It’s time to explore Tuscany

ENG It’s time to explore Tuscany Thinking about Tuscany, our imagination conjures up arty cities, villages sprinkled in the rolling countryside, swathes of scenery and specialities that seduce and beguile. When we look closer at the region’s geography realization dawns that other elements exist, which promise to whisk away travellers for unexpected and enthralling experiences. Im- pressive mountain ranges whose streams and river flow down to the valley, vast nature reserves, leafy forests with an ancient past and a gloriously long coastline that ex- tends among Mediterranean shrub and across seven sub- lime islands. These natural resources are fully enjoyed by Tuscans and they are inspiring places for people from all over the world who are drawn to a lifestyle based on out- door experiences. Opportunities are ripe for a new explo- ration of Tuscany, one that’s different, active and sustain- able. It’s the start of a timeless adventure where time is a thing of the past. Follow the seasons for experiences that change dramatically with the weather. After all, there’s no such thing as an inclement time of year in Tuscany, where adventure is available year-round and every day is awash in possibilities, from tasting local specialities to visiting a museum, from the city to the countryside.

There’s more to the region than the art and beauty of “tra- ditional” Tuscany. We urge you to expand your horizons. Although you won’t need to venture too far as, in Tuscany, adventure is always just around the corner.

On the footpaths of Mount Gennaio, in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, Pistoia. Photo • Claudine Co INDICE 04 Trekking & Mountain 32 Water Sports 18 Cycling

04 Trekking & Mountain 46 Ski & Snow

06 On hiking trails 48 Alps and Apennines, high-altitude excitement 08 A passion for rocks 10 Running in the wilderness 52 Skiing all around 12 Hiking all around 66 Natural Exploration

14 Ancient Roads 54 Parco Regionale di San Rossore 16 Parco Nazionale Appennino Tosco-Emiliano 55 Parco Regionale della Maremma

18 Cycling 56 Air Sports

Ski & Snow 20 Off road Tuscany 58 An airborne adventure 46 22 In the Land of glorious cycling 60 Hanging in the air of another time 24 Pedalling through Tuscany’s scenery 62 Flying all around 26 Cycling all around

28 Parco Nazionale Foreste Casentinesi 64 Parco delle Colline Metallifere 30 Parco Regionale delle Alpi Apuane AUTHORS Mattia Bianco, Giancarlo Brunelli, Margherita Moretti, Benedetta Perissi, Andrea Vismara.

PHOTOGRAPHERS 32 Water Sports 66 Natural Exploration Mario Llorca, Daniele Bettazzi, Michele Ortolano, Daniele Paolini, Roberto Ridi, Matteo Dunchi, The thrill of the river Journeying through nature on horseback 34 68 Matteo Oltrabella, Claudine Co, 36 Explore the coast, on the wings 70 Oases and horizons, where Mauro Macarelli, Luca Lombardi, of the wind to go birdwatching Emanuele Lotti, Federico Corbinelli, On the trail of the Etruscans Yari Ghidone, Alex Boyce, David 38 In Tuscany’s blue gold 72 and Romans Bonaventuri, Paolo Martelli, 40 The Tyrrhenian discovered by sailboat Costantina Pozzi, Filippo Franceschi, 74 Unexpected geothermal charm 42 Diving all around Alessandro Ghedina, Antonietta 76 Adventure all around Carboni, Andrea Bidossi, Edoardo Air Sports Benelli, Enrico Caracciolo, Marco 44 Parco Nazionale 78 Parchi della Val di Cornia 56 Porciani, Jack Arnott, Melissa Toledo, Arcipelago Toscano Roy Corsini. TREKKING & MOUNTAIN Trekking | Mountain Hiking | Climbing | Caving | Trail Running | Orienteering

Travel, discover, savour. Experience nature, explore it in all its The ascent upps the pulse by taking on trail running and forms and let yourself be swayed by its ancestral beauty and becomes even rockier, in all meanings of the word, beside high pure outdoor spirit. The best way to do it is by striking a rhythm cliff faces halfway between sky and land.Climbing is a sport between your soul and feet while wearing a backpack. and a lifestyle, a way of ascending crags of varying difficulty, always down to the last handhold and foothold, in touch with Far from the usual tourism routes, going trekking means the wildest of nature, inside and out. Even more immaculate discovering while walking a wide variety of natural and wild is the impassable nature in underground caves and grottoes. landscapes, unexpected scenery and hidden historic treasures. Caving lures hikers who nurse an ardent desire to explore It’s also a way of scaling the heights of the world. Step by step the bowels of the earth, armed with a helmet, in discovery of and with a difference in uphill gradient,mountain hiking leads subterranean worlds. to the conquering of summits, high-altitude viewpoints and A high-octane outdoor world in a single region, Tuscany, where new perspectives. mountaineering is life. Above: ontheVandellifootpathinviewofConti shelter, Side: viewoverLakeScaffaiolo, accessiblefromDoganaccia. Top Right:trekkingpathsalong theApuanAlpstowards ON HIKING TRAILS ON HIKINGTRAILS Pania dellaCroce.PhotosbyDavidBonaventuri Apuan Alps.PhotobyAlessandroGhedina Rolling landscapesalternating withruggedpanoramas, Tuscany is the towns, a legacy ofnature is waitingthe towns, alegacy tobediscovered: hectare the landofAlpsandApennines,juststeppingoutside dense network ofhikingtrailsdense network that offer memorable experiences. after hectare ofwildnature, ready tobeexplored thankstoa PHOTOS TREKKING |MOUNTAIN HIKING 8 that isby walking. and the best way to do slice isworth savouring down and linger; every listen and touch, slow little and large. See, smell, adventures and trekking Tuscany isaregion for encountering the age-old beechwoods to quenchathirst foradventure,even routes canbe walked overseveraldays like totakeonridgesand forests. The The of thepeacefulquietude forest. suitable foreveryone,especially lovers hiking network that’s enviable by all and once you get to the Mugello,a verdant ni. TheApenninesbecome“Florentine” resting atthethermalbathsinMontecati- the ringrouteofMonteBattifollebefore the ing downhilljustalittle,youcanexplore credible high-altitudehiking,whilemov- the From theskiliftsonAbetoneand that makeforpropermountainhiking. meated withcrispairandupsdowns as 2,000metresabovesealevelisper- ous landscapeofpeaksthatreachashigh ing regions,theApenninesanditssinu- A naturalwatershedwiththeneighbour- your tastesorskilllevel. tunities foradayoftrekking,nomatter ancient roads,offeringanarrayofoppor- through mountain trails, mule tracks and sprinkled withhikingitinerariesthatwind ered ontwofeet.Theentireterritoryis unspoiled naturewaitingtobediscov- scapes ishometorichbiodiversityand the crystal-clearsea.Thisvarietyofland- dotted with promontories that overlook breath-taking views,spectacularcoasts lush forests,peakstoconquerwith with perfectly ordered cultivated fields, is continuouslyharmonious;landscapes the dialoguebetweenmanandnature on the best showof itself, ensuringthat Mother NatureinTuscanyalwaysputs Doganaccia, youcanheadoutforin- Casentino isperfectfortrekkerswho Svizzera Pesciatina,walkingalong 9 around thisancient volcano. the 30-kilometre trekkingroutethatruns in thedistance ofthishillylandscape:try way. locally madesnacksandwine alongthe ests andcenturies-oldvillages, withtasty among verdanthills,expanses ofoakfor- to conjureupanexcitingday ofhiking Crete, ValdelsaandVald’Orcia,combine mix. ThehillsofSiena,fromChiantitothe when thetastebudsareaddedinto for body,eyesandspirit,evenmoreso chipelago. Trekking is equally gratifying over theotherislandsinTuscanAr- te Capanne,boastingunbeatablevistas which risesashighthetopofMon- by theGrandeTraversataElbana(GTE), due totheunexpectedhikesprovided joy theall-roundseaviewsonElbaIsland cliffs andtrailsthatleadtothebeach.En- routes intheMediterraneanshrub,tall boots andbrackishbreezeswithhiking Maremma willfulfilyoururgeforhiking you prefertheseatomountains, If youhaveacravingfortrekkingbut eastern Italy. reminiscent of the Dolomites in North- range bythecoastwithitsruggedpeaks the rockyApuanAlps,mountain Tuscany it’simpossiblenottothinkabout When wetalkaboutmountainhikingin the tallesttreeinItaly. metres highintheVallombrosaforest, giants liketheDouglasfirthatstands62 views, natureprotectsrecord-breaking Valdarno whosesummitaffordsall-round that divides the Casentino from the Upper nearby slopesofPratomagno,themassif a UNESCOWorldHeritagesite.Onthe in theSassoFratinonaturereserve,now Monte Amiatarisesuptothesouth

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN FOR ROCKS A PASSION the bowels oftheearth.TheAlps,ApenninesandAntiapennines For climbingandpotholinglovers, Tuscany islinedwithcrags halfway sky between andland,aswell ascaves that leadinto are onhandfor adrenaline-fuelled ascents anddescents, and especially for adventures hangingby arope. CLIMBING |CAVING 10 Monteriggioni. Photo byYariGhidone Right: caveexcursioninthe MontagnolaSenese, Cemetery, inCamaiore. PhotobyDanielePaolini Left: thevia“Veleniquotidiani”oncliff of the Apuan Alps.PhotobyRobertoMilazzo Top: climbingthevia“Nonasinfonia”onMonte Nona, PHOTOS the surprising undergroundspaces,suchas and ingredients,butit’sequallyhometo The heartofTuscanyisfamousforitshills to soundthedepthsofearth. ing expertsandaspiringamateursready important, irresistibleplacesforpothol- makes thecavesnaturallyandhistorically for millennia.Thecuriousmorphology vironments thathaveintriguedhumans ural cavesthatleadintomysteriousen- complex inItaly),theregionisrichnat- shafts makeitthelargestunderground (whose 70kilometresoftunnelsand Fornovolasco andtheAntrodelCorchia with thespectacularGrottadelVentoin pressed too.InadditiontotheApuanAlps into wild,subterraneannaturewillbeim- match. Thosewhoenjoydescending ing adventures with striking scenery to Tuscany offersavastrangeofclimb- sea, theCapod’Uomocliff. along the Italian coast: between sky and home tooneoftheloveliestrockfaces a holidaydestination,theArgentariois the SouthernTuscancoast,famousas free climbingandbouldering,whilealong Monte Amiataisfullofrockyridgestogo gyms well-knownamongenthusiasts. those inMonsummanoTerme,natural Valdinievole otherstunningcliffsinclude Camaiore, Tuscany’sclimbingcapital.In such asinStazzema, ing difficultythroughouttheApuanAlps, by climbing.Thereare40cragsofvary- the firsttobeopenedinItaly1893,or mit canbereachedusingthe“viaferrata”, known asthe“panettone”,whosesum- pillar with a sheer cylindrical rock face sea ofVersiliaisMonteProcinto,achalky uan Alpsinsinuatingtheirwayintothe powder andsnaphooks.PartoftheAp- also appealtoclimberswiththeirropes, destination forhikers.Thesemountains environments in Tuscany and a favourite The places forverticaladventures. of rockyridgesandcanyons,theperfect north tosouth,thegeographyconsists Tuscany setsthepulseracing.From sheer clifffaces. ers, theirheartbeatquickeningbetween Crags arethepreferredhabitatforclimb- Montagnola seneseandthekarstic Apuan Alpsareamongthewildest Montignoso and light. tunnels andonetoreturnintothesun- different shafts,onetoenterthe years andit’soneofthefewtohavetwo Maona karstcavedatesback15million into the bowels of the earth. The that leadstoanunforgettablejourney a dash of adventure due to a tourism trail nation tocombineaspaexperiencewith Montecatini Termeistheperfectdesti- and theutmostrespect. preserved and admired through caving rare species, pristine environments to be purity hostscoloniesofbatsandother and fragile spectacles, a habitat whose from the rock faces, giving rise to striking in Italian:chalkconcretionsthatriseup ma aroundGrosseto.Thenamesaysitall Sassocolato inthehinterlandofMarem- as thoseconcealedinsidetheGrottadi of caves,stalagmitesandstalactites,such hidden worldshapedbywater,consisting its corners.Furthersouth,animpassable, na, San Gimignano and Volterraforming the centreofanaturaltrianglewithSie- known subterraneantreasuretrove,at technique andexpertise.It’salittle caving excursions or cavingthat requires less cavesthatcanbevisitedduringeasy phenomena havegivenrisetocount- 11 Grotta habitat in Tuscany. scale will find their natural to cathedrals natural of aspiring amateurs in search mountaineersExpert and

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN RUNNING INTHE WILDERNESS TRAIL RUNNING|ORIENTEERING 12 wild and testing your mettle as atrail runner. destinations and none whatsoever, away of going Ready, set, go!Tuscany boasts trails with physical a stageofraceintheMugellowoods. Above andright:orienteeringonMonteAmiata Federico Corbinelli from PaniadellaCroce,ApuanAlps.Photosby Left: trailrunnersintheVallonedell’Inferno,descent PHOTOS to defynature, insideorout. competitions, allowing you many internationally famous in thewild.There are also that are perfect for running all crisscrossed by trails slopes, spectacular ridges, endless forests, steep has justthethingfor you: outdoor spirit, Tuscany if you’re arunnerwithan the peaksofApennines, From theharmonious hillsto dozens ofkilometrestrailsimmersed sky, theMontagnaPistoiesearehometo In theApennines,almosttouching running. most mountainous kind of running: sky and boastcharacteristics perfect forthe trails that altogether create ring routes mountain iscrisscrossedbyanumberof river canbefound,theFalterona.This in Italy,wherethesourceofArno there’s oneofthemostfamousmountains In theheartofCasentinoForest, experienced atspeedykm/h. for adventurehiking,Tuscanyisbest and markeditineraries,enjoyableeven Forming acapillarynetworkoftrails trails. Tuscany offersawiderangeofrunning indulge yourpassionforthewilderness, in harmonywithancestralpractices.To landscapes ofallkinds,butalwaysnatural, rough trails,surroundedbybeautiful lovers ofwildrhythms,runonsteepand balance. Runnerswithanoutdoorspirit, to explorethesetrailswithspeedand when I’vefinished,”it’sawonderfulthing is “Iwon’tstopwhenI’mtired,I’ll also bequick.Forthosewhosemantra In addition to being intense, passion can 13 outdoors. nature, experiencingTuscanypurely checkpoints for orienting yourself in these woodsinsearchof“lanterns”: high-performance athletesrunthrough Emilian Apenninesinthenorth,kidsand trees, totheforestsonTuscan- Amiata, coveredinchestnutandbeech the south,climbingslopesofMonte orienteering. FromtheVald’Orciain There aremanygoodplacestotry included incompass-basedcompetitions. Tuscany, butthecityisalsooften practiced inmanygreenareasaround orienteering; thissportanddisciplineis forest istheperfectenvironmenttogo truly comeintocontactwithnature.The unknown territory,isthebestwayto and acompassforsafelyexploringan Orienteering, beingarmedwithmaps the MugelloandonViadegliDei. arduous elevationsoftheUltraTrailin that crossthehillylandscapeto the Ecomaratoneand100kilometres There arealsomanycompetitions,from speed” excursionsinthe wild ofalllevels. plains anddifficultslopes,for“high- in the lush forests, surrounded by high

