a treat for hikers and casual walkers alike as the island is small and none of the walks are especially demanding.

The island of Levanzo is a charming and beautiful place that is not flashy or action-packed but, rather, a natural gem that makes for the perfect peaceful day trip location if you have found the perfect vacation rental in Sicily.

Levanzo is the smallest of the three Egadi Islands, located just off the western coast of Sicily. The island is home to only about 200 people, who live in the one village on the island, which is made up of a cluster of pretty buildings established around the port. Once an agricultural settlement where grains were produced, it is now mostly only used for sheep farming. Fishing, however, remains important to this day, both as an industry and an activity, and visitors are attracted to the island to try their hand at it, go boating, enjoy other water activities and to take in the peaceful nature of this sleepy and beautiful little mass of land.

The seaside of city Piombino is one of the many gems that dots the Tuscan Coast. While the coast in Tuscany is not as famous as other stretches along the sea in Italy – particularly the beloved and trendy Amalfi Coast – it is equally beautiful and its towns boast incredibly untouched beaches, nature reserves, great facilities and wonderful views.

Piombino has long been a famous port town and naval base and offers all of the above. In particular, it really has the wonderful views covered with stunning vistas out onto the Tuscan Archipelago and the islands that make it up. Just find a villa rental in Piombino and come see its soul-soothing views for yourself while you have a perfect holiday in this charming Tuscan seaside resort.