Places that are a must see to visit.

Visitors may be forgiven for thinking that the enchanting regions of Chianti, Sienna and Florence are all Tuscany has to offer, but Lunigiana is an area rich in history and tradition. 

Set in magnificent mountains and chestnut woods, it’s a truly unspoiled and peaceful corner of Tuscany, yet situated only a few minutes’ drive away from the amenities and traditional shops of the historic town of Licciana Nardi and the quaint village restaurants and walks in the foothills of the Apennine mountains. The famous Cinque Terre and the seaside resorts of Lerici and Porto Venere are all also within easy reach.

The most northern tip borders the colourful Gulf of the Poets. The seaside charm of the Versilia coast is within a short drive, as are the impressive cities of Lucca and Pisa, rich with Italian architecture and culture.

THE GULF OF THE POETS

The Gulf of the Poets is a collection of delightful villages around the Gulf of La Spezia. Its moniker derives from a tradition of being beloved by great writers, artists and filmmakers, including Shelley and Byron. It’s a beautiful region, popular with seafood lovers for its fresh, locally caught fish.

LERICI

The unspoiled coastal town of Lerici with its imposing castle and romantic seaside piazza is the perfect place to dine – try the famed I Pescatori seafood restaurant for a fixed-price, menu-free feast of locally sourced fish of the day.

CINQUE TERRE

Take a hillside train from La Spezia or Aulla to the five towns that form the stunning Cinque Terre, a UNESCO world heritage site and area of astonishing natural beauty, with traditional architecture, a reputation for fine wine and sunsets that must be seen to be believed.