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN AROUND ALL HIKING 14 04 01 Casentino forests ofbeech andfirtrees. Parchi, andisimmersedinthe mystical laps forastretchwiththeAlta Viadei in acircularroute.Thisitinerary over- Prataglia andleadshikersback around tain hikingroutethatstarts inBadia Many trailsleadthere,likethemoun- Romuald almost1,000yearsago. edictine monkswasfoundedbySt. monastery. ThiscommunityofBen- merge: theCamaldolihermitageand sacred placewherefaithandnature The CasentinoForestishometoa for climbers. Rosso summit,an“amusementpark” around PaniaalsoincludestheSasso uan AlpstotheGarfagnana.Thearea range fromtheApenninestoAp- from itspeakyoucanenjoyviewsthat stunning hikingtrailalongthecoast, metres inheightandreachableviaa Apuan-like massifthatexceeds1,600 ture reserve:thePaniadiCorfino.An mountain thatlendsitsnametoana- Garfagnana. Atthecentre,there’sa Orecchiella isimmersedinthelush zionale Appennino Tosco-Emiliano, On theborderwithParcoNa- Parco dell’Orecchiella is always around thecorner. InTuscany,activities. adventure to bediscovered withoutdoor breath-taking views,allwaiting to-no impact, places with where humanshave hadlittle- days wandering through nature, for hikingandspendinglong there are manyopportunities hikes. From northtosouth, include inyour listof favourite next weekend outdoorsorto ideas totake noteoffor your the seaside,here are afew In themountains, butalsoat leisurely walkor atarun. is pleasant.It’s easilyreachablewitha by alandscapethat’sassimple asit tween cypresstreesandsurrounded deconsecrated building nestled be- you’ll findtheVitaletaChapel, asmall cany, PienzaandSanQuirico d’Orcia, of the most beautiful villages in Tus - across gravelroadsandthroughtwo halfway alongaroutethatwinds World Heritagesite.Locatedabout side oftheVald’OrciaisaUNESCO fields, thetypicallyTuscancountry- Rolling hillsandskilfullycultivated comprising afewclimbs. a trailthroughforestsoffirtreesand ble viatheValledelSestaione,along rise up2,000metres,andisreacha- by theimposingApennines,which in itswaters.Thelakeissurrounded colour oftherocksthatarereflected level thattakesitsnamefromthedark igins located1,730metresabovesea Nero, abodyofwaterwithglacialor- Amongst themostbeautifulisLago is hometomanyuniquesceneries. mountain hikingandtrailrunning, Montagna Pistoiese is a haven for of theTuscan-EmilianApennines, Situated northofPistoia,ontheridge Montagna Pistoiese 05 02 Val d’Orcia 15 06 03 difficult equipped trailsforclimbing. rocky wallswith easyandaveragely the mountain are theAvanecliffs, Tuscan Archipelago.Atthe foot of Alps tosomeoftheislands inthe horizon andrangesfromthe Apuan here, theviewstretchesbeyond the the dominateoverVecchiano. From you canreach the modest heights of chids thatbloominthespringtime, colourful flowers,liketherareor- plateaus dotted with olive trees and Pisa andLucca.Ontrailsthrough of theTuscanSub-Apenninesdivides The small,pleasantmountainchain Forno beach. specifically thesplendid,wildCaladi cellina. Thetrailcontinuestothesea, tower known as the Torre dell’Uc- monastery withanannexedwatch tury, itwasoriginallyaBenedictine Built betweenthe11thand12thcen- leads totheAbbeyofSanRabano. lush forests,aneasyhikingroute aromas ofMediterraneanscruband covered indensevegetation.Amidst the coastwithhillyaltitudesandare the Monti dell’Uccellina rise up near Located intheGrosseto Maremma, Parco dell’Uccellina Monti Pisani

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN ANCIENT ROADS 16 of thisincredible region. forefathers tostraddle thehistory Step inthefootsteps ofour which were travelled onfoot. connected distant places and and trails, theroads whichonce the dustingdown ofoldtracks form oftourismdueabove allto gathering speedasasought-after has enjoyed newlifeblood, In recent years, hikinginTuscany fer. Countless recentlyrestoredtrails ery inItaly,but ithasmuchmoretoof- Tuscany vaunts themostvariedscen- memories. all our senses and gifting unforgettable an extraordinaryadventure, heightening a tasteofhistoryandtradition, proves blends hikingandculturewhile providing along today’sViaFrancigena,aroutethat view isessentiallyapainting.Walking striking the pristineshrubofCerbaieto uan Alps,fromtheheadyperfumesof watched overbythemajestyofAp- in theLunigiana,toseaofAvenza nines to route leadsfromthewildsofApen- Archbishop ofCanterbury,in990.The trail followinginthefootstepsofSigeric, ellers whodecidetopursuethishistoric A rangeofecosystemsembracestrav- towns richinartandamazingflavours. metres ofbreath-takingscenery,prized that transportswayfarersalong400kilo- of the Francigena), a magical threshold Toscana dellaFrancigena”(TuscanGate minds us,engravedwiththewords“Porta the Cisa Pass. A large wooden cross re- for RomeandpiercesTuscanythrough from theGreatSt.BernardPassheading of theseancientroutes,whichdescends The Via Francigenaisthemostimportant Val d’Orciahills,whereevery Pontremoli, a delightful town history andheritage, likethevillagesthat, pany thehikers’ slowgait,aresteepedin challenging, and the ridges that accom- The uphillsections,someof whichare channelled water tothe textile factories. seen along the route, which must have systems, locks and old conduits can be tric. It’sawaterwaytoo,since hydraulic the manufacturing was mainly silk-cen- of woolproduction,toBologna,where ennine routefromPrato,thehistoriccity della Seta(WoolandSilkTrail),atrans-ap- The same applies to the ancient wayfarers. drives peopletoretracethefootstepsof views: that’sthecharmthateveryyear and suddenclearingsboastingsurprising days totravelthroughthesilentwoods ers andmountainbikers.You’llneedfive Dei stillfulfilsthatpurposetodayforhik- the mountainstoother.TheViadegli tinued toguidepeoplefromonesideof reduced toatrack,theroutestillcon- Ages, likemanyroadswere.Hiddenand left to the elements in the Early Middle mans for military purposes before being can roadthatwasresumedbytheRo- Mugello mountains.It’sanancientEtrus- memory, atrekkingroutethroughthe has linked ular cross the Apennines, including the pop- Via degliDei(TrailoftheGods)that Florence 17 and Bologna in living Via della Lana e the ViaFrancigenaTuscany. Left andside:somestretchesof PHOTOS experience. to plantheirtripforabrand-newTuscan a networkofroutes that allowsvisitors Sale: somanywaysthatoverlaptocreate Via Ghibellina, reaching LuccaCathedral.ViaRomea, of theLunigianaandGarfagnanabefore Pontremoli throughthemagicalscenery (Holy FaceTrail),whichdropsdownfrom named afterhim.TheViadelVoltoSanto Francis’ pilgrimageandthehermitages spirituality andenergy,followsSaint La VernaSanctuary,aplaceofimmense The routes andcenturies-oldpilgrimroutes. cany beforecontinuingalonghistoric that crisscross their way through Tus- tourism, checkoutthemanyothertrails If you have a hankering for sustainable fering placestoeat,drinkandrest. one afteranother,embellishthetrail,of- www.viafrancigenatoscana.it and architectural charm. hostels, some of vaunt which historic Viathe Francigena, including typical 1,000 places to catch your breath line on foot or on horseback. More than 15 legsthat travelled can be by bike, ny. This km old 380 route is split into through 38municipalities inTusca - ancientthe roads, threading its way The Via Francigena stands out among Via diFrancesco,whichstartsatthe Via Clodiaand Via del

VAL DI CORNIA PARKS MINING PARK MAREMMA PARK SAN ROSSORE PARK TUSCAN ARCHIPELAGO APUANE PARK CASENTINESI FORESTS APENNINE PARK ANCIENTANCIENT ROADS ROADS TOSCO-EMILIANO APPENNINO PARCO NAZIONALE 18 designed inItaly. one ofthelongestitineraries Grande EscursioneAppenninica, is enormousandincludesthe oftrekking routesThe variety natural andscenic value. the rarest kindandphenomenal habitats withflora and fauna of the parkassembles anarray of rocky peaksandwaterfalls, moorland, blueberry-studded glacial lakes, meadows with Home togiantbeechwoods, the Apennine primrose,themountain highlands areendemic andprotectedlike Many ofthe plant speciesinthese of themostbeautifulpanoramas around. with bewitchingalpinelakes, it offersone the historicregionofLunigiana: dotted is devoted mountainhikers.Among these excess of1,800metres,allknownto The ridgeboastsothersummitswellin sea level. Prato), standingat2,054 metres above highest peakinTuscany,MontePrado(or and embracingtheLuccasideof provinces of Lucca and Massa-Carrara mountainous terrain,touchingthe across over7,000hectaresofpurely The Tuscansideoftheparkstretches unspoiled natureandincredibleviews. and coversaround22,000hectaresof of thehighestgradeslegalprotection The parkwasfoundedin2001withone surpass analtitudeof2,000metres. Northern Apennines,wheresomepeaks and adjacentslopesofasectionthe Emiliano stretchesalongtheridge the regions ofTuscanyandEmiliaRomagna, The natural dividing linebetweenthe and his royal majesty of the forest, the deer. the wolf; the indisputable queen of the skies, the golden eagle; The park is also enriched by that most fascinating of predators, Monte Sillara,whichrunsdowninto www.parcoappennino.it ing spring inthe and summer. winter to trekking and mountain bik- equipped cleats with traction inthe from snowshoeing and boots hiking hand inhand with outdoor activities: credible scenery. These changes go seasons, creating asuccession of in- change appearance their with the park’sThe ridges and forested slopes Parco NazionaleAppenninoTosco- Appenninica (G.E.A) , around400 km of routes inItaly, theGrandeEscursione coincides with one of the longest trekking foot, especiallyonthenarrow ridgethat all fivesensesandtobediscovered on The parkisaplacetobeenjoyed with and Garfagnanaspelt. of originproductslikeLunigiana honey be foundintypicalprotecteddesignation of history.Thispreciousculturecanalso timeless charmandthousandsofyears are spread throughout the area, places of mills, shrines and parishchurches that towns areasnumerousthecastles, worship sitesfromfar-offages.Thelittle landmarks converge with places of immeasurable, inaparkwherehistorical The culturalandnaturalheritageis the forest,deer. golden eagle;andhisroyalmajestyof indisputable queenoftheskies, fascinating ofpredators,thewolf; The parkisalsoenrichedbythatmost Logarghena inLunigiana. none more so than the meadows of worthy ofanimpressionist’spaintbrush, white inspring and createsscenes wild Narcissus that turns the meadows cowslip andfieldsofjonquils,the“poetic” 19 Photo byGuidoMori Monte Prado,thehighest summitinTuscany. Above: LakeBargetanaand inthebackground the Orecchiellareserve. PhotobyDanielePaolini Left: TowardsMonteVecchio,amongthefields of PHOTOS Apennines fromtheApuanRiviera. front ofWorldWarII,slicingthroughthe the GothicLineretraceshistoric Florence headingtowardsBologna,while the Apennineforests,fromPratoand della Seta both thread their way through Via degliDeiandthedellaLanae It’s nottheonlymajorhikingtrail.The manageable insections. entirety, butlessexperthikerswillfindit into 28stagesandchallengingtodoinits journey forgreatwalkers,usuallydivided Parma andMassa-Carrara.Thisisagreat Santi, thepassbetweenprovincesof Apennine crest until the Passo dei Due and sticks almost completely to the high Tuscany, UmbriaandLeMarchemeet, starts fromtheBoccaTrabariapass,where Inaugurated in the early 1980s, the route the northernApenninerange. footpaths thatrunfromeasttowestover

VAL DI CORNIA PARKS MINING PARK MAREMMA PARK SAN ROSSORE PARK TUSCAN ARCHIPELAGO APUANE PARK CASENTINESI FORESTS APENNINEAPENNINE PARKPARK ANCIENT ROADS CYCLINGCycle Tourism | Road Cycling | Mountain Bike | Downhill - Freeride | Gravel Bike

For single track enthusiasts in wild areas and woodlands, where world boast tracks as memorable as these. pedalling means feeling free, Tuscany has much to offer. From Road bikers know where to find inclines to test their legs, such ultra trails along spectacular ridgetop routes at altitudes in the as the Lucca area, the Empoli hills and the Pistoia mountains. range of 2,000 metres, with views across both sides over the Professional competitions and historic bike rallies have turned peaks of the Tosco-Emilian Apennines. The ski lifts lead to the spotlight back on Tuscany’s gravel roads, where white dust downhill and freeride trails where adrenaline runs wild and flies up along streets that link villages and vineyards, hills and fun is guaranteed. The rest of the Apennines, from Lunigiana views: a must for every cyclist. From Chianti to Crete Senesi, to Garfagnana, Mugello and Casentino, is an endless web of Val di Merse, Valdelsa and Val d’Orcia, the “heroic” cycling style routes where you can put your mountain bike’s suspension to is revived year-round, a vintage relationship with art, history the test. Technique and entertainment are also served in the and genuine Tuscan lifestyle. Dirt tracks and secondary roads, Apuan Alps, where the scenery changes due to the uniquely silence embraces road and gravel bikes. rocky environment, a stone’s throw from the Versilia riviera. Cycling tourists can choose an adventure surrounded by as- Further south, welcome to enduro territory along the coast of tonishing beauty: from village to village, in art-filled cities, along the Upper Maremma, a land of technical trails in the Mediterra- the Tuscan Coast, the cycle paths of Versilia, the Etruscan Coast nean scrub that lead to coves and beaches: few places in the or the Argentario. TUSCANY OFF-ROAD MOUNTAIN BIKE|DOWNHILL |FREERIDE 22 looking for amore relaxing experience, fir forestsand beechwoods.Ifyou’re and downhillcycling surroundedbyred are setupforadrenaline-fuelled freeride the skislopesthatduring summer gravity disciplineenthusiasts thanksto tone andDoganacciaareasirencallfor In thesemountains,theski lifts ofAbe- ridge. by the natural beauty viewed from the owning thehorizonwhilebeingenslaved ridden herespeakaboutthefeelingof lodges andcampsites.Cyclistswhohave tra-trails; Randcomesintheformof points, wheretheroutesfeellikeul- get technicalandchallengingatcertain along thesetrails,althoughtheycertainly There’s nothingextremeaboutpedalling of thepeaksandsurroundingvalleys. above sealevel,withall-roundviews tainside routesthattouch2,000metres along amazingridgewaysandmoun- reach extremealtitudes,enablingbiking trails. Themountainsarehighbutdonot destination forall-mountainandultra The waiting foryouaroundeverycorner. Tuscany sincethere’sanoffroadtrail Mountain bikersarespoiltforchoicein Tuscany isoffroad paradise. is funnelledintoendless trails. and gravity-centred disciplines passion for mountain biking in themiddleofsea, ancient volcanotoanisland Mediterranean shrub,from an ups anddowns ofthecoastal the ApennineMountains tothe From themagicalnature of Appennino Pistoieseistheperfect the dirttracksof Sienaarea.PhotobyMatteoDunchi Right: bymountainbikeon ColleMalamerenda,along Photo byMonsterof Image Below: FreeridealongtherisesofMonteAmiata. Elba Island.PhotobyRobertoRidi Left: springcoloursaroundthefortressofSerraventosa, PHOTOS angle, asfartheMassaMarittimahills, ta AlaandCastiglionedellaPescaiatri- especially bythesea.TheFollonica,Pun- and theclimatestaysmildyear-round, meets thewoodlandofMaremmahills ranean shrub,wheretheTyrrhenianSea here meanssurrenderingtotheMediter- feelings andfunremainthesame.Riding vegetation andaromaschange,butthe Further southandalongthecoast, town ofBarga. (Devil’s Bridge)andvisitingthemedieval ling alongthefamousPontedelDiavolo Alternatively, headdownvalley,pedal- Monte TondotothePassodiPradarena. tures andthesightofridgewaysfrom ue totheperfumedhigh-altitudepas- us. Ifthemountainsarecalling,contin- rock oftheApuanAlpsrisingupbefore an ancientglacialbasin,withthestriking across avastmeadow,originatingfrom as farCampocatino,wherewecome up throughvillagesandalongforesttrails the damisexciting,thenrouteclimbs when thewaterisdrained.Cyclingalong ceals aghosttownthatonlyappears around LagodiVagli,thelakethatcon- a taste of mountain bike trails begins become lusherinGarfagnana,where The Apenninesdescendslightlyand the stunningsceneryofLagoScaffaiolo. itineraries that run from Doganaccia to Lago Nero,onceaglacialbasin,orthe such as an e-bike ride from Abetone to choose fromthemyriadcircularroutes, mention unusual andcharmingdesti- Even further south, we simply have to re metal-bearing hills. and continuingintotheCollineMetallife - tire inlandareaasfarMassa Marittima with mountainbikers,sotoodoes theen- shores. Notonlydoesthe coast teem gentle routes,consistingof bendsand la Pescaia with more entertaining and The funcontinuesinCastiglionedel- backpack andhelmets. ground for competition, complete with cyclists choosethisterrainastraining technical and rocky ups and downs. Many dite diScarlinoreserve,thelandoflong, end ofyourride.Nearbythere’stheBan- to the beach: sunbathing ensured at the relaxation due to routes that lead straight It’s alsoagreatplacetomixsportsand to tryendurowithitsfun-filledeasytrails. utes fromPuntaAla,istheperfectplace terranean shrub. the seaandbeacheswiththickMedi- offers myriadenduroroutes that connect Cala Violina, a few min- 23 routes leadingtoMonteCalamita. World Cupedition,whichwasheldalong of tracksmadefamousbyaspectacular culty coveringmorethan100kilometres vaunts 5permanenttrailsofvaryingdiffi- can Archipelago.TheCapoliveribikepark views overtheotherislandsinTus- the cyclingpathsonElbaIsland,boasting able for MTB and e-bikes. Another tip is loop thatrunsaroundthevolcano,suit- eriders anddownhillers,inadditiontoa fresh airandiswell-equippedforfre- its chestnut,beechandfirforests,enjoys tised. Theage-oldAmiata nations wheremountainbikingisprac- volcano, with

