Found on Italy's West coast, Tuscany or to the locals, Toscana, is one of the most popular places to visit in a country that is itself one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The region measures a total of 22,993km2, with a population of almost four million people. It is known for its landscapes, traditions, history, artistic legacy, and its influence on high culture, being home to many influential figures in various fields. Tuscany is divided into 10 provinces, namely Arezzo, Florence, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa-Carrara, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato, and Siena. Two special regions, Chianti and Casentino, have been specialised as these regions have significant contributions to Tuscany itself. The capital, Florence, is famous for many things, including arts, culture, music, cuisines, and many others.
The region is considered as a 'nation within a nation' due to the fact that it is an autonomous vicinity. More so, Tuscany has a strong linguistic and cultural identity, apart from its rich history, protected nature reserves, and world heritage sites. A destination to behold, Tuscany is worth the visit if travelling to the 'Boot of Europe'.
What to see & do
Pisa – Pisa is well known for its leaning tower, but it does not stop there. The city is in fact a destination itself – lovely architecture, coasts, and of course, its history painted on its streets and glorifying its beauty even more. The more popular destinations in this area include the Campo dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with representations of the city, the Piazza dei Cavalieri, the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo, and Volterra, an interesting Etruscan and Roman cradle.
Lucca – Located in northern Tuscany, the Province of Lucca spans several different areas: the Versilia coast, Garfagana, the Valle del Serchio, and the Lucca plain. Mostly, the city is known for its changing landscapes which create a magnificent scenery, apart from being the commercial centre of the region. Social life and entertainment scenes are also offered here, especially in Versilia's seaside resorts.
Prato – Prato sits at the heart of Tuscany, near some of the most famous of the world's cities of art: Florence, Lucca, Pisa, and Siena. It is the second-largest city in the region, as well as the third in Central Italy for number of inhabitants. The city is internationally known for its textile production which is a time - honoured tradition in the area.
Siena – The Province of Siena is a magnificent city with characteristic alleys, wards, and towers, artisan shops, and buildings that make it more memorable. Further, it is the home to many famous Tuscan wines and spirits, such as the Chianti.
Arezzo – The city of Arezzo is an extraordinary city of art renowned for its goldsmiths and antique traders. Home to various valuable monuments including the Medici Fortress, the Cathedral, the Diocesan Museum, and the Basilica of San Domenico, the city is a well-loved destination for art enthusiasts and of course, history peoples.
Florence – The capital of Tuscany, Florence is one of the more beautiful cities in Europe, filled with historical relics and artistic masterpieces made by the greatest masters of Humanism and the Renaissance. It attracts artists from around the world, who seek inspiration and training, alongside all the other European art scholars.
Livorno – The province of Livorno is known for the title “Etruscan Coast”, due to the fact that traces left by this ancient civilisation lie in the seamless natural and cultural beauties in the city. Amidst the lush pinewoods and long beaches, tourist spots such as the Castiglioncello, the Gulf of Baratti, Marina di Bibbona, Marina di Cecina, and many others can be found. Oak forests, as well as other protected areas can also be found here.
Pistola – The city with a thousand faces, Pistola welcomes its tourists with a rich variety of attractions the region has to offer: art tours, mountain excursions, spas, conference tourism, green tourism, and culinary holidays.
Grosseto – The province of Grosseto is famous due to the fact that the city is dominated by pine forests and crystal clear waters. Several internationally acclaimed tourist destinations include Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole.
Massa-Carrara – The province is situated on the border with Liguria and Emillia Romagna, and is characterised by an extensive coastal area rich in touristy beach fronts and modern sea resorts.
How to get around within Tuscany
Buses and trains are the main modes of transport in the region. The central station of Florence is connected to most places in Tuscany, including Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano, Volterra, Lucca, and Arezzo. Buses have two kinds; one for interurban service and the other are city buses. Cars can also be rented here, and biking is encouraged although not very popular. Walking around the city centres is relatively safe, especially when going on day trips.
How to get there
To get to the lovely region of Tuscany, travellers are advised to fly to the Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport) or the Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci Airport) located on the city centres of Pisa and Florence, respectively. Delta Airlines now has a direct flight from New York's John F. Kennedy Airport to Pisa, offering a cheaper alternative to the region. Other airlines include Alitalia, Aegean Airlines, British Airways, Delta, and easyJet. Cheap flights can be booked using Skyscanner. Skyscanner is an online resource of the cheapest flights from over 600 airlines worldwide.