Camping Tuscany

A land of a thousand discoveries, breathtaking panoramic views, and ancient historical and natural landmarks, the region of Tuscany Italy should be on everyone's camping enthusiast’s lists of places to visit. Tuscany offers up a fantastic mix of rural countryside, gentle hills, magnificent islands, splendid coasts, protected parks and, last but not least, simple cuisine with genuine flavors and wines that rank among the finest in the world. It is a region with a lot of places, interests, events, itineraries, and experiences to discover. Plan your vacation now to explore the wonderful Tuscany! 

Tuscany is in west-central Italy, it lies along the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian seas and comprises the provinces of Carrara, Lucca, Pistoia, Prato, Florence, Livorno, Pisa, Arezzo, Siena, and Grosseto. The characteristic landscape is a blend of gently rolling hills leading to sharply peaked mountains that pose a formidable barrier between Tuscany and regions to the south. It is bordered in the north and northeast by the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and the Apuan Alps, which are separated by a series of long valleys from the sub-Apennine hills of Mount Albano, Mount Pratomagno, and others. 

Tuscany was the homeland of the Etruscans, which was annexed by Rome in 351 BC. After the fall of the Roman empire, the region that became known as Tuscany came under the rule of Herulians, Ostrogoths, etc. and emerged as a political entity with its rulers. By the 12th century, the Tuscan cities were gradually gaining their independence as republics, forcing the nobility to live in the cities. By the high Middle Ages, the cities of Pisa, Siena, Arezzo, Pistoia, Lucca, and especially Florence, had become wealthy because of textile manufacture, trade, banking, and agriculture. There were many wars between the city-states to conquer territory and power. Gradually, Florence came to overshadow and conquer all other cities in the region.

Yet Tuscany is a unique historical treasure trove throughout the region: over and above Florence, this region is rich in cities of art such as Siena and Pisa, as well as small, picturesque villages. Every city and every village in Tuscany has something special to offer. But, these are the top ones that must not be missed:

Florence - the capital of the Tuscany region, is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. One of its most iconic sights is the Duomo, a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi and a bell tower by Giotto. The Galleria dell'Accademia displays Michelangelo’s "David" sculpture. The Uffizi Gallery exhibits Botticelli’s "The Birth of Venus" and da Vinci’s "Annunciation."

Siena - a historic city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well known for its gorgeous architecture and beautiful main square, the Piazza del Campo.

Pisa - a city famed for its famous Leaning Tower and a variety of museums and galleries. 

Lucca - a city on the Serchio river. It is known for the well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city centre and its cobblestone streets.

Chianti - in Italy also referred to as Monti del Chianti ("Chianti Mountains") or Colline del Chianti ("Chianti Hills"), is a mountainous area of Tuscany known for the wine named for the region.

1. San Gimignano

If you are interested in historical heritage, this is the best place for you. It is a town called Manhattan of the Middle Ages. Its old town centre is encircled by 13th-century walls and has a beautiful triangular square lined with medieval houses. The Duomo di San Gimignano is a 12th-century church with frescoes by Ghirlandaio in its Santa Fina Chapel.

2. Pitigliano

It is a town best known for its nickname "Little Jerusalem" thanks to the position close to Rome, where escaping Jews could find refuge. Located halfway from Florence and Rome, it is perched on a top of a volcanic tufa ridge that gives it a surreal charm.

3. Val d’Orcia. 

The territory extends from the hills south of Siena to Monte Amiata. Its gentle, cultivated hills are occasionally broken by gullies and picturesque towns and villages such as Pienza, Radicofani, and Montalcino. 

4. Montepulciano

It is a medieval hilltop town surrounded by vineyards, it is well-known for its fine red wine. The Torre di Pulcinella is a clock tower topped by a figure of the Pulcinella, a commedia dell’arte character. On the Piazza Grande is the 14th-century Palazzo Comunale, with a tower offering views of the surrounding countryside.

5. Terme di Saturnia

It is one of the amazing wonders of the Tuscan countryside. The thermal waters (37.5 °C) have therapeutic and relaxing properties. This amazing nature creature is free, just bring water shoes (the bottoms of the pools are rough), leave your worries behind and soak in the Tuscan countryside! 

