The most beautiful natural sites to discover Toscane

The kingdom of the golden eagle, the Orrido di Botri nature reserve, created in 1971, covers approximately 2,000 hectares of wilderness. You will discover a breathtaking fauna and flora, but above all the most spectacular canyon in Tuscany! Located on the slopes of the Rondinaio and Tre Potenze mountains, this imposing limestone formation was formed thousands of years ago as a result of the movement of tectonic plates. Its steep walls rise up to 200 metres in height in places, and are now dug by the (very) fresh waters of the Rio Pelago (note that a permit is required to canyon down this river).

From a practical point of view, you will find all the essential information you need to know before embarking on this "water hike", and the details of the different routes, at the Centro di accoglienza dei Carabinieri Forestali, located in Ponte a Gaio (4 kilometres north of Montefegatesi). We advise you to take the SP-56 road to get there; the others are very steep. The Orrido di Botri nature reserve is open from June to September. The excursions leave from Ponte to Gaio, unique access to the gorge, and are guided if you wish (reservation by email required in advance). It is necessary to provide adequate equipment because the rocks are slippery (light shoes are prohibited). Headsets are provided by the reception centre. Access to animals is not allowed.

Florence's monuments are well known, but one of its particularities is often forgotten: its peasant culture and its countryside at the city's gates. Just a few kilometres away from Piazza della Signoria, you can already be on the hills with centuries-old olive trees. There stands the Fattoria di Maiano, five kilometres from the city centre. Rich in history, its estate, built at the beginning of the 15th century, extends over many hectares and dominates the city. The estate includes the former quarries from which the "Serena" stone was extracted for Florentine Renaissance buildings; today they are partially reforested. One of them has been transformed into a small lake, the "laghetto delle colonne" with its "Tea House": a surreal image, a fable postcard.

Today, the Fattoria di Maiano offers the opportunity to discover its terroir: the paths through the woods with its botanical zone, the lake, the olive trees and the farm animals. A visit to the press is also planned. The tour can be done on foot, by bicycle or also at night in a 4x4. A special experience, the discovery of a countryside and its tradition just a stone's throw from a Renaissance civilisation. As a bonus, this place produces one of the best olive oils in Tuscany, exclusively organic, awarded with various prizes (you can buy it at the fattoria's point of sale). To complete this setting, the farm restaurant offers the opportunity to discover the Florentine culinary tradition.

This superb nature reserve is located in Torre del Sale, about 12 kilometres from Piombino, on the road to Vignale. It extends over approximately 92 ha of freshwater ("Bottagone") or saltwater ("Orti") ponds, and is home to more than 200 species of birds, the stars of which are white herons, white storks and geese. The site is one of 117 oases protected by WWF Italy. An ideal spot for birdwatching and beautiful walks in perspective.

Marina di Campo is probably the largest of all the beaches on the island of Elba. It is almost 1,400 metres long. And fortunately! Because in summer, it is quickly taken by the trendy youth on holiday. It is nevertheless magnificent, with its fine golden sand worthy of a postcard. Some parts are freely accessible. The beach is easily accessible by foot from the city centre of Marina di Campo.

9 km east of Marina di Campo and 9 km south of Portoferraio, the narrow strip of sand which is the beach of Braulio stretches over 1 km (indeed one of the longest beaches of the Elbe) within a gulf that protects it from the winds (arriving only from the south) and gives it almost to the south. the air of a lake with its calm water and the green nature that seems to close on it. Watching the sunset from the terrace of the Ledo Bar overlooking the Gulf is an unforgettable experience.

This network of hiking and signposted routes, starting from Sillico, offers seven different walks (day or night). An excellent way to enjoy breathtaking views of the Apuan Alps, to discover the region's lush nature and its points of interest (hermitages, mills, old chestnut dryers known as metati...). From about thirty minutes (to be done easily with the children) to six hours (for hikers who wish to spend a day immersed in a typical and wild landscape of the Apennines) depending on the route taken.

Who said that Tuscany was only made of hills, cypresses, vines and olive trees? 20 kilometres from Massa Marittima, the Biancane Park plunges you into a total change of scenery: the steam fumes and the white stones give the impression of being landed on another planet! Nestled on the wild metalliferous mountains, the site includes a boiling mud crater and unique flora. A route allows you to get close to these spectacular geothermal phenomena.

Swimming in Bagno Vignoni? Admittedly, you can enjoy the beneficial virtues of the thermal waters at the spa of the hotel Le Terme, in the piazza delle Sorgenti. But if you want to have fun in the water in the middle of nature and without paying anything, we have a plan! Below the hill where the constant flow hot spring flows (follow the sign "Parco dei Mulini"), a clay basin awaits you in a magnificent landscape. The path is steep but relatively easy. Remember to bring your bathing suit and a towel!