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN GLORIOUS CYCLING OF IN THE LAND ROAD |GRAVEL CYCLING BIKE 24 Siena. PhotobyMatteoOltrabella Right: bybikealongthesecondaryroadsofAsciano, Maremma. PhotobyMarioLlorca Below: ahair-pinbendbeforearrivinginPitigliano, Paolo Martelli through thevineyardsofSienaChianti.Photoby Left: theascentsanddescentsofdirttracksrunning PHOTOS feel at homeinTuscany. gravel bikingenthusiastswill and thegoodlife. Road and competitiveness withfestivals combine performance and meets andhistoricrallies that continues today inprofessional was heldin1870. Thetradition competition Firenze-Empoli cycling where theworld’s first fact andlegend,it’stheregion has.Historic as longcycling Tuscany hasbeenaround for in The penchantfor cycling variety ofroutesandtheoverallorgan- excel athighaltitude,duetothewide tination amonggrimpeurs,bikerswho and mountains, is also a favourite des- The fessional cyclists. municipality, thebirthplaceofmanypro- and cycling rallies in theLamporecchio natural arenaofcountlesscompetitions endary climbssuchasSanBaronto,the the experiences available locally, and leg- with its thermal baths, to give an idea of which skirtedtownslikeMontecatini ed bytheWorldCyclingChampionships, These glorious gradients were celebrat- sought afterfortheirhillsandmountains. delsa andValdinievolecountrysideare and cycling teams, the Empolese Val- coastline iscloseby.Landsofchampions certain intheknowledgethatVersilia or scaletheheightsofApuanAlps, From thecitywallsheadforMonteSerra cinity tothemountainswiththeirinclines. cling teamsforitsqualityoflifeandvi- chosen by professional and amateur cy- city’s beauty, whose province is often The cyclingcultureissecondonlytothe their painstakinglymaintainedroadbikes. shops, it’snothardtospotcyclistswith ca, Among thestreetsandsquaresofLuc- sat with an espresso in the coffee Mugello, splitbetweenruralareas 25 exceptional bikingaroundthe Sienaarea. alling, istheperfectwayto explore the celebrating thebeautifulfatigue ofped- world’s mostfamoushistoric cyclingrally The permanent route of the d’Orcia, withitsunforgettablecontours. nesi, the mysticallunargreyofCreteSe- roads asfartheredsoilofSienaand na, pedalling along the legendarygravel We’ve reachedtheareasouthofSie- if road, gravel or mixed terrain is your bag. binding. It’sheavenforbikers,nomatter elled Tuscany,greenerandoftenspell- can discoveramoreintimate,lesstrav- roads offthebeatentrack,wherecyclists Valdelsa adventurous graveltracks.Thenearby erence isforsecondaryroadsormore clists, regardlessofwhethertheirpref- ridden everydaybysmallgroupsofcy- of theChiantiFiorentinoandSenese the mountains.Thehills(andvineyards!) downs, and occasional surprises,than in areas liketheseduetothegentleupsand it’s easiertoaccumulategradientsinhilly in climbingandaltitudeswillknowthat never stopsenchantingcyclists.Experts Central Tuscany,fromFlorencetoSiena, Firenzuola. the d’Italia. Anotherfavouriteforclimbersis scene ofmyriadbattlesduringtheGiro Futa at903metresabovesealevel,the the ization. Classictrailsforroadcyclistsare Valico dellaCrocettaandPasso Passo dellaRaticosa,reachablefrom prior toenteringthemagicalVal and Val diMerseofferendless L’Eroica, the are

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN TUSCANY’S SCENERY TUSCANY’S PEDALLING THROUGH CYCLE TOURISM|BIKEPACKINGCYCLE 26 before theRoman age.FromthePopu- of thepeople who inhabitedtheselands Mediterranean shrubandthevestiges adulterated beauty nestled between the the from thesea.FromLivornoto Piombino, ancient historyofthedune just metres the nextunexpectedencounter withthe the nextbend,viewofsea, every shadeofblueinaracetochase The entireTuscanCoastservesup fordable forall. sea. Tuscany’shospitalityisvariedandaf- or whethertorestinapinewoodbythe breakfast, thesimplicityofacampsite tude ofhills,theauthenticityabedand accommodation embraced by the quie- fort of ahotel, the charm of farmhouse It’s up to you whether to stay in the com- and cities,EtruscanRomansites. woods tonaturereserves,skirtingtowns es totheopencountryside,frompine- ery ofdestinations,frommedievalvillag- mountain androadbikersintheirdiscov- travellers. Theregion’sroadsescort Tuscany isnevershyaroundtwo-wheel your loveofnature. outdoor museum where you can regain and theArgentarioheadlandprovidesan Siena areaoffersbreath-takingscenery aly, theViaFrancigena.Alsobybike, region alongthemostfamousrouteinIt- In 8days,cyclistscantraveltheentire is nottherightplaceforyou. you’re lookingforamonotonoustrip,this passes, hillsgaloreandcoastalroutes:if few. Slownessisthebuzzword.Mountain never belongenoughanditsbendstoo bike’s saddlebags,Tuscany’sroadswill If everythingyouneedfitsintoyour to savour localspecialities. history, aswell asafew stops encounters withnature and enough timefor unexpected be explored slowly, leaving trails. Theregion should are welcome alongTuscany’s bikepackers, your wheels two Cycling travellers and to thinkabout. where pedallingisall you have to bediscovered andothers There are stillsomeroads left Etruscan Coastisacanvasofun - Another rideon theflatisprovidedby life. lectic land, where farming is still a way of of aridethatcrisscrosses rich andec- Tour dellaMaremmaoffersthepromise which wayintheMaremma. TheGrand primitive naturereignssupreme every mac roads,historictowns and silence, From theplaintohills,gravelortar- Fiaba (“FairytaleRoad”inEnglish). inspired byPinocchioorridetheViadella lodi toseethemuseumandthemepark will makeanycyclisthappy.StopinCol- although alltheroadsandhillsinarea the museumthatfocusesonhislegacy, original bicycle drawings, you can visit prototypes andinventionalsoinclude Da Vinci’sbirthplace,whoseinnumerable world-famous puppet,Pinocchio.InVinci, that blendsLeonardoDaVinciwiththe and Further inland,betweenMontalbano boat rideamongthereeds. you with its myriad hues at sunset for a the beaches. Ifyoufancymoreadventure, of bathingestablishmentsandequipped route hugstheseawithitslongcortege the coast.From Massa to Viareggio the to takeadipintheseawhilebikingalong among enthusiastsforallthosewishing The and corkoaks. di Cornia,surroundedbydenseshrub dream, one bend after another in the Val ta turn intomerecentimetres.TheSasset- the presentfromEtruscancivilization delle Fate, the 2,500 years that separate lonia acropolistoCalaMoresca,viaBuca to Lago diMassaciuccoliiswaitingfor Versilia Cyclewayismuchloved Valdinievole, checkoutthetrail Suvereto routeiseverycyclist’s 27 Castle ofMonteriggioni. PhotobyMatteoDunchi Side: cyclistsontheViaFrancigena, inthehorizon Photo byCostantina Pozzi ancient abbeyofSanGalgano,inChiusdino. Left: pedallinginValdiMerse,thebackground the PHOTOS ing offreedom. light isrepaidwithanincomparablefeel- age ofcomfort,butthechoicetotravel imaginable. In Tuscany there’s no short- cling, bikepackingisthebestexperience withstand afewdaysofindependentcy- Via degliDei,ifyou’rehardyenoughto the untamed Apennines to thefamous From the Maremma to Lunigiana, from and lighterbikesalsosuitableforoffroad. nical gearreducedtothebareminimum ture with a bikepacking spirit, with tech- All ofinlandTuscanywasmadeforadven- entire valley. na, boastingbreath-takingviewsoverthe to theancientEtruscantownofCorto- includes adetourwithniceinclineup rect itinerarybetweenArezzoandChiusi farming area, famous for its food. The di- to reclaim and transform this important the GrandDukeofTuscanyLeopoldo Chiana, awaterwaycommissionedby Follow theCanaleMaestrodellaValdi the Sentiero dellaBonificacycleroute.

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN AROUND ALL CYCLING 28 Gravity mania homes prove excellent travel companions. in thecountryside, andhotels andhistoric along thecoast, farmhouse accommodation along theTuscan Coast. Campingsites trackshaste, plusthere are thecycling culture, always worth visitingwithout towns andvillagesbursting withartand tourist,cycling theregion isdottedwith areas. Even for themostcool andcollected as muchinTuscany’s mountainous Then there’s lotsofmountain biking,almost roads, for road orgravel bike enthusiasts. that runalongsidelittle-used secondary rush totheendless ofdirttracks network those wholove agravity andadrenaline From extreme differences ingradient for which tostopfor acoffee. del Campo, a breath-taking square in In the middle of Siena stands Piazza posted, canbeusedallyear round. tain cases permanent and well-sign- for cyclists.Someitineraries, incer- cia intolegendaryareas,a must do Chianti, CreteSenesiandVald’Or- in Europe,hasmadetheroutesof ernmost professionalroadbikerace world, andStradeBianche,thesouth- famous historiccyclingeventinthe are everywhere.L’Eroica,themost because thelegendarydirttracks In Tuscany,gravelmeanseverything and themagicofanancientvolcano. expect bikeramenities,mountainair Amiata, inthefarsouthofregion: visitors canbefoundaroundMonte metres. Othergradientsthatmove also reachedbyacablewayover900 there’s theveryactiveDoganaccia, in heightof700metres.Nearby a cablecarthatcoversdifference largest bikeparksinItaly,servedby Abetone GravityParkisoneofthe downhill andfreerideenthusiasts. The Apenninesboaststwodrawsfor Gravel paradise 04 01 training ground forcyclists. landscape and hillsoffertheperfect a musttoo,an areawheretherural hotels ofCasoled’Elsa.Mugello is bey or spending the night at the bike stop at the roofless SanGalgano Ab- done inonegoorstages, witha the ValdiMerseGrandTour canbe Sassetta andSuvereto.The172kmof with onebendafteranothertowards and CastagnetoCarducci,continuing and cypress trees between Bolgheri the roadsthatrunthroughvineyards bends andniceplacestoeat.Test tle-used secondaryroads,gradients, The roadcyclistisacollectoroflit- dom notfarfromtheTuscancapital. well known to enthusiasts. Total free- easy andmoretechnicalstretches, mountains, areanotherarea,with ro tracksofRincine,intheFlorence ation withothersports.Theendu- couriers intendingtoalternaterelax- dash ofMediterraneanflavourfor “reserves” forendurolovers,witha the moststrikingandbest-equipped Massa Marittimainlandthere’soneof della Pescaia along the coast and Between PuntaAlaandCastiglione Trail area Road &valleys 05 02 29 less opportunitiesforadip. tally besidethesea,itoffers count- most “coastal”cyclepathin Italy: to- on thebeach.InVersiliathere’s the and naturereservesbefore finishing ning Fenigliaspit,throughpinewoods Argentario headland,alongthestun- Pedalling along the cycle tracks of the er enticementcomesfromthecoast. north tosouth,stagebystage.Oth- crosses thewholeofTuscanyfrom long andinterestingcyclewaythat The ancientViaFrancigenaisthe and tracksofthecharcoalburners. the Lamaforest,cobblestones along aformerrailway,thetrailsof the freshairofCasentinoforests: magical light.Alternatively,pedalin red, showingtheforestsintheirmost autumn, thewoodsturnorangeand the valleyofahundredcastles. In the sea andmountains,theLunigianais e-bike tours.Aborderlandbetween form the perfect combination for to visitvillagesandtastelocalflavours Spellbinding naturewiththechance E-Bike Slow touring 06 03

