10 Extraordinary Nature Spots in Tuscany
Discover the Natural Treasures of Tuscany
Tuscany is home to strikingly atmospheric spots both on the coast, with its unbelievably beautiful views, and inland where expanses of hills alternate with untouched forests. The area facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, for example, is known for its forests that slope down gently into the sand, and for its wild rocky coastline.
Meanwhile, a range of beautiful and unique geological phenomena lie inland. The wind and water have shaped the surface of the land and its subsoil, giving rise to narrow gorges, underground complexes and expanses of clay eroded by the wind. Ready to lose yourself in the wildlife of this fascinating region? Discover 10 extraordinary nature spots in Tuscany.
1. The Crete Senesi
The beauty of a postcard-worthy landscape
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico
Crete Senesi surrounds Tuscany with two ‘seas’: one is the azure Tyrrhenian, while the other is formed by the waves of lightly-coloured land. This area between the Val d’Orcia valley and the Chianti region is one of the most stunning and frequently photographed in Tuscany and Italy as a whole.
This huge area of clay land that extends into barren hills comes in countless shades with deep furrows resulting from water erosion, while the rows of cypresses along the gentle slopes complete the scenery. This moon-like landscape is crossed by provincial roads you can explore, and there are numerous hamlets and holiday farms where you can stop and take a break.
Localização: 53041 Asciano, Italy
The Crete Senesi
2. Tombolo di Cecina Nature Reserve
A nature reserve for discovering local plant and animal life
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Econômico
Riserva Naturale Tomboli di Cecina (Tomboli di Cecina Nature Reserve) is a wild area that stretches across 15 kilometres below Marina di Cecina. Here, the characteristic tomboli along the coast give way to one of Italy’s most amazing forests in terms of plant and animal life.
The tomboli are sandy isthmuses created at the water’s edge to protect the crops from salt and winds. Over the centuries, these artificial structures have become the habitat for countless local wildlife species and are one of Tuscany’s natural wonders.
Localização: Via della Pineta, 57023 Cecina, Italy
Telefone: +39 0586 684220
Tombolo di Cecina Nature Reserve
3. The Crags of Valdarno
Vistas suspended between hills and deep gorges
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico
Balze del Valdarno (Crags of Valdarno) is an amazing landscape that’s the result of the erosion phenomena that have affected the region for millennia.. Found in the huge natural area between Florence and Arezzo, First the water from a prehistoric lake and then winds have worked patiently, shaping the land to give visitors a contrasting panorama where the points of natural spires and pinnacles are interspersed with sheer drops into gorges.
You can discover the magic of the crags and get all the best views by following one of the official hiking routes.
Localização: Montemarciano, 14, 52028 Terranuova Bracciolini, Italy
The Crags of Valdarno
4. The parks of the Cornia Valley
Explore the parks of the Etruscan Coast
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Econômico
Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast is found at the southern tip across from the island of Elba, where stunning nature meets local ancient history. Its value has been enhanced even further with the creation of various parks: 4 natural parks, 2 archaeological parks, as many museums and 1 resource centre where both the past and present will amaze you.
It’s a great way to learn more about the region, with countless activities for both young and old alike.
Localização: 57028 Suvereto, Italy
The parks of the Cornia Valley
5. The Calafuria Coast
Biodiversity and history on the rocks of Livorno
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico
Calafuria Coast is an unmissable stop along the coast. This rocky, jagged stretch of coastline looking out over the crystalline Tyrrhenian Sea and also known as Romito, is characterized by coves and unforgettable views.
It’s the perfect place to top up your tan or take in a romantic sunset in summertime, although the sea is rough during the rest of the year. It’s also an idea spot for snorkelling fans: here, in the shade of the ancient tower that stands on the main beach, you’ll be able to dive into the water and see the lively biodiversity of a coral reef.
Localização: Via del Littorale, 164, 57128 Livorno, Italy
The Calafuria Coast
6. Antro del Corchia cave
Head underground in Italy’s biggest cavern system
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Aventura
The Antro del Corchia cave is Italy’s largest cavern system. Hiding under the small town of Leviglani di Stazzema, in the province of Lucca: with over 70 kilometres of caverns, tunnels and galleries, this underground complex in the heart of the Apuan Alps Regional Park is also one of the largest in Europe.
Created by millions of years of geological activity, today, the karst channels are open to the public and can be visited with a guide who will accompany you through rooms dozens of metres high that are home to incredible stalactites.
Localização: via nord 27 55040, Levigliani, Italy
Telefone: +39 0584 778405
Antro del Corchia cave
7. Giaredo Gorge
The stunning canyons of the Lunigiana region
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Aventura
The Lungiana region straddling Tuscany and Liguria has characteristics of both regions – Tuscan softness and Ligurian ruggedness – exemplified by the Stretti di Giaredo (Giaredo Gorge). This natural wonder consists of narrow gorges carved out of the rock by the Gordana stream and today is a real wild natural paradise with incredibly beautiful views.
There are five canyons you can visit here, dotted with small waterfalls and natural pools, but be aware that to reach them all and admire their colourful walls, you must know how to swim and you will need to be accompanied by a guide.
Localização: 54027 Valle del Gordana, 54027 Pontremoli, Italy
Telefone: +39 0187 460111
Giaredo Gorge
8. The Wind Cave
The cave where the air currents never stop
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
Grotta del Vento (Wind Cave) gets its name from the strong air current that constantly runs through it and is found on the slops of Monte Pania Secca in the province of Lucca. Inside, the complex is home to a wide variety of karst phenomena, from stalagmites and stalactites to small underground lakes, and also vertical wells and waterways.
As this is a tourist cave, the visit is easy and the area is full of amenities. A wide array of tours makes it the perfect place for all kinds of visitors, from adventure routes for the most active to more low-key options for families.
Localização: Località Grotta del Vento, 55020 Fornovolasco, Fabbriche di Vergemoli, Italy
Telefone: +39 0583 722024
The Wind Cave
9. Orrido di Botri Nature Reserve
A limestone gorge carved into the Apennines
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
Bagni di Lucca is home to the Riserva Naturale Orrido di Botri (Orrido di Botri Nature Reserve). The reserve gets its name from the narrow, very deep limestone orrido (gorge) that stretches down 200 metres in some places and was created by the River Pelago eroding the Apennine rocks.
Here, between the high rock walls, you’ll be able to follow the course of the stream to discover hidden and unspoilt views, where the local plant and animal life dominate an untouched natural habitat. In short, it’s a unique spot that’s a must for any lover of nature and adventure.
Localização: Località Ponte a Gaio, 55022 Bagni di Lucca, Italy
Abre: Monday–Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm
Orrido di Botri Nature Reserve
10. The Acquacheta Waterfalls
The fairy pools of the Garfagnana region
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico
Cascate dell’Acquacheta (Acquacheta Waterfalls) are a beautiful natural formation located in the historical Garfagnana region. Here, in a green area of the province of Lucca, you’ll be enchanted by the thousand shades of blue and green of the Polle di Malbacco (Malbacco Pools).
Dive into these natural pools created by the River Versilia, which the thriving vegetation in the area turn into tiny ecosystems with incredible colours. In the clear water of the pools, the shade of the trees and leafy branches, the legends and stories of fairies and elves come to life: myth and reality blend together and the wild Tuscan nature is in full bloom.
Localização: 55047 Seravezza, Italy
The Acquacheta Waterfalls
Este artigo inclui opiniões da equipe editorial dos Go Guides. A Hoteis.com remunera os autores dos textos publicados neste site, o que pode incluir custos de viagens e outras despesas.