1. San Miniato truffle tasting. 

Tuscany is well known for its truffles and truffle hunting. But if you want to hunt down the biggest variety of the much-prized fungi, head for San Miniato. You will find this famous truffle town strategically placed on the top of three small hills, looking out over the lower Arno valley, between Pisa and Florence. In San Miniato, you can taste the best truffles in the whole region. 

2. Get lost in The Uffizi in Florence. 

Set aside at least half a day to explore the Uffizi in Florence. It is considered to be the finest art collection in Italy, and this three-floor gallery also contains the world's greatest collection of Italian Renaissance art. 

3. Explore The Alpi Apuane. 

This is a botanical wonderland with long routes for valley hikes. The Alpi are also home to over 300 bird species and are known for their vast forests of beech and chestnut. You can see dramatic marble quarries here year-round. But if you want to see colourful wildflower displays, the best time to visit is in spring. 

4. Discover the wine and vineyards of Chianti. 

Visit Chianti vineyards between Siena and Florence, where some of Italy's finest wines are produced. The climate is mild here year-round, and it is the perfect place to gaze upon romantic Tuscan landscapes.

5. Get to Elba Island. 

Elba is the biggest island in the Tuscan Archipelago and the third largest in Italy after Sardinia and Sicily. What makes Elba famous is its clear blue sea and beautiful beaches. The richness of its landscapes, both land and marine, turns the island of Elba into a unique destination in Tuscany. 

Here are some of the dishes you do not want to miss when visiting this magnificent Italian region:

Crostini Toscani. When you are dining anywhere in Tuscany – a restaurant or a family home – there will scarcely be a meal that does not begin with Crostini Toscani. This starter is a staple of Tuscan cuisine. It consists of chicken liver pate served on a staple. 

Panzanella. This dish is full of classic Italian flavours: bread, tomatoes, onion, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, all tossed together in a salad. The salad works best with stale bread, and the first time it happened, it was because Italians thought it a travesty to throw out their days-old bread.

Bistecca alla Fiorentina. A T-bone steak from a local breed of cow, served simply, seasoned with herbs such as rosemary and sage. Keep in mind – a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina is served rare, and Tuscan people may be scandalized if you order it any other way.

Tagliatelle al tartufo. When you visit Italy, you simply have to indulge in a bowl of pasta, and Tagliatelle al Tartufo is a unique pasta dish you do not want to miss. Think long ribbons of delicate tagliatelle pasta, swirled with warm, melted butter and garlic, and then decadently topped with shavings of black truffle and parmesan cheese. 

Biscotti di Prato. These hard biscuits are arguably Tuscany’s most famous sweet treat, – made of flour, eggs, sugar, and nuts (normally almonds and pine nuts). The Biscotti di Prato are a delicious accompaniment to Italian espresso, or, some locals prefer to enjoy them with a glass of local dessert wine, perfect for dipping the biscuits in.

Tuscany offers many possibilities for spending a day with family and friends. Why not have some fun at the parks? 

1. Cavallino Matto Amusement Park. 

It is the largest amusement park in Tuscany. The park, the name of which means "The Crazy Little Horse" in Italian, is located on 60,000 square metres of pine forest and offers entertainment for all family members, as well as for adrenaline lovers, including various attractions, live shows, and rides.  

2. The Faunistic Park of Monte Amiata. 

Located in beautiful natural surroundings, the park offers a series of extensive, integrated faunistic areas. Inside the park, there is a network of paths and platforms that permit visitors to observe many species that are naturally present in the central Apennines. The park hosts a wealth of wild flora and fauna. The Nature Footpath, a little more difficult compared to other paths, runs through a splendid gorge full of water, which offers an amazing view.