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN CASENTINESI FORESTE PARCO NAZIONALE 30 some ofthefinest forests in Europe. We tiptoein,reassured by therichesof that visitorsstillsensetoday.spirituality ancient beechtrees breathing inthe have trodden thetrails intheshadeof with thedivine.Monks,saintsandhermits centuries thefaithful have soughtcontact hectares ofnature where for 36,000 They’re alsoknown astheSacred Forests: Casentinesi Forests. PhotosbyGiordanoGiacomini Above: adeerintheparkand thethickwoodlandof Penna. Left: thedeLaVernaFranciscansanctuary,on Monte PHOTOS www.parcoforestecasentinesi.it across asingle car. horseback insolitude without coming explored by mountain bike and on ofkm nature trails that walked, can be way to discover park the is over 600 imately 1,000plantbest The species. dreds of and animal species approx- environmentfers aperfect for hun- hindered only by mountains and of- Romagna. It’s protected by vegetation way Tuscany between and Emilia extends across 36,000 hectares mid- tinesi, Monte Falterona eCampigna The Parco Nazionale Foreste- Casen stood stillbeneath thecanopies. are witnesses to timethatfeelslikeithas site. Thesegigantictreesof rare beauty scribed asaUNESCOWorld Heritage which are600yearsold,have beenin- Cathedral. Itsbeechwoods, someof the search for timber to build Florence thanks to its impassable terrain survived remaining virginforestsinEurope,which set footforcenturies.Itisoneofthelast ed oasiswherehumanbeingshavenot Sasso Fratinonaturereserve,aprotect- in Europe.Itsgreenheartisfoundthe vegetation ofsomethefinestforests growth, thehorizoniscaressedby As the trail emerges from the under- nature reserve. profound spiritualitythatresidesinthis Verna Sanctuaryarevividvestigesofthe degli Idoli,CamaldoliHermitageandLa down toourguardianship.TheLago ing asymbiosisthathasbeenpassed have knownhowtoprotectthem,spark- for millennia,andmillenniahumans known, havebeenfrequented by human sage. These“SacredForests”,astheyare without leavingatraceofone’spas- land deservetobediscoveredontiptoe magna, the36,000hectaresofprotected Midway betweenTuscanyandEmiliaRo- their trails. that canonlybeunderstoodbywalking gna guardahistoricnaturalpatrimony Casentinesi, MonteFalteronaeCampi- ridges oftheParcoNazionaleForeste to thepassingoftime.Thewoodsand strip thetrees,afixturebearingwitness search ofthetruth,drivinghumansto guided saintsandhermitsinperpetual These forestshaveinspiredpoetsand 31 ing ofdeerhiddenintheautumn foliage. wind duringasummerstorm, themew- the densefirforeststhattremblein pounding Arnoriverasthesnowthaws, fer. Thequietudeofasnowyclearing,the li, to summercrossingsofLagodiRidraco- From winter walks wearing snowshoes Sacre (HolyForestsTrail). mysticism oftheSentierodelleForeste Appenninica, embrace the silence and the solitudeofGrandeEscursione Falterona andMonteFalco,getlostin Choose theroutestotopofMonte discovery. the harmonyandrichness that warrant trails aretheonlymeansofintensifying lennia. Leaveyourcarathomeasthe perpetuated thenaturallifecycleformil- soon forgotteninanecosystemthathas trace thatwillremainofourtimehere, way tovisitit.Ourfootstepsaretheonly through theparkaremostsurprising Six hundredkilometresoftrailsthreading the woodwhenintruderstreadhere. as the song of dozens of birds that avert mouflon and the predatory wolf, as well anemones andnarcissi, wild boar,deer, species, centuries-old ash trees, fragile ecosystem richinlife:over1,000plant its undisturbedgrowth,strengtheningan forsook thisland,thevegetationresumed constant flux. Since humans practically growth concealthelushestofnaturein The immobilityandsilenceoftheunder- the parkalwayshassomethingtoof-

VAL DI CORNIA PARKS MINING PARK MAREMMA PARK SAN ROSSORE PARK TUSCAN ARCHIPELAGO APUANE PARK CASENTINESICASENTINESI FORESTS FORESTS APENNINE PARK ANCIENT ROADS DELLE ALPIAPUANE PARCO REGIONALE 32 and world-famous marble. spectacular peaks,rocky arches of theApuansswitchbetween hikers andclimbers,thecontours suffix ofAlps.Achallenge for landforms have earnedthearea’s wildest inTuscany. Theharsh environment that’s amongthe Apuans comprise animpressive bowels ofthemountain, the well ascaves that leadintothe sides andsheerrocky crags as The deepestofvalleys,steep jestic andsurreal landscape. chalky metamorphic rock,creatingama- and themining industryhaveshapedthe orating buildingsworldwide. Weathering Michelangelo andCanova,as wellasdec- were extracted and carved by the likes of sins fromwhichblocksofwhite marble These rangesencompassthe marbleba- Tambura, CavalloandPaniadellaCroce. mits toweringabove1,500mlikeMonte peak, followedbynumerousothersum- Monte Pisaninoat1,946 m isthehighest almost 2,000metresabovesealevel: sive massifsriseupabruptly,touching A fewkilometresfromthecoast,impres- sea. a stripoflandthatseparatesitfromthe ley, andtothewestbyVersiliaplain, and south by the river Serchio and its val- the northbyriverMagra,toeast sa-Carrara provincesandisborderedto 20,000 hectaresintheLuccaandMas- The parkextendsacrossapproximately Alpi Apuane. establishing theParcoRegionaledelle came aprotectednaturereservein1985, diversity to the extent that the area be- special habitatsandunimaginablebio- position andvariednaturehavecreated their rockypinnacles.Thegeographical up outoftheseatotouchskywith Italy, theApuanAlpslookliketheyrise A uniquemountainrangeinthewholeof famous cured meat LardodiColonnata.. can taste local specialities such as the ery and a few foodfestivals where you prehistory, offeringunmistakable scen- of geology,floraandfauna, historyand Alps are a precious environment in terms Older thantheApennines, theApuan Age. a smallrodentthatcamehereintheIce slopes. Thearea’srarityisthesnowvole, the woods;mouflonheadforsteep Ungulates likedeerandwildboarroam tes prefersthedarknessofgrottoes. streams andrivers,whilethespeleoman- uan alpine newt, make their home in the the spectacled salamander and the Ap- the park’ssymbol.Amphibians,suchas red-billed chough,whichhasbecome falcons, alpine choughs and the rarer whose skiesarecircledbyperegrine all shades,plusavarietyofecosystems tures athigheraltitudeswithflowersof beech treesgivewaytomountainpas- pristine naturetolive.Oak,chestnutand home torareendemicspeciesthatneed The areaisrichinhistoryandhabitats, that specklethemoreaccessibleslopes. ad castles,fortificationsandsanctuaries and prehistoricrelics.It’salandofmyri- less vestiges of ancient nomadic peoples populated sincedistanttimeswithcount- The narrowApuanvalleyshavebeen 33 Below: amarblequarryintheApuanAlps. Monte Altissimo.PhotosbyMatteoDunchi Gothic LinealongtheApuanAlps;onsummitof Left andside:viewofMonteFolgorito,passthe PHOTOS www.parcapuane.it visited. canwhich be caves throughout area, the many of there are more actually than 1,000 Terme are most the famous, although Antro del Corchia and Grotta diEqui residenttheir fauna. Grotta del Vento, important in terms of minerals and grottoesated that spectacular are karstbeauty; phenomena have cre- ground landscapes of rare fragile Heritage site, encompass under The ApuanAlps, aUNESCO World -

VAL DI CORNIA PARKS MINING PARK MAREMMA PARK SAN ROSSORE PARK TUSCAN ARCHIPELAGO APUANE PARK CASENTINESI FORESTS APENNINE PARK ANCIENT ROADS WATER SPORTS Rafting | Canyoning | Swamp Cruise | Kayak - Canoe | Surfing - Kitesurfing Sup | Sailing | Snorkeling | Fishing | Diving

More than 600 kilometres of coastline, split between islands friendly advice about the wind as surfers, wind and kite, wait for and the Tyrrhenian Sea, plus the streams and rivers that flow the right wave. through the rocks of the Alps and Apennines. Not only relax- The mountains and forests of inland Tuscany are endowed with ation and wide-ranging views, but fun and adventure too. On waterways. Garfagnana and Lunigiana, Montagna Pistoiese or under the surface, Tuscany offers countless activities for and Casentino are home to exciting action-packed activities. water lovers, while rivers and streams wait to be tamed in the Whether you choose the thrill of white water rafting or opt for region’s woodlands and nature reserves. Every outdoor expe- the calm of SUP, from canoeing to kayaking, Tuscany’s water- rience inspires excitement and emotions, from an adrenaline ways are perfect for people looking for something new to do as rush to feelings of freedom. Behind every activity there’s a well as those who already know how to domineer the currents community of enthusiasts, from north to south, in well-known that inevitably lead to the sea. Being at one with aquatic nature and evocative areas: Versilia, Etruscan Coast, Maremma and the is recommended to everyone who, oblivious to the seasons, Silver Coast as well as the mesmerizing islands of the Tuscan yearns for the freedom to go exploring. Archipelago. On shore, the skippers and their crews exchange nal scenes that we find in theApennine canyon thatinspired Danteandhisinfer- the sky reflectedin theirdepths. Like the geological ages.Youcaneven glimpse by thesameriverswith passingof dinary gorgescarveddeepinto therock against the current to discover extraor- ates oneverylevel:venturing upstream ter adventureortwo.Canyoningperme- the natural element and dive into a wa- plore thesewaters,sojustsurrenderto It’s hardtoresistthetemptationex- scape thatisasidyllicitwild. throughout theregion,carvingaland- spring tothevalley,freshwaterflows source oflife,gushesforth.Fromthe mountain ranges,wherewater,themain Tuscany’s contoursaretoppedwithhigh water sports. lush landandahaven of that have madeTuscany a water’s surface, alongrivers explored onorunderthe wild andwonderful nature currents andbeimmersedin Let yourself becarriedby the OF THERIVER THE THRILL rapids whilehaving thebestoffun.Gar- perfect forunsinkable rafts,ridingthe Some rivershavecarvedwider valleys, water inTuscany. are servedinsomeoftheloveliest fresh- Garfagnana ascanyoningexperiences things todoatRioSelvanoand Serra in rock faces.Jumpingandsliding arethe at theStrettidiGiaredowithitsliverred our waist,alwayslookinguptotheskies water aroundourlegsandevenupto wild andstriking,worthexploringwith Lunigiana concealsaplacethat’sboth the onlyonelikethisinTuscany.The It’s anunusuallandscapebutit’snot than theirusualhabitat. beech treesgrowintheclimatelower damp microclimatetotheextentthat tion andcreatingaparticularlyfresh draw very close, affording low light filtra- light. Atcertainpoints,thecanyonwalls on theslopesthatclimbupinsearchof tion withunusuallyshapedbeechtrees metres, iscoveredinluxuriantvegeta- sheer rockfacesreachheights of 200 The deepest canyon in Tuscany, whose where humans have never interfered. rounded byamagicalruggedlandscape a canyon,verynarrowatpoints,sur- foothills nearLucca:theOrridodiBotri, 36 of nature,we cross throughpristinena- Paddle inhand andgoingwiththeflow you cancatchsomerays. sports lovers, with a few beaches where It’s heavenforbirdwatchers andwater stork, pinkflamingo,crane andosprey. to rarebirdspeciessuchas thewhite bianello Oasisisawetland that’s home of biodiversity.TheWWF-managedGab- a naturereservethat’streasuretrove the northeastshoresoflakethere’s its canoeingandkayakingfacilities.On your thirstforthegreatoutdoorswith is one of the largest in Italy, quenches man-made lake in the Bilancino istherightplaceforyou.The If you’re a fan of still water, the kayaking experiences. riverside trekkingandsoftcanoeing in theMaremmaofferssomeunexpected river nines flowsasfarCentralTuscany:the The waterthatdescendsfromtheApen- gettable. like theLima,whosegorgesareunfor- slopes along fast-flowing foaming rivers place tobeintroducedtheactivity, experiences in the ventures at every level, fromeasy-going fagnana also offers myriad paddlingad- Elsa aroundSienaandtheOmbrone Serchio river, a great Mugello area, which Lago di CANYONING |RAFTINGKAYAKCANYONING Photo byWeLive Explore Municipality ofPontremoli. Right: thestraitsofGiaredo, naturalcanyonsinthe channels inCocciglia.PhotosbyDavid Bonaventuri Left andtop:RaftingontheriverLimainits PHOTOS by white water rapids. faces to valleys crisscrossed gorges with the tallest rock from settings, extraordinary to enjoy action sports in opportunities offer waterways beyond, Tuscany’s many The Apennine slopes and freshing ravines. the rivers and discovering the most re- by SUP,theperfectwayofexperiencing south andcanbeenjoyedexplored Tuscany’s waterwaysflowfromnorthto the mobilityimpaired. experience that’saccessibletoall,even city inthegreatoutdoors.TrySUPforan brand-new way of getting to know the It’s awayofgoingagainstthecurrent, of Florencearerevealedasifbymagic. ing perspectives and curious panoramas or inaraftalongtheriverArno,surpris- arriving incitycentres.Bykayak,canoe ture, skirtinghistoricvillagesandeven 37

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN needed tobe setfree. and developthewings the wind,take onthe waves who, onaboard powered by theme parkfor adventurers Tuscan Coast isamarine kitesurfing isamust, the surfing isa raison d’être and Looking for waves? When OF THEWIND ON THEWINGS EXPLORE THECOAST, SURF |KITESURFWINDSURFSUP approach tothe currents.TheTuscan right equipment anda“whodares,wins” try andwinds totakeflightwiththe are wavesworthriding,acrobatics to but enthusiastsknowthat, here, there are equallypopular in theChiantihills, hard tothinkthatsomeofthese sports mind exoticsettingsandbeaches. It’s kitesurfing andwindsurfingbringto that canbeenjoyedinTuscany.Surfing, hand tothemanyoutdoorexperiences The windandthewavesgiveahelping 38 open arms everyone who performs the call of the sea. comes between thesurferandsiren so thateverythingisready and nothing must bedonebeforeentering thewater, staying truetotheminute ritualsthat to prepare,withallthetime youneed, is notapossibility,theperfect place Idrovora. Thebeach,wheresunbathing north oftheMassaMarittimaport: A haven of tranquillity stands to the Coast canbeenjoyedyear-round. Versilia welcomeswith winds to take flight. acrobatics to and try waves worth riding, that, here, there are Enthusiasts know Maremma coast,invitesustogolooking The sea gods. feelings that only the new Mercury-style swollen kitesandwingsattheirfeet, and experiencetheVersiliabreezewith Kitesurfing fanscanlistentothewind this magicalstretchoftheTuscancoast. instruction fromoneoftheschoolsalong spirit ofadventure,seekingprofessional the waveswithanewconfidence-filled the talentofothers,decidetotakeon launch pad for those who, inspired by Who knowsifthispierwillbecomea freedom onthejettyofFortedeiMarmi. fearful, can only imagine the salty taste of for thosewho,awestruckandsomewhat impossible out at sea, a dream come true Photo byRobertoRidi Right: asurferridingthewavesofElbaIsland. Photo byDanieleBettazzi Below: windsurfingintheArgentariosea. Photo byRobertoRidi the ElbaIslandseainforeground. Left: inthebackground,mountainsofCorsicawith PHOTOS Tyrrhenian Sea,whichcaressesthe endless majestyofhissaltwaterrealm who, perched in a palanquin, admires the windsurfing, moving us likea sovereign inside thekiteandharnessingitthrough of seawinds,capturingtheirpower beneath thesurfboardofthoseinpursuit della PescaiaandTalamoneBayextend Argentario headland gifts us, Castiglione before encountering the beauty that the the Midway betweentheMaremmaand Ansedonia. read totamethetreacherouswavesof throws down the gauntlet to surfers of thebluedepths,whilecoastline breathing inthecleanairanddreaming seven islandsoftheTuscanArchipelago, on thehorizonforsevenpearls, Costa d’Argento (Silver Coast), 39 in theopensea. more relaxing adventure by SUP or kajak The alternative’s not bad either: enjoy a your windsurfintotheblueofwaves. you havetodoisdecidewherepoint for allagesandlevelsofpreparation.All surfing schoolswithequipmenttohire beaches arehometomanysailingand wind blows ceaselessly. The best-known Elba isevidentlyalargeislandwherethe the daytocome. dark moonlitexpanse,fullofpromisefor without everstoppingtoobservethe to restwiththetirednessofnight, before seekingshelterinhisapartments,

