Relaxing holiday in Tuscany: 5 destinations to discover between nature and gastronomy

Tuscany is the perfect travel destination for those who want to enjoy a relaxing holiday dedicated to wellness and good food: here are some possible itineraries to follow.

Tuscany and tourism have always been a perfect combination, characterized by a varied offer of itineraries that include seaside resorts, cities of art , naturalistic sites, food and wine tours and much more.

The region, home to numerous works of art and architecture created by the great masters of the past, also represents the ideal destination for those wishing to organize a relaxing holiday, leaving aside daily stress and dedicating themselves to activities that can favor well-being at three hundred and sixty degrees.

Where to go in Tuscany to enjoy a relaxing holiday ? Here are five destinations that are perfect for doing just that.

Saturnia

Located in the province of Grosseto, Saturnia is highly appreciated above all for its spa facilities which represent a very popular destination throughout the year. Water at a constant temperature of 37.5 degrees flows from the thermal spring rich in beneficial properties, also feeding the Cascate del Mulino .

The latter, surrounded by uncontaminated nature , are free and always accessible, characterized by the presence of limestone pools that originate from the waterfalls. Furthermore, in Saturnia it is also possible to visit the Archaeological Museum, the Necropolis of Puntone and taste the typical Maremma dishes , such as Pici all'aglione, Tortelli and Wild Boar.

Saint Gimignano

Called the Manhattan of the Middle Ages and since 1990 a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Gimignano is located southwest of Florence nestled in the Sienese hills of the Val d'Elsa. It is a small village surrounded by walls which originally included 72 towers, of which 13 remain today.

Walking through the main streets and squares, one cannot fail to notice the Torre Grossa with its 54 meters, while the civic symbol of the town is the Palazzo del Podestà which stands in Piazza Duomo. Even in San Gimignano good food is king, above all thanks to the typical products of the area: saffron, oil and Vernaccia.

Montepulciano

Visiting Montepulciano , located in the province of Siena in a large hilly area surrounded by vineyards , means relaxing and strolling in a medieval village rich in history. The main nucleus is characterized by the presence of the Piazza Grande, the Cathedral and the curious Torre di Pulcinella.

It is possible to take advantage of the thermal park to indulge in a relaxing treatment, but also to explore the area and taste the famous Vino Nobile , going to the numerous cellars often dug into the tuff. Absolutely to be tasted are some delicacies of the local cuisine, such as pappardelle with hare sauce, bread soup, cured meats and the ever-present cantucci biscuits.

Ansedonia

For those who love to relax by the sea by choosing a reserved place surrounded by Mediterranean scrub , organizing a holiday in Ansedonia is the perfect choice. The town, a fraction of Orbetello in the province of Grosseto, offers some tourist itineraries to discover the remains of the ancient Portus Cosanus and the Roman city of Cosa, an archaeological area which contains the National Archaeological Museum.

Furthermore, the beaches overlook both the Argentario and the coast of Capalbio , both characterized by crystalline water and lush natural scenery. Furthermore, as throughout the Argentario, the local cuisine boasts a rich selection of typical dishes, such as golden eel, spaghetti with Orbetello bottarga and Tuscan buccellato.

Follonica

Follonica , located in the center of the gulf of the same name, is one of the most crowded places in Tuscany with tourists in the summer. Its fame is due to the presence of numerous bathing establishments and some beautiful beaches, such as Cala Violina located within the Bandite di Scarlino Nature Reserve.

Furthermore, to explore the surroundings, it is possible to visit the Biancane nature park and witness some geothermal phenomena. In the area there is also the archaeological site of Pievaccia, of medieval origin.

Follonica does not lack an excellent gastronomic tradition , characterized by some specialties such as chickpeas with caciucco, rabbit in porchetta and fiscattole.

What are the most visited places in Tuscany

It is precisely Follonica that leads the ranking of the most popular Tuscan locations for 2022 , compiled by the holiday home site Holidu taking into consideration the searches carried out for stays throughout the year.

Florence , the cradle of the Renaissance, occupies the second step of the podium preceding Castiglione della Pescaia , a seaside resort in the Grosseto area much appreciated for its low and sandy beaches.

San Vincenzo , in fourth place, boasts a golden sandy coastline along the Etruscan Coast, anticipating Viareggio which, in addition to being one of the most popular seaside destinations, is made famous by its Carnival.

Grosseto , the capital of the Maremma, occupies the fifth position followed by Cecina , rich in beaches and bathing establishments. In eighth position is Marina di Massa , one of the most popular tourist destinations in Versilia.

Lastly, Lido di Camaiore and Marina di Grosseto are in ninth and tenth position. The first locality, in the province of Lucca, offers a promenade along the seafront about two kilometers long, while the second boasts one of the busiest tourist ports on the Maremma coast.

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