Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Italy. With its mountains, vineyards, beaches and cultural cities it continues to attract travelers. To fully experience the region with your car rental in Tuscany make sure to plan trips to the mountains and the seaside, and be sure to allot time for stopovers in Pisa and Florence as well. What one can also certainly expect, and look forward to, is the abundance of good food. As in Italy in general, Tuscans pride themselves on the importance they attach to their cuisine. Those traveling with children will also feel welcomed by the generally warm and friendly locals.
The Tuscan Coast
The Tuscan beaches run flat into the water making it ideal for children, but swimmers have to walk rather far out before reaching deeper waters. In the summer there is lively activity around the seaside resorts of places like:
Everything is, as the Italians say, 'picobello' in Forte the Marmi. Glamorous villas, luxury hotels and expensive fashion boutiques line the promenade. In contrast, Viareggio has a rather urban character, and you can enjoy its well-shaded city park. Another important tourist attraction of Viareggio is Carnival, which turns the city into a colorful setting five weekends a year. Between these two destinations is Marina di Pietrasanta, a lovely place with lots of small shops, and supposedly the best beach in the region.
The Alpuan Alps
Behind the beaches of Marina di Pietrasanta and Viareggio you will find the Apuan Alps with their marble quarries. Following the Strada Provinciale di Arni makes for an especially scenic route. You will enter the Garfagnana, a region of extraordinary beauty in the Tuscan province of Lucca. Turn outs allow you to stop to take photos, which you will surely want to do. Some of the highlights you can find along the way in your rental car are Isola Santa and Cava dismessa Hen Aux.
Situated between a lake and the mountains is the medieval village of Isola Santa. You can reach this story-book like town within an hour's drive from Versilia coast. Just before reaching the Strada Provinciale di Arni you will pass Cava dismessa Hen Aux, a former stone quarry. The views of the flat, smooth rock face promise to impress.