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN BLUE GOLD IN TUSCANY’S SNORKELING |DIVING 40 adventurers. offersof thesea,where evenhistory ahandto seeing themosthiddenandlittlefrequented part they don’t seemreal, theexperience consists in Surrounded by coral, fishand colours sointense and islandsofTuscany toexplore marinenature. Plunge intocontemplation ofthecoastal seabeds who diveintothebluecounterbalancing thesky. Underwater treasures onlydiscoverable tothose Photo byRiccardoBuralli Right: deep-waterdivingon thebedsoffElbaIsland. Photos byRobertoRidi Left andabove:snorkellingintheElbaIslandsea. PHOTOS seven islandsknownasthe“Pearlsof There’s atreasurechestbeneaththe to peoplewhoapproachthemgently. varieties of fish that show their colours are differentagain,hometocountless depths ofMaremmaaroundGrosseto disappeared centuriesago.Therocky still hidetheremainsofacivilizationthat destination whosesandyseabedscould port andcommercialhub,nowatourist Gulf of Baratti, once a flourishing Etruscan dive intoitswatersthemysteriesof The protection. guaranteed byyearsofenvironmental destinations, oasesofunderwaterbeauty surface, revealthemselvesasultimate the islands,luminouspearlson coast giftsheightenedemotionsand For sea-lovingexplorers,theTuscan beneath thelayeroflightwhereweswim. conceals wondersjustafewmetres something absolutelynewinaseathat who wanttoexplore,discoverandfind do notstopatthesurfaceofthings,but themselves incontemplation,thosewho activities forpeoplewholovetoimmerse Snorkelling and diving are perfect Etruscan Coasttellstothosewho exist in the Mediterranean. the varieties of marine flora and fauna that During just one dive you’ll find practically all blend in a symbiotic ecosystem that has formed. Natural artandhumanlabour which an unusual yellow sponge wall has can encounter a statue of Christ behind that existintheMediterranean!) Hereyou all thevarietiesofmarineflora andfauna (During just one dive you’ll find practically be foundhere,frommultiple lifeforms. 1971, numerous underwater treasures can amazing. Aprotectednaturezonesince means embracingsomethingtruly part. DivingoffScogliettodiPortoferraio anemones, octopiandcoralformasingle distinguish thesedepths,ofwhich fish andseagrassarchitecturethat Island meansbeingastonishedbythe discover. GoingsnorkellingoffElba pressure transforms into adesire to below the surface, where the water incredible and beautiful a few metres the of Venusinlovestillreverberate the Mediterranean”,wherewords Tuscan Archipelago,aplaceso 41 who aren’tbound bytheseasons. around GiglioIsland year roundfor those and departure pointsofacircularroute at thefarsouthrepresent both arrival the northandPuntadelCapel Rosso The lighthousesofPuntadel Fenaioin visitors. barracuda, happilyswimming around home tolobsters,eaglerays,sunfishand we canseeapristineunderwaterworld, well preserved. Through a diving mask, for 150years,keepingitsenvironment Pianosa, anislandclosedtothepublic Marvels canalsobefoundbeneath beds andevercrystal-clearwater. ripe withopportunitiestoflipperpastsea origins hasmadethecoastrockyand love tosnorkel.Theisland’svolcanic Capraia spirit andanopenmind. studied, onlywithacertainawe,pure mutation, whichcanbeobserved,even remained fixedintime,albeitconstant is a true paradisefor people who

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN 42 photographers; stopoffinOrbetello,a entice sunworshippers, fishermenand d’Argento) offers sandy gems that Pescaia, whiletheSilverCoast (Costa Grosseto andvisitingCastiglione della after thebeachesofMaremma and Piombino,beforemaking landfall Marina diPisaheadingforCastiglioncello in sports like surfing; sail south, rounding fantastic place either to rest or to indulge and towns:Viareggio,inVersilia,isa dropping anchortoexplorebeaches wishing tonavigatetheopenseasor different and interesting, for those Numerous routesareonoffer,all faithful oldfeelings. wind inpursuitofnewexperiencesand cut throughthewavesandharness mind ofanadventurer,invitationto people withaseafaringsoulandthe Tuscany’s Tyrrheniancoastlinebeckons choose thesailboat. is the adventure that awaits those who reach anewlandandport:this knowing thatsoonerorlaterwewill toward the fixed line of the horizon, ourselves fromterrafermaandlooking Casting off,settingsail,distancing where itbeganitsjourney. Thisiswhere thesailor, anadventurer ofthewater, The windinthesailblows theboat toward newhorizons, far from theshores experiences theheadiestoffeelings andunderstands of thedepthofbeauty Tuscany’s coastline, settingsailtoward landorouttoward theendless blue. THE TYRRHENIAN THE TYRRHENIAN DISCOVERED BY around SAILBOAT Sanctuary, atriangular areabetween enter what’s known astheCetacean On agoodday’ssailingyou caneven as circumnavigatingElbaIsland itself. of the adventurer can reachtheislands the entireArchipelago.From here, pivotal pointfromwhich to explore Out ofthesevenislands,Elbais to bediscovered. maritime trenches, forgotten and waiting concealed intheremotestdepthsof us fearfullywiththe centuries-old secrets unusual greyishbluehue,whichtempts sail, whileinthewintertheytakeonthat moving paintinginwhichyoucouldset the islandwatersresembleanever- shades ofblueandgreen,inthesummer their brightcoloursandshimmering never disappointtrueseafarers.With The islandsoftheTuscanArchipelago them. with theirtalesonceyougettoknow appearance; theyarehereyearround don’t waitforthesummertomakean equally truethatthecoastanditslocals that sunbathingisasummerpastime,it’s gateway totheArgentario.Whileit’strue Pianosa andCapraiaeasily,aswell SAILING |FISHING SAILING 43 could set sail. moving painting in which you island waters resemble an ever- and green, in the summer the shimmering shades of blue With their bright colours and Photo byFilippoFranceschi Left: sailingaroundtheTuscan Archipelago. PHOTO fauna cannotbetouched! under environmentalprotection,soits Portoferraio, afavouritewithdivers,is season. ThezonearoundScogliettodi some portareas,especially during high restrictions. Fishingisnotpermittedin enjoy thesewaters,althoughthereare Professional oramateurfishermenwill inspection by sailingandfishinglovers. which withGiannutrideservetheirown navigation toandaroundGiglioIsland, lighthouses attractattentionanddirect and dolphinsareoftensighted.Two Elba, CapraiaandCorsicawherewhales

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN AROUND ALL DIVING 44 beaches are waiting for you! exploring, Tuscany andits a spiritofadventure andgo year round. Come armedwith and sportsare onoffer all wide range ofoutdooractivities coastline it’snosurprisethat a countless kilometres of From aregion that vaunts Surfing pioneers SUP andsurffor all 04 of viewunder the PonteVecchio. to seethecity fromadifferentpoint on offerthe ArnoriverinFlorence similar possibilities. Accessible SUP is abilities. Cecina’sbeachesalso offer individuals withdifferenttypes ofdis- portunities tosurfanddo SUP for disabled surfingteam,offering op- athletes andassistantsoftheItalian the Tyrrhenian coast are popular with thanks tosport.Thebeachesalong Tourism becomesaccessiblealso garded asthesurfingcapitalofItaly. to thenationalsoil,Versiliaisstillre- adventurers whoimportedsurfing these “pioneersoftheboard”,sea ed righthereinTuscany.Thanksto get togripswiththissportstart- In Italy,thefirstgroupofsurfersto 01 civilizations Traces ofancient 02 make theentireGulfshinetoo. rous residuesthat,shininginthesun, the darkshadeofsandduetofer- times, whosetracesarestillfoundin was workedlocallyhereinancient traces ofacenturies-oldactivity.Iron diately makes an impact, bearing the grey-black colour of the sand imme- of theGulfBaratti,unusual Having landed on the beautiful beach tradition. clubs along the coast testify to the won itsfreedom.Themany sailing Republics. Inthe11thcentury, Pisa and PisawasoneofthefourMaritime the age when business was thriving trail, atreasurehuntforcluesabout a cuetostarthistoryandsports ferent outdoorsports,mightprovide The coastal Pisa area, suitable for dif- Republican Pisa 05 45 of thegreat In thefootsteps the samename. novel starringthefamouscountof spiration behindAlexandreDumas’s the TuscanArchipelago,wasin- of the seven islands that comprise to thepublic.MontecristoIsland,one San Martino, both of which are open were theVilladeiMulinianddi tween 1814and1815.Hisresidences on the island during his first exile be- dences. NapoleonBonapartestayed anchor neartheNapoleonicresi- est in the island’shistory, dropping Sailing aroundElbamightsparkinter- the Limariver. SUP (StandUpPaddleboarding) along plumb forthemorerelaxingoption of ing suspendedintheairbycables or absolute safety: go canyoning, abseil- unique activitiescanbeenjoyedin play starringroles.It’saplacewhere ture park,wherewaterandnature The ValdiLimaisanoutdoor adven- 03 Suspended over theriver 06

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN TOSCANO ARCIPELAGO PARCO NAZIONALE 46 in Europe. largest marinenature reserve ecosystem. Welcome tothe forand respect anextraordinary navigating hiking,sport between admiring andrespecting, worth visiting,discovering, sevensisters andhistory: myth vaunting singularities,cloaked in one different totheothers,each Seven islands,sevengems,each to thenorthandFarodiCapelRosso the endsofisland,FarodelFenaio landscape. Thetwolighthousesfoundat have nowbecomecharacteristicofthe where humanshavebuiltterracesthat sheer cliffsthatdropdowntothesea, almost amirrorimageofthemyriad The littlecovesofGiglioIslandare its underwatertreasurestodivers. over theisland,whilePortoferraioreveals bike routes,whichthreadtheirwayall reached onhikingtrailsandbymountain the highestpeakonisland,canbe faraway exotic beaches; by aseasoclearthatitremindsusof The mainislandisElba,surrounded for activetourists. nature parkinEurope,amajorattraction now theArchipelagoislargestmarine Many areasenjoyedprotectedstatusand no doubtsthattheyaregenuinegems. islands is the stuff of legends, there are Although thedivineoriginofthese Arcipelago Toscano. that comprise the stayed afloat,becomingthesevenislands on dryland.Insteadofsinking,thepearls to reachEroswhowaswaitingforher out of the sea foam, the goddess sought dropped intothesea.Bornasawoman seven pearlsfromAphrodite’snecklace of land“linked”tothemainlandsince Tuscan coastanditsislands,patches There’s somethingeternalaboutthe is the largest marine nature park in Europe. there are no doubts that they are genuine gems: the Archipelago Although the divine origin of these islands isthe stuff of legends, Parco Nazionale Monte Capanne, look aftertheenvironment. prison whoseinmatesworkthelandand in theArchipelago,whichishometoa most northerlyislandandthesmallest mirroring thesky,whileGorgonais glitters inthemiddleofbluesea, Giannutri, acrescent-shapedislandthat These fiveislandsheadsouthasfar surrounded byuniquefauna. the island’scustodianandhisfamily, year: theonlypeoplewholivehereare people canarriveonitsshoresevery a protected nature reserve. Only a few famous bookafterhe’dvisiteditisnow The islandonwhichDumassethis figure conjuredupbyMontecristo. Less historicandmore“novel”isthe from theothersixislands. oddly flatstructurethatdistinguishes it extends nearPianosa,namedafterthe untamed nature.Anabundanceoflife unusual beauty,imbuedwithwild, island whoserockyenvironmentinstils Capraia isdifferentagain,avolcanic stroke ofluck,you’llmeetonalonghike. rare andprotected wild fauna that, with a lush Mediterraneanscrubechoesinthe the south,pointwayforsailors.The 47 Tuscan Archipelago. PhotosbyRobertoRidi Outdoor activitiesand naturevisitsintheislandsof PHOTOS www.islepark.it of 1,018metres. Archipelago,the reaches an altitude Monte Capanne, in highest the peak Pianosa, Giannutri and Gorgona. lands Montecristo, entirety: intheir and791.6 km2 includes four is- a wealth of biodiversity across its di Santo Stefano.park The protects round from Piombino and Porto byeasily that ferries leave year all andElba Giglio, reached can be can Archipelago. The main islands, en islands that make up Tus the - The National Park consists- sev of

VAL DI CORNIA PARKS MINING PARK MAREMMA PARK SAN ROSSORE PARK TUSCANTUSCAN ARCHIPELAGO ARCHIPELAGO APUANE PARK CASENTINESI FORESTS APENNINE PARK ANCIENT ROADS SKI & SNOW Ski | Alpine Ski | Snowboard | Snowshoes

A white blanket covers the mountains of Tuscany all winter to the feet. It’s pure adrenaline too, which builds as you climb long, continuing into the first days of spring and making an early the mountain slope and explodes on the descent down to the appearance at the end of autumn. The snow paves the way to a valley. Free or slalom, downhill skiing is one of the most enter- season of action sports, the outdoors, fun and creativity. All we taining ways to spend your time in the snow. But it’s not the must do is choose what activity to try and where to do it. Snow only way. Snowboarding is exciting with one thrill after another lovers, take heed, because you’ll be spoilt for choice. Downhill on long days, always ready for a last-minute ride. skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing, whatever your favour- Boards aside, we stick rackets on our feet for amazing hikes ite discipline, from the Alps to the Apennines, from the famous into the snowy woods. Step by step, one footprint after another resort of Abetone, to Monte Amiata, Falterona and the Apuans, and hovering over the snow, the scenery is at its most magical adventure is around the corner. while snowshoeing. Skiing is a popular hobby, the winter sport par excellence. Skiing While nature’s resting, Tuscany becomes even more candid is freedom, speed and style. It’s competition and combines all and the outdoor spirit keeps us warm and ready for endless disciplines that require snow and two long, flat boards attached adventures in the snow. to dusk. outdoor sportsfrom dawn indulge inyour favourite a playground, atime to views. Thedays become creates surreal and sublime Apennines andApuans the peaksofTuscan the snow that falls on like noothertimeof year: brings amagicalatmosphere scenery. Butthewinter changing andsurprising four seasonsoffers ever- The natural flow ofthe EXCITEMENT HIGH-ALTITUDE ALPS ANDAPENNINES, SKI |ALPINESNOWBOARD |SNOWSHOES their preferred wintersport:snowshoe- skiing network forvisitorstoindulgein Colò, Abetoneboastsawell-connected pistes developedbyskichampion Zeno lifts. Fromnovicetomore challenging 50 kilometresofslopesand 20-plusski derland sinceRomantimesand furnishes gliano area,it’sbeentheApenninebor- Abetone. NestledintheAbetone-Cuti- one ofTuscany’sbest-knownskiresorts, The mountainsofPistoiaarehometo offer countlessreasonsnottohibernate. getic uphillhikes.Tuscany’smountains down mountainslopesaswellener- adrenaline-fuelled skiingatfullspeed exciting andsurroundedbynaturespark doors. Snow and physical activity that’s synonymous with sport andthe out- In thewinter,holidaysandfreetimeare 50 Surrounded by immense views from the try andvaunting eightskilifts. metres ofdownhill,10km cross coun- snowboard slopeswindingalong 12kilo- are crisscrossedwithentertaining skiand outdoor activities. The volcanic slopes for delightful snowshoeing and countless lous hiking,inthewinterareamakes Chiana and Maremma. Famous for fabu- making thestartofVald’Orcia,di region, in the pre-Apennine mountains, Amiata standsinthecentralsouthof the hallmarkofNorthernTuscany.Monte Exciting outingsinthesnowarenotonly first stepsonskisorsnowboards. the nurseryslopes,idealfortakingyour and difficulty.Beginnersfeelathomeon enthusiasts withslopesofvaryinglength ble cars,it’sperfectforallwintersports ganaccia. Equipped with ski lifts and ca- ated ashortdistancefromAbetone:Do- Another importantTuscanskiareaissitu- tional competitions. and jumps,inadditiontovariousinterna- park whereyoucantryoutafewtricks even across-countrytrackandsnow- off-piste skiingforfreeriders.There’s ing, downhillskiing,snowboardingand all styles and tastes. becomes an adventure for possession of its realm, sport takes blanket white the calming and magical; when that’s nature into forays scaling snow-capped peaks, Sliding or speeding downhill, ner ofTuscany, anoutdoorthemeparkat fun, boastingincredible viewsofthiscor- skiing, snowboardingandsnowshoeing els, nurseryslopesandasnowpark for something foralltastes:pistes ofalllev- municipality of Zeri, Lunigiana offers and Liguriaintheregion’s westernmost On theborderbetweenTuscany,Emilia in theZumZeri-PassoDueSantiarea. Lunigiana isthelandofsnowadventures its islandsasfarCorsica,winterinthe the LaSpeziaGulf,CinqueTerreand sea andmountains,theviewsrangeover untouched nature:theLunigiana.Among we findanareafamous foritscastlesand Continuing westacrosstheApennines, away. ing withviewsthatwilltakeyourbreath can enjoy alpine skiing and snowshoe- dition totheusualsnowsport,hereyou forming theGarfagnanaskidistrict.Inad- in turnlinkstoathirdresort,Careggine, nearby resort,PassodelleRadici,which hill andcross-countryslopestoanother linked byseveralkilometresofdown- in theCastiglionediGarfagnanaarea.It’s small skiresortofCasonediProfecchia Apennines and the Apuans, there’s the 51 Below: someslopesoftheAbetoneskiresort Photos byAndreaBidossi Top: snowboardinginValdiLuce,Abetone. Left: snowshoeingonMonteFalterona. PHOTOS

