Everyone has her/his own favorite beach: some like sand, others prefer rocky coastlines; some seek wild, natural beaches, others want beaches with well-equipped resorts. The Island of Elba offers you all of these options – you just need to know where to go!

1. Cavoli

The beach of Cavoli lies on the southern coast of the island, at around 4.5 km from Marina di Campo, in the direction of Fetovaia. Its 300 meters of fine white sand are considered the coolest on Elba because there are a always a lot of parties and young people there. The Cavoli beach is always very crowded, so it is not ideal for those looking for peace and tranquility, or for families.

Cavoli

2. Sansone

The beach of Sansone is located after the beaches of Acquaviva and La Sorgente, and before the Enfola headland, along the road from Portoferraio. It is a white pebble beach that boasts crystal clear waters. It is quite popular and a perfect backdrop for photographs!

Sansone [Photo Credits: Serena Puosi]

The town of Fetovaia is about 8 km from Marina di Campo. It has breathtaking views of the Punta di Fetovaia, stretching out to the sea, and it also boasts golden sandy beach, andcrystal clear waters, with the mountains and rocks in the backdrop.

Fetovaia [Photo Credits: Alessandro Gambadoro]

Chiessi is on the west side of the island and has a pebble beach, bordered by unusual rocks with smooth sides. If you like to slide off rocks and have fun in the water, this is your place!

Chiessi [Photo Credits: Roberto Miliani]

Sant’Andrea is a wonderful small sandy beach with big rocks on the sides, in the Sant’Andea creek in the north-west side of the island, about 6 km from Marciana Alta. The tiny beach of Cotoncello, located at 800 metres on the right side of Sant’Andrea, also deserves a visit.

Sant’Andrea [Photo Credits: ingridf_nl]

The “little sister” of the biggest and best-known beach of Lacona is really quiet and relaxing. The sea is cristal clear and the rocks under the water are full of fishes. I had an experience with kayak here, I suggest you to try!

Laconella [Photo Credits: ed.h]

Pareti is one of the numerous beaches of Capoliveri. The sandy beach is approximately 50 meters long and, due to the protected position and the services offered, it is ideal for families with children

Pareti [Photo Credits: ViviCapoliveri]

Le Ghiaie is the “town beach” of Portoferraio, with crystal clear waters and a pebbly beach. It is also a protected area. You can also find gardens behind the beach.

Le Ghiaie [Photo Credits: malpelo61]

Biodola beach is the largest beach in the Biodola bay, where you can also find the beaches of Scaglieri and Forno. You can easily reach it; it is just 3 kilometres from Procchio. It has fine, white sand and all the necessary services and facilities for families.

Biodola [Photo Credits: fabcom]

Barabarca is situated approximately 1.5 km from the town center of Capoliveri. It is a small pebbly beach in front of the Capo Stella peninsula and is surrounded by green areas.

Barabarca [Photo Credits: luiginter]

I know, Tuscany is not California, but this doesn’t mean there are no possibilities to surf in Tuscany! Here you can find a lot of surfers along the coast looking for the perfect wave! Indeed, Versilia is the capital of surfing in Italy, since the high frequency of big waves and the winds of Libeccio and Maestrale practically guarantee constant surfing, perfect for surfers of all levels. But there is also Livorno and Piombino for example. I would like to suggest you some places where you can surf.

Pontile – Forte dei Marmi

Description: Beach Break with sea storm from south-west and west without wind.

Something about the location: the pier at Forte dei Marmi was constructed at the end of the road built by Michelangelo Buonarroti to carry the marble he needed for his statues. Now the pier is not longer used for this purpose but it still offers the best view of this marble Riviera and it’s a place where surf enthusiasts compete.

Forte dei Marmi [Photo Credits: Daniel Depaoli]

Description: Beach Break with sea storm from south-west without wind.

Something about the location: “Bagno Aloha” Surf School is a meeting place for surfers in the area, from beginners to advanced. There are also many surf shops up and down the coast. From the pier in Lido di Camaiore you can embrace the long stretched horizon from the sea to the Apuan Alps.

