Summer in Italy is normally synonymous with the seaside. Tuscany boasts over 600kms of coastline, including its islands. The coast differs from the private beaches in Versilia, to the rocky coast of Elba and Castigliocello and the wild Baratti and Punta Ala beaches with their backdrop of fir trees and dunes. The main coast road, the ancient Roman Aurelia, was made famous in the film ‘Il Sorpasso’ starring Gassmann and Trintignant. This road links all the Tuscan beaches right from the border with Liguria to the north, down to the southern border with Lazio.
There are many watch towers along the coast, such as those in the Uccellina Park; solitary castles like those found in Castiglion della Pescaia; Liberty buildings such as those in Livorno and isolated farms like those in Bolgheri. The sea off the Tuscan coast is officially recognized as being among the cleanest in Italy. The region’s islands are full of ancient towns, deserted bays, uncontaminated nature and a host of restaurants serving excellent fresh fish and seafood.
However, the seaside is just one Summer option in Tuscany. Mount Amiata (1738m) is an excellent choice for a trek for those who don’t want to stray too far from the coast. This mountain boasts several medieval towns and shady chestnut woods. The uncontaminated natural landscape is also home to some thermal spa towns such as Saturnia and Bagni San Filippo where weary visitors can make the most of the thermal springs. Other interesting mountainous areas include Mount Capanna on Elba Island and the imperious Apuan Alps which jut up behind Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi.
For those who prefer the city, there’s always a lot going on in Florence, Pisa, Siena and Arezzo in the Summer. Many local traditional festivals and ancient contests take place in the hottest months, such as Siena’s Palio horse race which inflames local tempers and divides the whole town twice every Summer. Florence, on the other hand, celebrates the city’s patron saint’s day on 24th June (San Giovanni) by holding an historic football match in full Renaissance costume. It is said that both football and rugby originate in 16th century Florence. On the evening of the 24th June, fireworks are set off from Piazzale Michelangelo which reflect magnificently on the Arno river. Pisa also holds an annual historic contest called ‘il gioco del ponte’, or ‘the game of the bridge’, after which a festival is held in the city center. The city of Arezzo holds the ‘giostra del Saracino’, an ancient equestrian contest.