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN guaranteed in Tuscany. rises and outdoor fun is adrenaline the dips, temperature the When SKI |ALPINESNOWBOARD |SNOWSHOES on footinthesnow. just some of the mountains to be enjoyed around Forests NationalParkandthemountains Valdarno, shoeing andskins.Pratomagno routes suitable for exploring by snow- Apennines andApuanscombinewith ter. Anetworkofmountaintrailsinthe can stillenjoythecharm of aTuscan win- Even whereskifacilitiesarelackingyou zero degrees. Marradi inthe Falterona in the Casentinesi 52 upper Mugelloare in the snow isontheground. unforgettable outdooractivities when The mountainsofTuscanyofferendless experts only. ment isensuredforwildwalksstrictly to switch your skins for crampons. Excite- cents take on an alpine style, forcingyou cline becomessteepandstubbly,theas- and unparalleled beauty. Where the in- Alps enjoytheslopesaffordingseaviews snow andicetoyourtastes.IntheApuan If downhill skiing’s your bag, you’ll find Below: viewofthepeakDoganaccia.PhotobyRoyCorsini Top: snowshoeingonMonteFalterona.PhotosbyEdoardoBenelli Left: snowshoeingintheCasentinesiForestsNationalPark. PHOTOS 53

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN AROUND ALL SKIING 54 04 01 San PellegrinoinAlpe Doganaccia Valley. ennines, Apuans andtheGarfagnana that make way for views over the Ap- shoeing throughmagicalbeechwoods metres. It’sagreatbasefor snow- the Apenninesatanaltitude of1,525 in Alpeisthehighestsettlement in the borderwithEmilia,SanPellegrino skies.” AlovelyGarfagnanavillageon the beechwoods,intoblueof abysses andamidthemurmuringsof are the loveliest of all: protruding over by theApennines,SanPellegrino,you “Among themyriadflowersvaunted make wayfordownhillskiing. ests. Thevegetationalsoclearsto rounded byconifersandbeechfor- as countlesssnowshoeingtrailssur- try trackstakeprideofplaceaswell ers oflongsnowdays.Cross-coun- among skiers, snowboarders and lov- challenging pistestogetheartsracing ices, plusmorethan15kilometresof ski campsandnurseryslopesfornov- ed. The area is equipped with winter Abetone, withwhichitiswellconnect- the medievalvillageofCutiglianoand uated inthePistoiamountains,near The ski resort of Doganaccia is sit- discovering Tuscan farming traditions. Taste thelesser-known flavours devouring deliciouslocalcuisine. end along,snow-charged day thanby competitions. There’s nobetterway to and there’s far more tosportthan snowshoeing meanthe funneverends mountains. Skiing,snowboarding and intense intheTuscan snow-topped is asstrong asever. Days are diminish butthethirstfor adventure In thewinterhoursofsunlight Monte Tambura 05 02 Monte Amiata events. stars ofcountless festivalsandfolk te Amiatachestnuts:they’reeven the occasion isagoodonetoenjoy Mon- pasta dishes,orsimplyroasted. Every recipes oldandnew,fromdesserts to IGP hallmark,it’sthekeyingredient in the chestnut.Emblazonedwith serves upthesublimeautumnfruit: well assettingthescene,forest through age-oldchestnutgroves.As no thatboastsskislopesandtrails slopes ofthisancientextinctvolca- The prettiestofvillageslieonthe ible thehigheryoureach. Plus, theviewsbecomemoreincred- al forthoselearningtoskidownhill. to climb,makingMonteTamburaide- tain range.It’snotparticularlytricky asts, whichisunusualforthis moun- and lesssoamongclimbingenthusi- bura is popular among downhill skiers metres above sea level, Monte Tam- Apuan Alpsalmostbrushing1,900 One ofthehighestmountainsin 55 06 03 Pratomagno Lunigiana a dayofsnow-centric activities. Zeri-Passo DueSantiskiresort after in lodgesandrestaurantsthe Zum bread, traditionalfareoften served quiches and panigacci unleavened such astestarolipancakes, herb feast onlocalculinaryspecialities isfied here. ForatasteofLunigiana, urges arenottheonlyonestobesat- tivities, eveninthewinter.Sporting endless possibilitiesforoutdoorac- Lunigiana isahistoricareathatoffers Land ofcastles and lush nature, the sea level. highest pointat1,548metresabove monument markingthemountain’s cross. Openedin1928,it’salargeiron del Pratomagno,thearea’sfamous the other,walkingasfarCroce one sideandtheValdiChianaon ing viewsovertheArnoValleyon for peacefulsnowshoeing,withstrik- in thewinter.Pratomagnoisperfect pastures thatenjoycopioussnowfall ridge coveredwithverdantmountain Valdarno fromCasentino,itswide The massifrisesupanddividesthe

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN vaunt important horsecentres,home ricina andSan Rossoreneighbourhoods Horse ridingis atradition.Pisa’sBarba- tecture andgardens. Borbone, asumptuouscomplexofarchi - located inthenineteenth-century Villa cork oaks.Thepark’svisitors’ centreis ture atTenutadiTombolo,repletewith Mediterranean shrubisthedominantfea- va Palatina,areallfoundlocally. and arareforest,partoftheancientSel- rise upoutofthewater,spits,swamps a fewdecadesago.Tombolos,dunesthat the PresidentofItalianRepublicuntil park, 4,800hectares that belonged to Tenuta SanRossoreisthecentreof and encompassesarangeofhabitats. the coastlinebetweenPisaandLivorno The large protected area is situated along scapes areextraordinary. and pinewoods,the lifeforms and land- ranean shrub,swampswherebirdsnest hinterland from the sea to the Mediter- From thesanddunesthatseparate every seasonisripewithopportunity. li di Migliarino,SanRossore,Massaciucco- ments andactivities,theParcoRegionale Because ofitswidevarietyenviron- ROSSORE SAN REGIONALE DI PARCO must bevisitedtounderstood.And wetlands andtakeshelterin the reeds. myriad birdspeciesthatfrequent the ing swamplands.The Oasi Lipu protects to explore the lake and its vast surround - At LagodiMassaciuccolitakeaboatride and Calambrone. bathing houses of Marina di Pisa, Tirrenia south oftheArno,publicbeachesand Marina diTorredelLagoandLecciona; north oftheSerchioMarinadiVecchiano, cany canbereachedonfootorbybike: Some of the best-loved beaches in Tus- and evenenjoyaboatride. ic gardensofVillaGinori,nearPiaggetta, visit theOasidiMassaciuccoli,exot- traits. Insixhoursoftrekking,youcan cover itswildersideandmoreelusive through the park, allowing visitors to dis- foot, countlessroutesthreadtheirway Whether onhorseback,bybikeor tres inthepark. is onofferfortouristsatthemanycen- Prato degliEscoliracetrack.Horseriding trained totakepartincompetitionsatthe to over600horsesthatarerearedand 56 encounter simplywondrous. and thelife here that makes every discovering thewaterways by boat appropriate: walking thetrails, Livorno. Asilentapproach is the coastline Pisaand between that extends tothebeachesof of parkland,atreasure trove hectares brimming in23,000 A leapintothebiodiversity www.parcosanrossore.org keep youpark will entertained. myriadthe moments offered the by by bike or boat, alone or with aguide, stately buildings. Onfoot, horseback, swampswood, teeming with life and scrub, remains the of an ancient pine- ronment: sand dunes, Mediterranean ofleidoscope different natural envi- San Rossore, Massaciuccoli is aka- The ParcoRegionale di Migliarino, DELLA MAREMMA DELLA PARCO REGIONALE or snorkelling. Leave onlyyour footprints behind. here isthefocal point. Lower thevolumetodiscover it:onfoot, horseback ofthenaturaland oneofthewildestgivenintegrity habitats. Nature Tuscany’s ofenvironments firstandmostamazing parkduetoitsvariety www.parco-maremma.it ofwoods Uccellina the Mountains. from reserve, the sandy coves to the bility and trails the that reach over all can find information about accessi- visitors’Alberese centre. Here you gionale Maremma della at start the The routesthat explorethe ParcoRe- The toes ofCannellebeach. can explorethenooksandrockygrot towards Talamone, fans of snorkelling er standsguard.Evenfurthersouth, wood, whereasixteenth-centurytow flanked by theMarina Alberese pine go beach,alongstretchofsandthat’s you encounterthestrikingCollelun tried theactivitybefore.Slightlysouth, far asthemouth,evenifyou’venever waters canbeenjoyedinacanoeas by theriverOmbrone,whoseplacid The northernmostborderismarked sion. catapults youintoatimelessdimen cowboys, ahorseridearoundthepark here forcenturies.Justlikethelocal on horsebackwhohaveledtheherds and guidedbythe“butteri”,shepherds come across Maremma cows grazing clearings inthepinewoods,youmight coves alongtherockycoastor its appearance.Amongthehidden neither wreakeddamagenorchanged ronment inwhichhumanactionshave Tuscany’s firstparkprotectsanenvi co RegionaledellaMaremmaisamust. If you’reinsearchofthewild,Par Monti dell’Uccellinaareaconstant 57 ------peace andwondertovisitorsbird In the winter a carriage ride offers night hikesledbyprofessionalguides. venture alongthepark’strails,evenon for cyclistsandwalkersbeforethey The Alberesevisitors’centreisahub woods andMediterraneanshrub. shores withthedeepgreeneryof coastal backbone, topping the sandy presence inthepark.Thehillsforma routes toexplore. nature andarealwayslookingfornew are idealforNordicwalkerswhoadore The longstretchesoftheMaremma weather’s inclement. reach hibernationsites,evenwhenthe watchers. It’stheperfectvehicleto guided by the “butteri”. Maremma cows grazing and you might come across clearings in the pine groves, along the rocky coast or the Among the hidden coves -

VAL DI CORNIA PARKS MINING PARK MAREMMA PARK SAN SAN ROSSORE ROSSORE PARK PARK TUSCAN ARCHIPELAGO APUANE PARK CASENTINESI FORESTS APENNINE PARK ANCIENT ROADS AIR SPORTS Paragliding | Hang gliding | Ballooning

On leaving the monuments and graceful scenery behind, Tus- and even the Apennine forests. cany has much to offer to thrill seekers. The region’s natural No previous experience is needed; just the willpower to explore, beauty and historic cities can be equally discovered from a overcome your limits and have fun. Take a few steps and you’ll point of view dedicated to those who dare. be up in the air with a professional instructor; above you there In Tuscany there’s no shortage of chances to enjoy a pano- are only clouds and the views extend as far as the horizon. ramic flight or for travellers and sports lovers unique moments of absolute excitement. Choose the place and adrenaline level Whether you’re the one controlling the wing or relaxing with and let yourself be guided by an expert. a drink while watching the sunset, taking flight in Tuscany will The destinations are diverse, from the mountains around Pisto- make you fall in love with this land like no other activity could ia, with its harsh, wild environment, to Florence and Lucca, art ever do. And when your feet are back on the ground, you won’t cities par excellence and the surrounding hills shaped by man- be able to think about anything else. kind’s love of wine, the coastlines that plunge down to the sea, ADVENTURE AN AIRBORNE beings can experience, a chance tocombine exploration and and hangglidingare thefreest form offlyingthat human your onlylimit;thewind isyour travel companion. Paragilding Hold thereins andchoose where you want togo.Thehorizon is PARAGLIDING |HANGGLIDING entertainment. 60 Paragliding and hangglidingarethe disappoint. flown before, the choicesonoffernever you’re aprofessionaloryou’ve never is thetimeyouhaveavailable. Whether restriction onparaglidingorhang gliding sites throughouttheregion, theonly Vaunting more thantwentyfree-flying Tuscany fromthesky. as thereareinfinitewaysofvisiting our imaginationtoblendtheseimages Elba Island.There’snoneedtouse of theGarfagnana,deepblue Florence, the varied scenery and history Apuan Alps, the green hills surrounding Apennines, the marble shades of the captor. Imaginethewildbeautyof moving intheair,windouronly Imagine thefeelingoffreedom Tuscany. us there’sonlyskyandbeneath is alreadyfarbeneathourfeet,above wait isover.Twostepsandtheground branches rustle.Thewingtightens. The windrisesupthehill,making Apennines... the wild beauty of the our only captor. Imagine of moving in the air, the wind Imagine the feeling of freedom escape fromthe ratraceorfree-flying you’re explorers, inpursuitofan Tuscany’s main elevations.Whether myriad fullyequippedtakeoffs allover Experienced fliers willappreciate the freedom. to controlthewindandfly inabsolute enjoy thecoursesorganized tolearn paragliding andhanggliding,youcan If youhavealreadybeenwonoverby taking sceneryfromabird’s-eyeview. professional, youcantastethebreath- by thewindandfirmlyattachedtoa first timewithaninstructor.Caressed the possibilitytomakejumpfor associations throughouttheregionoffer place tobegin.Themanyschoolsand of freeflying,Tuscanyisasuperb If you’venevertastedtheintoxication maiden flight. the expertiseofaprofessionalforyour the unknown,youwillbeentrustedwith sports. Have nofear: before jumpinginto mean thatthesearenotdangerous assessment andappropriateprudence The adrenalineisalwayshigh,butcorrect experience you’lleverhave. are castaside:it’sthemostexciting but askanyonewhofliesandthedoubts and abilities.Forsomeit’srecklessness, a glider,wearealonewithourintuition can experience.Hangingfromawingor freest formofflyingthathumanbeings 61 Montepisano.Travel and MontePisano.PhotosbyParapendioPisa Flying betweenLucchesia,MonsummanoAlto PHOTOS in PisaandLucca. takeoff, andthenunwindamongtheart and mountainsthatmakeitperfectfor Monte Pisanowoodland,betweenhills the medievaltownssurroundedby of LeonardodaVinci.Takeflightfrom we canseeasfarVinci,thebirthplace instructor: oncleardays,beneathourfeet of going foraswim.Ascendthethermals heading forthecoast,landingand Island andflyoveritswildinteriorbefore multifaceted region. Take off from Elba are byfarthebestwaystodiscoverthis enthusiasts, paraglidingandhanggliding Monsummano Altowithacertified