Piazza Mazzini – Viareggio

Description: Beach Break with sea storm from south-west and west without wind.

Something about the location: Piazza Mazzini is one of the biggest square in Viareggio, where the annual Carnival and all the biggest events take place. Several palaces like Palazzo delle Muse and Palazzo Moretti overlook on Piazza Mazzini and you can also see the statue of Burlamacco, the symbol of Viareggio’s Carnival. On the sea side of the square there is a long sandy beach.

Darsena – Viareggio

Description: Beach Break with sea storm from south-west and west without wind.

Something about the location: Darsena is well known for the long beaches of fine sand and for the famed district where you can celebrate during the nights or sample seafood specialties at local restaurants. But Darsena is also fishermen who spend hours together thanks to their passion for the sport and their love of the sea.

Viareggio [Photo Credits: David Gemignani]

Description: Reef A-Frame on rocks with sea storm from south-west and west without wind.

Something about the location: the place is situated 6 km south from the harbour of Livorno, on the right side of Bagni Roma.

Perelli – Piombino

Description: Beach Break left on sand with sea storm from south-west without wind or with big sea storm from west without wind.

Something about the location: The shallow water and wide beach at Perelli, and at nearby Carbonifera, make it possible to practice surf, windsurfing and kitesurfing in absolute safety. This site is very popular in summer with its hot winds, and can occasionally offer extraordinary days when unsettled conditions generate east winds and south-generated waves of up to two metres. From the north: Approaching on the main SS1Aurelia road towards Grosseto, go past Venturina, head for Piombino – Isola D’Elba and continue on the SS398 – Via Val di Cornia. Then take the SP23bis – Via della Base Geodetica, and at Fiorentina proceed on the SP23 towards Gagno. At Gagno take the coast road which leads to the spot. From the south: Approaching on the SS1Aurelia road towards Livorno, go past Venturina, head for Piombino – Isola D’Elba and continue on the SS398 – Via Val di Cornia. Then take the SP23bis – Via della Base Geodetica, and at Fiorentina proceed on the SP23 towards Gagno.

Do you know what a “Blue Flag” is? It is a recognition concerning waters with exceptionally good quality. The certificate is given by the Region and the ARPAT (the regional organization for environmental protection) to ensures water and  the environmental quality of coastal resorts.

In 2013, Tuscany awarded 17 Blue Flag Beaches, one more than in 2012. The scores are awarded by FEE, the Foundation for Environmental Education.

The beaches that received recognition in Tuscany include:

• in northern Tuscany Marina di Carrara (Massa-Carrara province)
• the area of Versilia, with Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta, Lido di Camaiore and Viareggio (Lucca province);
• the area of Pisa with Marina di Pisa, Tirrenia and Calambrone (Pisa province);
• the area of Livorno with Antignano/Quercianella, Castiglioncello/Vada di Rosignano Marittimo, Cecina Marina/Le Gorette, Marina di Bibbona, Castagneto Carducci, San Vincenzo and Piombino/Parco naturale della Sterpaia (Livorno province);
• the Maremma area includes Follonica, Castiglione della Pescaia, Marina and Principina di Grosseto and the Monte Argentario (Grosseto province).

The Versilia Blog Tour has just finished, here are some photos of the places we visited. You can find more photos on Instagram with the hashtag #versiliablogtour. I would also like to remind you that you can tag your photos of Tuscany with the hashtag #instatuscany so we can share your pics on our social media!

Day 1

Massaciuccoli lake

Roman evidences in Massaciuccoli

Day 2

Villa Borbone in Viareggio

Viareggio seen from the terrace of the Hotel Principe di Piemonte

Day 3

Badia di Camaiore

Lard of Gombitelli @ Salumi di Gombitelli

Day 4

Henraux quarries in Querceta

Marble of Versilia

Day 5

Forte dei Marmi [Photo Credits: Ian Styan]

If you exit from the A1 motorway at “Firenze Sud”, you will meet the Florence – Siena road. It seems that these two medieval cities, Florence and Siena, never really wanted to “get closer” despite their limited geographic distance. For centuries, in fact, these beautiful hills were the theatre of bloody battles between the lords of Florence and those of Siena. But if you think about Chianti, the first thing that comes to your mind might be its wine production, since this tradition has been carried out there for three centuries. Today, the Chianti Classico wine has become famous all over the world, with the name that identifies these territories and with its symbol, the “Gallo Nero” (black rooster).

