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A New Tuscany?
By admin | July 14, 2008
Imagine a little undiscovered corner of Tuscany where you can still enjoy the simple beauty of rolling hills of olive groves and vineyards, the charm of tiny medieval villages perched on the highest hills, the taste of a glass of local wine in a quiet rustic village square. Imagine being in a place where you can enjoy affordable and unparalleled local cuisine, spend a luxurious day at a nearby thermal spa, discover little corners of historical interest or simply take a leisurely trek through some of the shady paths of the mountain ring road.
The place is the area of Monte Amiata tucked away in the south of Tuscany, a little off the beaten track for regular Tuscan tourism but embodying all the characteristics of an area that has enchanted visitors for centuries together with the tranquility of still being relatively unknown to foreign visitors.
The area is a mountain, long ago an active volcano, with its peak at around 1,700 m., snow-covered in winter with ski slopes, chestnut groves cultivated at a lower level and surrounded at its base by gentle hills with their rows of vines and olive trees. There are a variety of eco-systems and climates from top to bottom to suit the taste of anyone visiting the area.
Amiata offers quiet, rustic, simple living yet at the same time relaxing and cultural adventures. One can enjoy a day at one of the five thermal spas at different points around the mountain, take a short trip to the famous Montalcino wine growing area or venture a little further to discover the medieval towns of Siena, Pienza or Montepulciano or even the little known Etruscan ‘triangle’ around Pitigliano. Just an hour away one can find a long stretch of one of the loveliest areas of Mediterranean coast for swimming, walking or cycling or simply having a wonderful fish meal.
Amiata still has that magic quality of tranquil pleasant living, unhurried by the modern world, enjoyment of the simple natural elements that are part of the place. Why not discover it for yourself?
Topics: Miscellaneous, Share your wisdom, Tuscany, Uncategorized |