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN ANOTHER TIME THE AIR OF HANGING IN BALLOONING Right: hot-airballooningabove theTowerofPisa. Photo byMicheleOrtolano Top: springintheCrete Senesi area. Montalcino. PhotobyMelissaToledo Left: hot-airballooningaroundMontisi, PHOTOS be opentowonder. to keep oureyes openand basket, allthat’s left todois clouds. Once you’re inthe travel withyour headinthe balloon isthesafest way to progress. Thehotair was asymbolofscientific when thehotairballoon Age ofEnlightenment, a leapbackintimetothe our eyes taking andpicture All we have todoisclose the speedanddirection. It’s thewindthat decides your feetisa valuable opportunitytofill countryside that slowlypassesbeneath window. Seeing withyourowneyesthe drone videos,theviewsthrough aplane tures you’veseenontheInternet, the experience: it’sunique.Forget thepic- There arenootherwordsto definethis Siena inthedistance. the extraordinaryPiazzadelCampoin across thesurroundinghills,glimpsing San Gimignanolengthentheirshadows waning onthehorizonandtowersof roofs ofFlorencearekissedbythesun Chianti vineyardsandgildthehills, take flight. When the sun’s rays touch the tion. Dawn and dusk are the best times to on whereyoucangoisyourimagina- a hotairballoonridedoes.Theonlylimit No experiencewilleverwinyouoverlike Only dreamerswillunderstandthisflight. mankind’s dreamofreachingtheclouds. when the hot air balloon represented explorers ofotherdimensions,toanage dawn offlying,amongadventurebook tres thewindtransportsusbackto already seemscloser.Inbarelyafewme- The basketleavesthegroundandsky 63 air balloon does. ride win you over like ahot No experience will ever understand this flight. Only dreamers will guide you. with professionalinstructorsreadyto the artofflyinglikepioneersair, the experience,youcanevencultivate If, afteraflight,you’vefalleninlovewith nature. off thegrounddependsonlawsof part ofthecharm:privilegegetting ciding whethertotakeoffornot.It’sall er conditionsandaircurrentsbeforede- and thecrewcarefullyassessweath- ence; nothingislefttochance.Thepilot A hot air balloon ride isn’t a naive experi- particular tothehotairballoon. the mostandvisititfromperspective find the destination thatintrigues them Brunelleschi’s Dome,alltravellerscan tryside toanexclusivetoastlookingat From aone-hourflightoverthecoun- portunities totakeahotairballoonride. In everycornerofTuscanythereareop- in everydirection. the windandenjoyviewsthatopen do istrustthepilot,letyourselvesfloatin Don’t forgetyourcamera!Allyouhaveto your soulwithpeerlessbeauty.

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN AROUND ALL FLYING 64 in Tuscany from theair. of attractions worth seeing safety. There’s noshortage accompany you inabsolute schools andexperts whocan there are manyagencies, be right. Allover Tuscany wait for theconditions to Dress appropriately and stunning SienaandlovelyLucca. the city.Repeatexperience in all themarvelsofsunsetting over pagne. Whenthewindallows,enjoy exclusive flightwith aglassofCham- etries ofthecitycentreduringan sunset. Enjoythemedievalgeom- totally differentflavourintheskyat The cradleoftheRenaissance has a on placestolandeither. scenery. Plus,theregion’snotshort the groundbehindandadmire offer perfect high grounds to leave the Valdinievole and Chianti hills all of MontePisanoandMontalbano, mountains, thehillsandmountains no shortageofoptions:theApuan sure it’sunique!InTuscanythere’s ing orhangglidingexperience.Make A maidenflightisyourfirstparaglid- Learning tofly Flying over Florence 04 01 gion’s wineriesandfarmestates. air balloonridetakingofffrom there- ditional flavours,participate inahot perspective. Ifyou’reinsearch oftra- course fromanabsolutelyunique the skies, take part in a photography gettable memoryofTuscanyfrom inal experience.Ifyou’dlikeanunfor- other activities for an even more orig - If aflightisn’tenough,combineitwith find outmore. head fortheLeonardoMuseumto tivities. Oncethehikeorflightisover, per place for countless outdoor ac- The Montalbanoareaisanothersu- tre atMonsummanoTerme. few kilometresfromtheglidingcen- ated betweenFlorenceandPistoia,a the place to take flight. Vinci is situ- would have chosen his hometown as have madehisdreamcometrue,he If thegreatLeonardodaVincicould Leonardo’s sky A taste ofTuscany 05 02 65 the placeformaidenflyers. countless expertswhochooseitas popular withflyingenthusiastsand reaching high altitudes. The areais area suitableforsafeflights,even exposure and seabreezesmake this geography of the low-lying hills, sun your first paragliding experience. The Monte Pisanoisamagicalplacefor Discover MontePisano sionals throughouttheregion. tions offeredbymanyflying profes- flight overChiantiisoneof theop- rino ValD’Elsaastheydraw closer. A Gimignano, CollediVald’Elsa, Barbe- ing to drive. Take off and survey San a shortdistanceawaywithouthav- most beautifultownsofTuscanyare perience orinahotairballoon.The ing aparaglidingorhangglidingex- Discover Chiantifromonhighdur- The Chiantitowns 06 03

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN METALLIFERE DELLE COLLINE PARCO 66 greenery. amongthe of localmininghistory archaeology andprofound traces that encompasses industrial a magicalnature reserve Parco delleColline Metallifere, Antiapennines. It’shometothe is anextensive area intheTuscan known asthemetal-bearing hills, The Colline Metallifere, also lushest ofnature. geothermal energy. Outside,the industrial archaeology, minesand In thebowels oftheearth, Photo byMarcoPorciani geosite, Monterotondo Marittimo. Top: thesteamof“fumarole” intheBiancane Photos byEnricoCaracciolo Monterotondo MarittimoandMonteverdi Marittimo. Left andright:geothermalphenomenain PHOTOS ena orwalkinginunexpected scenery, observing interestingvolcanicphenom- iting extractionwellsandage-oldkilns, foot or by vintage train, in addition to vis- descend intothebowelsofearthon explore oneofthemanyculvertsthat to ventureherecanchoosewhether othermal itineraries.Thosewhodecide Plus, therearetheIron,SilverandGe- alum, ligniteandcopperwereextracted. Mines be seenalongthePyritetrail,while es ofmajorsurfaceminingplantscanstill areas, eachwithaspecifictheme.Vestig- routes canbeusedtoexploreindividual available inthesevisitors’centres.Many the possibilitytobookguidedtoursare 2005. Information,hikingmapsandeven many equippedentrypointsinstituted in across sevenmunicipalities with justas Parco delleCollineMetalliferestretches great outdoorsinahistoricalsetting.The popular withwalkersandloversofthe and theUNESCO as well as a network of official hiking trails Mediterranean scrubandlovelyvillages War II.Thelocallandscapeisdottedwith the hills from the Etruscan age to World tracted inthisareabetweentheseaand four ofthemineralsthathavebeenex- Pyrite, alum,antimonyandlignitearejust route coversallthesiteswhere Geopark, aparkland the mostprofoundroots. you intorelivingpiecesofhistorywith adventures andattractionsthatwilllure history. TheCollineMetallifereboast contact withnatureandexploringlocal ferent sortoftourism,basedondirect ity, thecastlessetsceneforadif- Alongside thearea’sgeothermalactiv- ments linkedwitharecentminingpast. stand incontrasttotheseenviron- The elevenmedievalcastlesinthepark Massa Marittima. like Marsratherthantothehillsabove that seemtobelongadistantplanet with itsdarkredshadesoftheearth per wasonceminedandprocessed, like atLeRoste,aplacewherecop- where therocksvergeongarish, 67 vintage train. vintage of the earth on foot or by descend into the bowels of the many culverts that whether to explore one venture here can choose Those who decide to www.parcocollinemetallifere.it comprehensive visitor information. gory. The website contains and useful Geoparks Global cate UNESCO new - Worlda UNESCO Heritage site inthe Grosseto. In as 2015,it was inscribed vorno, Pisa, Siena and inparticular of Tuscany, across four provinces:- Li extends into central the western part The ParcoColline delle Metallifere

VAL DI CORNIA PARKS MINING PARK MAREMMA PARK SAN ROSSORE PARK TUSCAN ARCHIPELAGO APUANE PARK CASENTINESI FORESTS APENNINE PARK ANCIENT ROADS NATURAL EXPLORATION Horseback Riding | Birdwatching | Geothermal | Thermal Area Archeological Area | Botanical Area | Adventure Park

On foot or horseback, exploring Tuscany means discovering es- as underground tunnels and age-old paintings. Old roads, which tablished traditions, following traces of ancient civilizations and can still be travelled, allow visitors to tread exactly where past being surrounded by natural phenomena that you would never peoples once did. have expected to encounter. A dash of science fiction and the unexpected can be found in Ride through the land of the Maremma cowboys, known as the the geyser area with jets of white steam and long silver tubes “butteri”, through long nights to the sound of hooves, among that carry and supply geothermal energy. Ten per cent of the nature that entices you to trot into the countryside and to climb world’s production originates here. The subterranean activity along trails that lead to fresh air halfway between hills and adds a certain charm to the region, providing the benefits of mountains. sulphur-rich pools and wells to Tuscany’s well-known thermal Archaeological trekking takes us in search of the relics left be- baths. hind by the Etruscans and Romans, which centuries ago when Grab your binoculars, wait for dawn or the golden hour at sun- the civilizations were in their infancy claimed Tuscany as their set to observe the inspiring seasonal flight of migratory birds. lands. Amphitheatres and burial grounds are still visible as well Peace is guaranteed. ON HORSEBACK THROUGH NATURE JOURNEYING HORSEBACK RIDING 70 Photo byMatteoDunchi horizon thefortress ofRadicofani. Right: horsesinVald’Orcia, onthe Concari-Cattabiani. Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.Photoby Left: horse-ridinginPassodellaColla, PHOTOS for centuries. to whichthislandhaspulsed hooves, that natural rhythm following theclip-clopof becomes harsherandwilder, wherereserves thelandscape olive groves, oracross nature arable fields,vineyards and where you canridebetween opens itselfupasaspace mid-mountains, Tuscany With hills,countryside and battles in the woods and meadows. Val d’Elsa, searching for traces of long-ago Gimignano watch over those who cross The towers of Monteriggioni and San tracks alongtheViaFrancigena. knights whoforcenturieshavelefttheir that evokesthespiritofexplorersand vour whenitislivedinthesaddle,one your adventures.Lifehasadifferentfla- are perfectbasesfromwhichtostart stays, burieddeepinsilentcountryside, al ridingroutes,andthenumerousfarm vineyards andtheolivegrovesofferide- countryside andthelowmountains, limitless panoramas is revealed. The the hoovesandmanifoldbeautyof to therider;groundglidesbyunder to beexplored.Tuscanyopensitsarms part ofanaturethatisaliveandwaiting ence forfreespirits,thosewhofeel Venturing outonahorseisanexperi- slows towalkingpace. lively trot,andstretchoutasthatrhythm ground, measuredbyafreegallopor follow thebeatofhooveson back, spaceandtimerundifferently:they doesn’t matter.Whenyouareonhorse- The approachtothehorizonisslow,butit riding acrosstheluxuriantMediterrane- You thenheadtowardstheMaremma, volcanic activityoftheAmiatacomplex. covered with moss, testify to the ancient and theenormousmasseswhich,now circuitous route,tothechestnutwoods areas and,whetherbyadirectormore to theVald’OrciaandMonteAmiata Tuscany. Numerousroadscantakeyou gaze deepintothesouthernmostpartof those ofValdiChiana,whichdrawthe The mostdelightfulhills,however,are Italy, whichcanbeexploredyear-round. Padule area,thelargestswamplandin neighbourhood prideandthefamous the ViaFrancigenaandalandofhorses, changes aroundFucecchio,atownalong ti SeneseandFiorentino.Thescenery over thevine-coveredhillsofChian- ows. Roads,half-hiddenfromview,snake long-ago battlesinthewoodsandmead- the Gimignano watchoverthosewhocross The towersofMonteriggioniandSan Valdelsa, searchingfortracesof 71 for boththetravellerandhorse. of skyandsea.Thesaltyairisrestorative leave theMediterraneanscrubforaview this circular,pan-Tuscanjourney,asyou rino, SanRossore,Massaciuccolicloses ther north,theParcoRegionalediMiglia- signs ofitsminingandmetalworking.Fur- of theCollineMetallifere,whichshows Etruscan andtothevariegatedlandscape would cometoterritorythatwasonce If youweretofollowthePoleStar, touristy partoftheisland. na allowriderstoleavebehindthemore whose circular routes beginning in Bosa- reserve thatishometoMonteCalamita, opens theroadsandtrailsofnature Follow theseatokeepriding:ElbaIsland dreds ofyears. which horseshaveplayedaroleforhun- and passed down as part of an identity in Maremman cowboys,rootedinthisland an scrubthatishometothe“butteri”,

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN BIRDWATCHING WHERE TOGO ANDHORIZONS, OASES BIRDWATCHING 72 Below: thePadulediFucecchionaturalreserve. Rossore RegionalPark. Right: awalkaroundLakeMassaciuccoli,intheSan Vecchiano, Pisa.PhotobyMontepisano.Travel Left: seagullssoaringinthewetareasofMarinadi PHOTOS Oasis andRoccioni Forest. Swampland, Capra Matilda Burano Lake, theFucecchio feel at homeinthelikes of ecosystems enablebirds to wealth ofspecies.Countless offers an extraordinary For birdwatchers, Tuscany

entire lagoonservesupunparalleled avifauna. Duringmigratoryperiods,the land, is one instance of phenomenal ing viewsovertheArgentariohead- The in morethan120yearsoftwitching. bird specieshavebeenobservedhere coli datesbacktothe1800s;over300 canals. BirdwatchingatlakeMassaciuc- ed byavastswampzigzaggedwith coli, acoastalfreshwaterlakesurround- best-known sitesisLagodiMassaciuc- and thousandsoflifeforms.Onethe scape isdominatedbywater,greenery these ecosystemsarewheretheland- es toencounterTuscany’savifaunaas Swamps andmarshesarethebestplac- leading tounexpectedflightpatterns. as entire flocks fly over the wetlands, variably thebesttimesforbirdwatching, lagoon. Indeed,dawnandduskarein- miliar sightatsunsetontheOrbetello stilts, ospreysandflamingosareafa- Grey herons,cormorants,black-winged those whowaitfortherightmoment. fers richesthatrevealthemselvesto If you’repatientenough,Tuscanyof- Orbetello lagoon, with its amaz- 73 unexpected flight patterns. wetlands, leading to as entire flocks fly over the birdwatching, for times best the Dawn and dusk are invariably to observethe avifaunafromboats. fect placeto visit thelocalareaand out theyear.Casa Ximenesistheper- bird speciesthatgatherhere through- due totheextraordinary variety of garded as Tuscany’s generic reserve Diaccia BotronaNatureReserve isre- with afocusonoutdooractivities, the an arealikeCastiglionedellaPescaia A fewkilometres from Grosseto, in It’s anexperienceenjoyedallyearround. the marshlandsincetimeimmemorial. in traditionalboatsthathavecutthrough expert boatmen todiscover the rushes finished birdwatching,takeatourledby the rightplacetoperch.Whenyou’ve swamp, circlingfordaysastheylook cranes congregate in the sky above the hundreds (sometimesthousands)of for sightings.AtthebeginningofMarch, wetland in Italy,spring is the best time In thePadulediFucecchio,largest photography hutsandsightingtowers. sis boasting seven observation points, now the410hectaresareatrueoa- Maremma. Once a hunting reserve, no, inthedeepsouthofTuscan tive species:thisistheLagodiBura- that ishometoalargevarietyofna- rate theopenseafromaswampland Slightly furthersouth,dunessepa- birds fromallovertheMediterranean. scenes, with thearrival of aquatic