The black roaster [Photo Credits: Antonio Duilio Puosi]

The nearest town to Florence is Greve in Chianti, where the main attraction is the funnel-shaped piazza Matteotti, surrounded by arcades with small shops selling local products. There, you can also find some “historic” butchers selling: wild boar, cinta senese, and Florentine T-bone steaks (the famous “Fiorentina”). On the longer side of this triangular square, you’ll find the municipal building, home to a beautiful statue by Mitoraj.

Mitoraj statue in Greve in Chianti [Photo Credits: Antonio Duilio Puosi]

The Castle of Brolio [Photo Credits: Antonio Duilio Puosi]

The Castle of Brolio can be reached by driving, walking or cycling along a 600-meter steep road. The Ricasoli Barons still live there, but you can visit the gardens, the private chapel and the crypt, where family members are buried. Part of the interior of the castle can be visited only through guided tours. If you look out of the castle, you can see Italian-style gardens and vineyards as far as the eye can see. This is the most characteristic Tuscan landscape: vineyards, olive groves, white dirt roads and rows of cypress trees.

Italian garden [Photo Credits: Antonio Duilio Puosi]

I’m pretty sure you know that Tuscany has a western coastline on the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Sea and a Tuscan Archipelago, composed by the largest Island of Elba and other six islands called Capraia, Gorgona, Montecristo, Giglio, Pianosa and Giannutri. Do you know what the legend says about the Tuscan archipelago? That these islands were created when Venus emerged from the Tyrrhenian Sea to embrace the sunset and, while doing this, seven pearls fell from her necklace into the sea creating the Tuscan islands. Isn’t it magical?! Ok, let’s go back to our main topic! Since the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago are not very close one to each other, a good way to visit them is sailing! The Tuscan archipelago offers open sea sailing always with land in sight. The marinas of Tuscany are well-equipped, with most of the big harbors providing a full range of services, including refueling facilities and parking.

[Photo Credits: Who killed Gregory??]

• Elba is the largest island and faces the gulf of Follonica just 6 miles off Piombino on the Tuscan Coast;
• Giglio is a diving paradise lying in front of the Argentario area;
• Giannutri has enchanting coves and suggestive remains of old Roman villas;
• Capraia is an island of volcanic origin which is the closest island to Corsica;
• Pianosa is a small, flat island not far from the isle of Elba;

The Islands of Gorgona and Montecristo have no public access: there is a special prison on Gorgona while Montecristo is a natural reserve that can only be visited with a special permit.

[Photo Credits: PrinceVlad]

• Circolo Nautica Foce Cecina

Località Porticciolo, 57023 Cecina Mare (LI) Tel: 0586 620 602

• Circolo Velico Artiglio

Porticciolo di Torre.del Lago, Viareggio (LU) Tel: 0584 351 211

• Circolo Vela Mare ASD Viareggio

UISP V. Leonida Repaci 1, 55049 Viareggio (LU) Tel: 0584 407 270

• Aquaria Natura Club

via Lago di Varano 47, 58100 Grosseto (GR) Tel: 338 501 0513

• Circolo della Vela Marciana Marina

Viale Regina Margherita 52, 57033 Marciana Marina (LI) Tel: 0565 990 27   You can also read these posts: Where and what sports to do in Tuscany 7 days in the Tuscan archipelago

May in Tuscany is full of events, we have tried to collect them all but if you have some suggestion please tell us! Enjoy!

