Holidays along the Tuscany Coast take you beyond the beautiful gently undulating, tree spiked countryside that is characteristic of this enchanting part of Italy.
As well as the peaceful, artist inspired countryside, there’s a wonderful contrasting coastline to experience. The Tuscany Coast boasts many kilometres of enticing sandy beaches, perfect for those who just want to relax and enjoy the sun, as well as charming restaurants and bars for an early evening Tuscan Negroni aperitif.
Tuscany is renowned for its cuisine; from comforting winter soups made with different types of cabbage and beans, to Panzanella, a popular salad made with bread and lardo di colonnata, which is pork lard cured on local marble.
The Tuscan Coastline offers everything from sunbed and umbrella striped private beaches to free beaches with intimate coves boasting calm, clear blue water. Everything’s on offer here; the peace and tranquillity of beaches surrounded by pine forests and sand dunes or fishing harbours offering bars and restaurants to suit all tastes along. Adventurous travellers will love the water and wind sports which can be enjoyed off the coast.
With 95 years of expertise in providing holidays on Tuscany’s Coast, there are plenty of hidden treasures we can introduce you to. Tuscany’s sandy beaches stretch for many kilometres and for those who like some privacy, a top tip is to seek out single cars parked along the road. You’re likely to find a subsequent steep trail which leads down to a quiet stretch of beach.
The Versilia resorts along the northern coastline favour the archetypal Italian beach, with rows of sun loungers, umbrellas and coast guards on hand. Travelling further south there are pine woods and extensive sand dunes to enjoy in the Migliarino San Rossore nature reserve just east of Pisa. To add variety to your holiday, a trip to the multicultural sea port of Livorno offers the opportunity to hire a bike or a Segway and travel along the Terrazza Mascagni, the black and white chequered waterfront terrace favoured as a meeting place for locals. If you start your ride at the right time of day you can enjoy the panoramic sunset views.
Discover the real Stresa while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels
The closest airport to Lake Maggiore is Milan Malpensa (MXP). Direct flights to Milan are available from Birmingham, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted and Manchester and take approximately 2 hours.
Direct flights to Milan Bergamo (BGY) depart from London Stansted, Bristol, Manchester, East Midlands and Belfast and take approximately 2 hours.
Lake Maggiore is a summer destination, with the season generally running from April to October. The best time to visit is in the springtime, when the temperature is warm but not too hot and all the wild flowers are out in bloom. May, June and September are ideal months to visit. Temperatures are at their hottest in July and August and this is when the lake is at its busiest.
At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.
Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.
On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.
On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.
The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.