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN Park. PhotosbyMario Llorca Etruscan roadsinthe CittàdelTufoArchaeological Right: pedallingaroundthe VieCave,anetworkof City ofCosa,whichdominatestheArgentario peak. Left: bird’seyeviewoverasettlementinthe Ancient PHOTOS AND ROMANS THE ETRUSCANS ON THETRAILOF ARCHEOLOGICAL AREA ARCHEOLOGICAL 74 understanding theTuscany oftoday. other pieces of architecture:thekeys to necropolises, theatres, ancient trails and region’s historicalidentity, inpainted themselves. Today theyare unitedinthe then theyfell outandfought between Romans initiallylivedhere sideby side, of itsmillennia-oldpast. Etruscans and with openeyes cannothelpbutseetraces Those whogointotheheartofTuscany la. ed their power over the whole peninsu- by the Romans, who little by little extend- cans wereusedasarchitecturalmodels The twelve cities founded by the Etrus- thousands ofyearstothepresentday. producing architecturethathassurvived enigmatic, artisticandmusicalpeople, once theheartlandofEtruscans,an The areathatwetodaycallTuscanywas antees a mysterious, fascinating journey. nies, andgoinghuntingforthemguar- many oftheregion’snooksandcran- Etruscans andRomanspeepoutfromso lisation in central Italy. Reminders of the history ofthepeopleswhoforgedcivi- gins with its most ancient history, the A journeytotherootsofTuscanybe- reigns between thestonewalls,andby natural environment, bythesilencethat the magicalairevokedby protected the samefascinationasthese paths,nor where elseontheplanetcan exercise the travellersfromeverydanger. No- Pitigliano, settlements and necropolisesbetween are asystemofroadsthatconnectedthe two thousandyearsold.TheVieCave imagine, too,thatthispathismorethan that reach up to twenty metres high; carved out between two walls of tuff tain bikers.Imaginewalkingalongapath opportunity forfootsloggersandmoun- The Etruscan nels designedtocarryrainwater. rinth of Porsenna, a network of tun- and onecannotignoretheLaby- ture ofelaboratelydecoratedtombs, Clevsin, theresurvivesarichstruc- In San CerboneandGrotteburialgrounds. all that’sneededisawalktovisitthe days spentatthecoast.Afteraswim, beautiful GulfofBaratti,amustfor can citybytheseathatoverlooks stands Along the coast, opposite Elba Island, a coupleofkilometresfromProcchio. seen aroundMonteCastelloonahike The remainsofthatancientagecanbe the preciousmetalinabundanceonElba. all overtheMediterranean,interestedin ports werepopulatedwithshipsfrom how, duringtheIronAge,island’s al extraction.It’snothardtoenvisage on The imposingpresenceoftheEtruscans deur oftheculturethattheyrepresent. ments thatallowustovisualisethegran- of theseplaceswefindsombrefrag- Volterra, Elba getslostamidtheoriginsofmet- Chiusi, knowntotheEtruscansas Populonia, asingularEtrus- Sovana and Populonia, Vie Cave offer a unique Sorano, shielding Cortona: inmany of earththatconnectsittothemainland. tario promontoryandtheFeniglia,spit Cosa dominatesthemagnificentArgen- From itsstrategicpositiononalowhill, of long. Anecessarystopisthe ancient city lisation in Tuscany will not have to look Those whowanttofollowRomancivi- to to the capital of the Roman Empire. can walk260kilometresfromGrosse- of theViaClodia,whichnowadaysyou Roman timestheVieCavebecamepart with remnantsofthemedievalperiod.In numerous Etruscannecropolises,along will find the that liesbeyondtheinhabitedcentre,you with flowers.Amongthethickvegetation hours foritsochrehouses,decorated Sovana itselfdeservesavisitofsome the distant murmur of the river Lente. Cosa anditsgiganticdefensivewalls. archaeological park and its 75 Ombra dellaSera,itwillnotdisappoint. heard oftheUrnadegliSposior Etruscan collectionsinItaly;ifyouhave um, whichassemblesoneoftherichest back in time with the Guarnacci muse- eval stonesofthehistoriccentrewego century. Afterawalkthroughthemedi- Porta all’Arco,withthatofthethirteenth tecture oftheEtruscans,visiblein imposing ring of walls mixes the archi- fourth-century bathsandtheforum.The it standsonlyafewmetresfromthe one ofthebestpreservedinItaly,and can history.ItsRomanamphitheatreis sise themostgloriousepochsofTus- Volterra allowsustomentallysynthe-

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN Biancane geositein Monterotondo Marittimo. Right: thesteamfrom“fumaroles” inthe Photos byAndreaVismara Side: atypical“fumarola”inSassoPisano. PHOTOS CHARM GEOTHERMAL UNEXPECTED and boilingmud,stepbackintimeand,withalittleimagination, relive Here you canmove andexplore inafantasy-like setting,seegeysers The primordial fascination oftheearthlivesoninTuscany, inaplace with anameat once magicalandhair-raising: ValledelDiavolo. the evolutionofourplanet. GEOTHERMAL 76 and to see at first hand the little geysers, explore atrulybewitchingenvironment form intochalk.Alongpathallowsusto with hydrogensulphateemissions,trans- the calciumrocks,which,uponcontact Marittimo. Theparktakesitsnamefrom ne inthenearbydistrictofMonterotondo up close,thereistheParcodelleBianca- serve the area’s geothermic phenomena For those,however,whowouldliketoob- their greatwhiteplumes. cooling towersstandontheridgeswith and throughconiferwoods,whilegrey emerging fromtheearth,runninguphills the vapourtoturbines,enteringand films: longsilver-colouredpipescarrying might putusinmindofscience-fiction powering amillionhouses.Thelandscape world’s geothermalenergyisproduced, ticular its hamlet of Larderello, 10% of the the Pomarancemunicipality and inpar- vapour that rise from the ground. Here, in its nametothecolumnsofwhitewater del Diavolo(Devil’sValley),whichowes Metallifiere, and specifically in the areas in all Italy. We are in the centre ofonethelargestgeothermic fear, onlyunderstandthatweareatthe ing offstrangesilvertubes.Weneednot behind thehillsandsun’sraysreflect- from Tuscany:puffsofvapourrising view thattheymightnothaveexpected who lookoutfromitsrampartsmaygeta Visitors to theoldfortress of RoccaSillana 77 Colline Valle of sciencefiction. ble terrain,thethermalbathsandasplash thanks tothesurprising,evenunimagina- visitors withasurgeofprimalenergy, The geothermicactivityinTuscanyfills allowing year-roundbathing. the waterarrivesatatemperatureof40°, cemetery, abeautifulroofedbasinwhere fills amedievalwashhouseclosetothe cinating spring, however, is that one that lated anddifficulttoreach.Themostfas- further up lies the spring Le Lumiere, iso- hottest inthewholeregion,andalittle from whichthewateremergesat65°, to their naturalbenefits.Verycloseindeed date thosewhowanttobatheandenjoy bottled anddrunk,otherswillaccommo- attributes. Someofthewaterscanbe many springs,eachwithitsownspecific ological site, the area still boasts a great portant ofitskind,isnowonlyanarchae- Bagnone, oneofthemosthistoricallyim- although thesacredthermalcomplexof were knowneventotheEtruscans,and The thermalpropertiesofthewaterhere activity atSassoPisano,notfaraway. On asmallerscale,wecanseethesame small poolsofmagmaticmud. fumaroles, famousspumesofgasand Bagnone therearetwonaturalwells

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN AROUND ALL EXPLORING 78 evolution. of theinescapablebeauty natural years ago,theperfectdemonstration skeletons thatdiedoutthousands of tery. Checkoutthemassive whale some ofwhichareshrouded inmys- housing vast and vivid collections, consists ofcountlessthematicrooms the oldest museums in the world. It University ofPisa,inCalci,isone The Natural History Museum of the It’s afamilydayouttoremember. young adventurersclosertonature. al workshops and activities, bringing up intheparkprovidesfun,education- explorers, theprehistoricvillageset family-friendly trails. Fortomorrow’s del BuffardelloAdventureParkoffers throw fromtheApuanAlps,Selva In theheartofGarfagnana,astone’s safety. who dare tohave funintotal to slake thethirstofthose is breath-taking andready ofexperiencesthe variety parks toage-oldgrottoes, and children. From adventure especiallyfamilieseveryone, In Tuscany, exploring isfor 04 01 Skeletons onshow Prehistoric adventures experience natureallround. SUP andyoga.It’stheperfect place to the local environment by practising along bythecurrent.Relaxand enjoy with theexcitementofbeing carried lines abovetheLimariverswitches ture: theadrenalineofhangingbyzip yon. Expecttogethandsonwithna- around theexcitingValdiLimacan- An adventureparkhascroppedup inventor. Collodi, thebirthplaceofpuppet’s theme park dedicated to Pinocchio in tale adventurescanbefoundinthe up excitementintotalsafety.Fairy- few oftheadventureparksthatserve Monte Amiatawoodland,arejusta Chiana, andSaltalbero,tuckedinthe ence, IndianaPark,inthefertileValdi Fiesole hills with views over Flor- the wholefamily.Vincigliata,in betan bridges that are perfect for routes, suspendedplatformsandTi- Other adventureparksofferraised Between skyBetween andland 05 02 Canyoning 79 06 03 ing adultsandkidsinequalmeasure. which varioustunnelsweave,wow- an entranceandexitshaftbetween Terme. It’sanaturalattractionwith in GrottaMaona,nearMontecatini tre undergroundroutewindsitsway mals like as bears. A striking 20-me- to the presence of humans and ani- as wellboneremainsthattestify erns, subterraneanlakesandstreams tors, the grottoes contain shafts, cav- of thousands of years.Opentovisi- Earth’s memorydatingbackhundreds The karst caves of Equi comprise the Underground worlds Tarot andmosaics corner hidessomething different. unusually colouredbuildings. Every itors besidecuriouslyshaped and future, lookat and accompanyvis- tarot cards,whilenotpredicting the and asurprise,wherethearcane of rocchi (TarotGarden)isanattraction strange figures.TheGiardinodeiTa- ical placeofmirrors,mosaicsand Saint Phallehasestablishedamag- Near Capalbio,theartistNikide

NATURAL EXPLORATION AIR SPORTS SKI & SNOW WATER SPORTS CYCLING TREKKING & MOUNTAIN VAL DICORNIA PARCHI DELLA 80 paths andventure outonfoot, bike orhorse. who have thecourage toleave thewell-trodden and theremains ofancient civilisations, for those archaeological theenvironment parkspreserve always withinsightofthesea.Sixnatural and extraordinary Mediterranean scrubthat lies unearthed here, littleby little,amongstthe an attentive ear. Archaeological treasures are Val diCornia findthat nature demand andhistory Those whoexplore thepaths oftheParchi della nia isthesouthernmost tip oftheLivorno chaeology meltsintonature.ValdiCor- the seaandhillsinavalleywherear- ranean scrub,onasliceoflandbetween can settlementshideundertheMediter- natural parks.IndelibleremainsofEtrus- of Tuscany’sstrongestconcentrations Follonica and Massa Marittima, lies one an areasqueezedbetweentheGulfof Between Piombino and San Vincenzo, in www.parchivaldicornia.it riders. settlements, are suitable also for horse ranean and important scrub Etruscan paths,The cutting through Mediter age, visited to be by foot or by bike. sitescal and places of cultural herit- sum of nature archaeologi reserves, - The Parchi della Cornia are di Val a - Photos byEnricoCaruso Archaeominerary Park inCampigliaMarittima. Cerbone. AndtheFortress ofSanSilvestrointhe Top: thenichetombinnecropolisofSan Archaeological ParkofBarattiandPopulonia. Left: theEtruscannecropolisofGrotte,in PHOTO Etruscans lefttheirmark,intheburial civilisations inEurope.Thisiswherethe the presenceofonemostancient one ofthemostbeautifulbaysinItaly, Baratti andPopulonia,lookingoutover selves inthearchaeologicalparkof Only a few kilometres on, we find our- surveyed theunloadingofmineralgoods. and asixteenth-centurytowerthatonce cient commercialseaportatCarbonifera Ten kilometres of coastline lead to an an- closely integratedwiththelandscape. of agriculturallifeintheupperMaremma, wooded parkland.Naturalwondersspeak a botanical jewel set in 155 hectares of of monumentalproportionsmakeup ened. Oaks,turkeyoaksandashtrees space where the woods grow unthreat- nia wefindthecoastalSterpaiapark,a At the southernmost point of Val di Cor- neither walkersnorbikers. lined byanetworkofpathsthatbalkat ural areasparedtheuseofitssoiland has sixparksinwhichtodiscoveranat- tourism, itretainsitswildlocalcharm.It province and,asyetunspoiledbymass 81 the while, you never lose sight of the sea. the NapoleonicvillageofBonesprit.All and leadustostandastonishedbefore Vecchio andtheMontionithermalbaths, medieval ruinsliketheCastleofMontioni can andRomansettlements,takeusto boar. ItspathsmeettheremainsofEtrus- ulated byroedeer,fallowdeerandwild natural mon toallValdiCorniarightupthe Charcoal productionissomethingcom- the millstomerchantships. in charcoalkilnstotransportingitfrom everything fromslowcookingthewood of Sassettaforgenerations,explaining the professionthatsustainedpeople a festival. The charcoal industryiscommemoratedwith of PoggioNeri,whereeveryyearthe arriving atSassetta,inthewoodlandpark join therouteofcharcoalburners, Leaving thecoast,weclimbagainand from theground. fragments ofironthatreflectthesunlight necropolis ofSanCerbone,andinthe mounds thatfacetheseafromgreat park ofMontioni,whichispop- Via del Carbone traces

VALVAL DI DICORNIA CORNIA PARKS PARKS MINING PARK MAREMMA PARK SAN ROSSORE PARK TUSCAN ARCHIPELAGO APUANE PARK CASENTINESI FORESTS APENNINE PARK ANCIENT ROADS Tuscany Adventure Times is a project by: CONTACT DETAILS TOSCANA PROMOZIONE Download the digital magazine TURISTICA in full from: tuscanyadventuretimes.it CONCEPT & CONTENTS CICLICA Srl Find out more about tourism in Tuscany: www.ciclica.cc visittuscany.com

MANAGING EDITOR For information about the regional Giovanni Morozzo tourism system: toscanapromozione.it EDITOR Giancarlo Brunelli

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Francesco Fanfani

GRAPHIC DESIGN Daria Popovskaia SPECIAL THANKS ILLUSTRATIONS Matteo Berton Fernando Bardini, Valentina de Pamphilis, Lorenzo Castiglia, Roberto Vergottini, Paolo Roverani, Emiliano Pinzi, TRANSLATIONS Francesco Gentile, Pierangelo Caponi, The Florentine Tommaso Bellini, Maria Angela Turchetti, Andrea Gelli, Matteo Venzi, Tommaso PRINTED BY Castelli, Andrea Borchi, Mirko Bardelli, Litografia ip s.r.l.s. Alessandra De Paola, Loredana Ferrara.

Kayaking in the clear waters of the Elba sea. Photo • Roberto Ridi CICLICA DESIGN - IIllustration by Matteo Berton