[Photo Credits: Giuseppe Moscato]

• In Siena, till October 27, you have the great opportunity to see the Porta del Cielo (Gate of Heaven) to discover the recently restored ceiling and high walkways within the building. For more information you can read this post on Tuscany Arts.
• In Siena, till May 31, return to unravel the treasures of the Palazzo Chigi Saracini.
• Until May 25 you can visit “The Dalì Universe” exhibit, at Palazzo Medici Riccardi.
• Until May 19 you can visit  the exhibit ‘From Boldini to De Pisis’ in two of the most prestigious museums in Florence’s Oltrarno (the Gallery of Modern Art at the Pitti Palace and Villa Bardini). The works on display come from the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Ferrara, which was damaged by the earthquake of 2012.
• The series of exhibits “Un anno ad arte” is back again this year, with eight exhibitions in the best Florentine museums. Check in this post the exhibits taking place in May.
• “The Springtime of the Renaissance. Sculpture and the Arts in Florence 1400-60” at Palazzo Strozzi in Florence
• Amico Museo from May 18 to June 2 dedicated to guided tours, lectures, workshops, activities for children and adults, and special openings.
• The exhibit “An idea of Beauty” at the Strozzina Centre of Contemporary Culture displays eight works by contemporary international artists.
• The tenth edition of “Seravezza Fotografia” will take place at Seravezza in Versilia (Lucca) till June 9, 2013. It is a yearly national and international event which brings the great names of the photographic world to a vast audience and the world of amateur photography.

FESTIVAL

• The Festival of Europe on May 7th – 12th. an occasion to reflect on future Europe, a laboratory of communication between the European Union and its citizens and a display of the Union’s activities and its member states. Official website.
• Florence Design Week on May 20 – 26. A week of events related to design.

MARKET

• I Profumi di Boboli is a special market located in the Boboli gardens on May 16-19.
• Iris Garden in Piazzale Michelangelo until May 20.

FOOD

Check Tuscanycious blog: Wine Town, Firenze Gelato Festival and more are waiting for you there!

MUSIC

•  Maggio musicale fiorentino.
• All the concerts here.

And remember: the first Sunday after May 8 is Mothers Day. Don’t forget to buy a present!

In Tuscany you say MotoGp, it sounds Mugello!

If you like motorbikes and cars and races you have for sure already heard about Mugello, the most important Italian circuit situated in the province of Florence, Tuscany. Its history dates back to 1914, when the first motor race was held on this famous road circuit. Yes, a road circuit because originally the Mugello racetrack was a 66 km dusty road from Scarperia uphill to Firenzuola, and then through the Futa Pass downhill towards San Piero and Scarperia.

The enthusiasm of the Tuscan spectators increases every year and nowadays the Mugello circuit represents an example of 5.245 metres of safety, technology and facilities combined together. It was designed in the Seventies and today it is the regular test centre of Ferrari F1, the most important manufacturer of MotoGP and World Superbike and other Italian and international prestigious manufacturer cars.

[Photo Credits: Mugello Circuit Website]

From May 31st to June 2nd the Mugello circuit will host the Italian Grand Prix (Campionato Mondiale di Motociclismo – Gran Premio d’Italia TIM) for Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP. You can find the prices here. If you enjoyed the race… you can try the circuit! Check out the promotion for the free practice. Another idea can be the go-cart race “Il Mugellino”: have fun with your friends!

How to arrive

Barberino Mugello (15 kilometres from the circuit) is the exit if you are travelling on the motorway A1 between Florence and Bologna. Follow the road signs “Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello”. From Bologna you can exit in Pian del Voglio and arrive at the circuit passing through Bruscoli, Passo della Futa, Panna, Galliano and Scarperia.

If you will pass through the Apennines (Passo della Muragliona or Passo della Colla), when you will reach Borgo San Lorenzo follow the road signs to Luco and Scarperia.

If you come from Florence you can take the State Road 302 Faentina passing through Fiesole, Polcanto, Borgo San Lorenzo and Scarperia. Take this road even if you are coming from the exit Firenze Sud of the Motorway A1. Follow the road signs “Stadio” and then the Faentina road.

Florence airport is 30 kilometres far from the Mugello circuit, 100 kilometres from Bologna and Forlì and 120 kilometres from Pisa. Borgo San Lorenzo train station is the closest one and is at 5 kilometres from the circuit.

[Photo Credits: Mugello Circuit Website]

If you are looking for an accommodation click here.

