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Our Tuscany holiday apartment is in the small Village of Sermezzana, conveniently positioned between two beautiful regions of Northern Tuscany, and is approximately 1 hour inland from the coast. It overlooks the Lunigiana region to the west in the direction of the sea. However, travelling south you immediately enter the region of the Garfagnana and the Serchio valley, which runs parallel to the coast towards Lucca and Pisa. Both regions have National Parks and abound with fantastic views and numerous places of interest.
Lunigiana - (pronounced Loonee-janna)
This is a magical place beginning with its name meaning - the land of the moon. While it remains comparatively undiscovered and unspoilt, it is neither isolated or remote. Situated roughly one hour's drive from Pisa or Parma, 1 1/4 hrs. from Genoa with regular flights from the UK and only 1 1/2 hrs. from Florence. The local trattorie are numerous and give good value, the local wine being plentiful and cheap. Lunigiana is the part of Tuscany that links up with Liguria to the west and Emilia Romagna, gastronomic heart of Italy, to the north.
The nearby coast is heavenly, (known as the Gulf of Poets) as Shelly, Lord Byron and D.H. Lawrence all have lived here at some time. It has opportunities for sailing, canoeing, snorkelling or just relaxing on one of the beaches hidden in craggy bays around Fiascherino or Tellaro. The easiest way to get around the gulf is by ferryboat, which runs between Lerici, La Spezia and Portovenere or on to the Cinque Terre (five villages strung along terraced cliffs looking out to the sea).
Lunigiana derives its name from the port of Luni, established by the Romans at the mouth of the river Magra. So rich and splendidly adorned with marble was this port, that Hannibal mistook it for Rome! Today you can see the ruins of this once great trading place. Historic sites are not only restricted to roman remains, as Lunigiana is scattered with castles built in mediaeval times by the Malaspina family.
Garfagnana
The rural enclave in northwest Tuscany known as the Garfagnana has to be one of Italy's best-kept secrets. The Garfagnana is within reach of the Tuscan gems of Lucca, Pisa and Florence, but its appeal lies more in its isolation, its lack of tourism and its striking scenery. This area of outstanding natural beauty and matchless hospitality nestles between two distinct mountain ranges, the spectacular jagged 'marble mountains' of the Alpi Apuane and the rolling 'spine of Italy', the Apennines. Then there are the walks. The hills in the area are criss-crossed with marked paths leading from one valley to the next where crystal clear rivers with waterfalls and natural rock pools for swimming abound. Alternatively try the steep walks up to some of the highest peaks of Apennines and then stroll along the flowers, in spring there are wild orchids, bright yellow ferns, wild pink carnations where you may even catch a glimpse of shy young deer, or wild boar along the craggy banks.
Things to do
Needless to say, we do not have the room here to detail all the activities available. However, from the above descriptions, one can already flavour the possibilities. As you would expect from Italy there are castles, caves, museums, art and architecture everywhere waiting to be enjoyed. Beside the stunning countryside there is also the fabulous coast with great beaches and fishing villages.
So, there are the obvious activities of walking the National Parks, swimming horse riding and mountain biking, whilst taking in the grandeur of the mountains. Needless to say the Italians take their other pleasures seriously, good restaurants and bars abound. A visit to this region would not be complete without sampling the tasty local cuisine and local wines.
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Amenities:
- Deck
- Fireplace
- Garden
- Microwave
- Patio
- Radio
- Refrigerator
- Satellite TV
- Television
Activities/Attractions:
- Biking
- Close to bus/train
- Fishing
- Galleries/Museums
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Mountain view
- Mountain-Biking
- Near attractions
- Public Swimming Pool
- Tennis
- Wildlife Viewing
Other Conditions:
- Children welcome
- Gay/Lesbian friendly
- No Pets
- No Smoking
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