3. The Maremma Regional Park.

The park includes dense forests and pristine beaches. Maremma Park welcomes you with different routes and a privileged opportunity to come into contact with nature. There are planned routes on foot, by bike, on horseback, by carriage, by canoe, and nocturnal itineraries. One of the most popular itineraries will take you to the San Rabano Abbey, a well-preserved church in the Romanesque Style built in the early eleventh century. A second itinerary runs along the steep cliffs to discover ancient towers in the area from Castiglione della Pescaia to Talamone. Other itineraries allow you to reach the wild beach of Marina di Alberese or the magnificent bay of Cala di Forno, with its crystal clear water. 

Want to get a taste of real Italian everyday life? Go to the local markets! As the region is a major tourist destination, visitors are able to find many outdoor shopping spots throughout the region to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, plenty of antiques, handicrafts, and even some bizarre and unique items. 

Sant’Ambrogio Market. An indoor and outdoor market in Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, in the historic centre of Florence, selling fresh products. You can also eat at one of the many restaurants in the market. It is open from Monday to Saturday (07:00-14:00).

Cascine Market. The largest and cheapest open-air market in Florence, selling fresh produce, homeware, clothing, and shoes. It is open on Tuesdays (07:00-14:00) and is located in Parco delle Cascine.

Weekly/Local Market (Greve in Chianti). An open-air market selling seasonal produce, homeware, clothes, and shoes. It is open on Saturdays (08:30-13:00).

There are many events all year round throughout Tuscany, but many are concentrated during the summer. These are the main ones:

1. The Palio horse race. It is a colourful horse race around the dirt-packed Piazza del Campo, Siena's main square, that takes place every July 2 and August 16. The neighbourhoods compete for the ‘palio’, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. 

2. Pistoia Blues Festival. Taking place in the first half of July, the Pistoia Blues draws international blues artists who perform in Pistoia’s main square.

3. Florentine historical football. This is one of the most enjoyable events that take place in Tuscany. This traditional football match ends on June 24th with the festival of the patron Saint John. After dinner, at about 10 p.m., there is a spectacle of fireworks in honour of St. John Baptist.

4. Florence Musical May. It is a series of internationally acclaimed classical music concerts and recitals, as well as opera and ballet, in venues across Florence that take place in May. 

5. The Battle of the Bridge. This medieval "tug of war" contest is organized on the last Saturday of June on the central bridge of Pisa. The contest is preceded by a huge procession in costume through the city.

Tuscany offers everything for camping enthusiasts: amazing landscapes including sea, mountains, plains, good weather, which has a significant compact on a camping experience, and of course, amazing food. There is a huge variety of camping types in Tuscany: farm, motorhome, naturist, glamping, mini camping, and city camping. But, the most popular ones are family-friendly campsites that have swimming pools and other facilities equipped for all family members' quality relaxation. Do not want to leave your four-legged friend at home? Bring them along! Most of the campsites are pet-friendly but check it before going. 

These camping spots are solely designed for motorhomes. In Tuscany, RV campings are well-equipped, usually com with electricity connection and water drainage. Sanitary facilities and camper service are always at your disposal in the campsite’s area. Go enjoy the best camping experience in Tuscany’s natural surroundings! 

Glamping in Tuscany offers different kinds of accommodation, from the most popular to the most unusual ones: tended cabins, safari tents, cottages, yurts, villas, domes, tree houses, bell tents, and many others. There are a lot of unique tourist opportunities as well, from some of the more unusual offerings like trailer glamping or even glamping in caves. It all depends on what kind of camping you prefer the most. The important thing is that you can enjoy the culture of Italy without getting crammed into a city full of tourists! 

Choose the ideal camping type with fantastic facilities, comfortable accommodation, many activities and much more to ensure a super sun-kissed escape: holiday parks. Holiday parks are the best choice for quality camping. Many Tuscany holiday parks welcome you with a combination of bathing resorts, comfortable accommodation, many shops, a wide choice of restaurants and bars, and a variety of activities blending harmoniously with the beauty of nature. Thus, holiday parks are often pet-friendly, where you can walk your dog everywhere on the campsite and access all areas, where you can find pet showers, off-leash areas, and even pet beaches. Holiday parks are the best choice if you are planning holidays with your friends or family, it is the place, where you will find both relaxation and entertainment. Do not wait and book your holidays now!