Info

Via Senni 15, 50038 Scarperia (Firenze) Italy Phone: +39(055)8499111

Email

Website

The Grotta del Vento is situated in the province of Lucca, exactly in Fornovolasco, right in the middle of the Apuan Alps Nature Reserve. It is easy to reach: from Lucca you have to travel towards Barga and when you reach Borgo a Mozzano, you have to follow the road for Barga; from here the road signs lead you straight to the Grotta del Vento.

Grotta del Vento literally means “windy cave” and the name, as you can easily understand, comes from the fact that strong air currents flow through it. These currents are caused by the different temperatures between the outside and the inside of the cave, where you can find a constant temperature of 10,7°C (50 F). For this reason, while visiting the cave, it is recommended that you bring suitable clothing (a jumper and rubber-soled sports shoes).

Pania della Croce [Photo Credits: . SantiMB .]

The underworld of caves and tunnels can be explored thanks to three different guided tours allowing visitors to admire the stalactites and stalagmites, alabaster walls, small lakes and underground streams. Years of erosion have created a stunning view of the shaped rocks.

[Photo Credits: Patrizio Boschi]

Opening times

The Grotta del Vento is open every day of the year (except Christmas).

In the periods between April 1st - November 1st, December 26 – January 6 and on Sundays and public holidays during the rest of the year the times are as follows:

1st Itinerary: 10.00am, 11.00 am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00 pm, 4.00pm, 5.00pm, 6.00pm;

2nd Itinerary: 11.00am, 3.00pm, 4.00pm, 5.00pm;

3rd Itinerary: 10.00am , 2.00pm.

Weekdays including Saturdays from January 7 to March 31st, from November 2 to December 24: 1st Itinerary only: 10.00am, 11.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm, 5.00pm, 6.00pm.

On busy days, to avoid overcrowding and long waiting, groups will enter as soon as soon as they reach the maximum number. For organized groups of at least 20 people (schools, companies, parishes, associations, etc..) all the itineraries can be made every day of the year, as long as they are booked a few days in advance.

There are also guided tours in Italian and English (all year); in German (from April to October); in French and Spanish (in summer) included in the price of the ticket.

[Photo Credits: Johan Christian Nielsen]

Bookings can be made at the following address:

“Grotta del Vento” I – 55020 Fornovolasco (LU)

Tel. +39 0583 722024

Fax +39 0583 722053

www.grottadelvento.com

E-mail: info@grottadelvento.com

Everyone knows that in Tuscany there is a long tradition for football, basket, marathons… but do you know that it is also possible to do a lot of extreme sports? Here is a list of activities you can practice in Tuscany… just for brave people!

Water

• Bodyboard
• Canoeing & Kayak: Elba Island, Lipu Oasis of Massaciuccoli, Bilancino Lake, Lima Valley, Pisa province 
• Canyoning
• Jet Ski
• Surf and Kite surf: Livorno area, Etruscan coast, Baratti Gulf, Versilia here  and here.
• Rafting and hydrospeed: The Lima Valley and the Orrido di Botri 
• Sailing: Grosseto, Maremma, Elba Island
• Snorkelling – Scuba diving
• Wakeboard: Gabbiani Lake in Signa 
• Windsurf: Vada to Castagneto Carducci 

[Photo Credits: Conanil]

Air

• Glider: Mugello
• Parachuting: the Folgore Brigade based in Livorno and stationed in Livorno, Pistoia, Siena, Pisa , Lucca

[Photo Credits: Antonio Buccella]

Snow

• Freestyle Ski
• Heliski
• Kite wind
• Sled dog
• Snowboard
• Snow kite
• Speed riding

For all these activities you can read this post.

[Photo Credits: Scuola Paracadutismo Lucca]

Ground

• 4×4
• Quad
• 2 weels:
• Enduro bikes
• Motocross
• Stunt Riding
• Super Motard

Places: just find a dirt track in the countryside!

[Photo Credits: Alex Valli]

• Alpinism and Rock climbing
• Frisbee Freestyle 
• Indo Board 
• MTB
• Parkour
• Skateboard everywhere!
• Sky running
• Soft air
• Streetluge
• Trekking: Apennines

Read more posts here, here and here.