Il Castagno is approximately 40 minutes from the Italian Riviera – mile upon mile of safe, white beaches stretching from Viareggio up to Forte di Marme & on towards Genoa. Italian beaches are ‘Owned’ – so you pick the piece of beach you wish to be on and pay for deck chairs, showers, changing facilities, play areas etc. Each one is different, you pay around 10 euros for the day – each part of the beach has a restaurant or café at the top end so that you can relax for the day with everything close at hand. Top     Markets are everywhere in the region – they are fantastic, colourful, vibrant markets but you have to get there early, especially in the summer season! It’s well worth an early (ish!) morning trip. The markets begin at about 8.00 and are done and dusted by lunchtime – the Italians do not work through lunch! A list of the markets that we know is at the villa, you will find more – do tell us about them… Top     These two historic cities are both within a reasonable distance of the villa. A day trip to Pisa is a good way of seeing some of the sites of a major Italian landmark city and having a good and not too arduous day out with the family! From the villa you can either drive to Pisa, under an hour, or take the train leaving you free to wander the city without worrying about the car. Trains are cheap, clean and frequent. Pisa is a beautiful city – the Leaning Tower, which has been extensively renovated is completely beautiful and a must for any visit to Italy. However, Pisa has other delights! Campo dei Miracoli, one of the most beautiful squares in the world and around its lawns one of the most extraordinary concentrations of Romanesque splendour, the cathedral, the baptistery and the Leaning Tower… Florence, full of culture, vibrance and fantastic architecture, needs no introduction here! At the villa you will find literature to help you make the most of a day trip to Florence. Top     So many places to choose from its hard to know where to begin! The Italians, as everyone knows, love their food, missing out on lunch is just not an option. One word of warning – don’t leave it too late – lunch is an occasion – enjoy it! Dinner is an even bigger occasion and Il Castagnello is surrounded by an abundance of good places to eat – we’ll direct you to a few but you will find heaps of your own favourites, let us in on your secrets too! Top     The area is full to bursting with good days out for both family and grown ups alike, at the villa you’ll find information on many of the local trips out to lakes where you can picnic, childrens parks (Pinoccio’s Park is nearby), through the forest to the Parc d’Orecilla (Park of the Birds) high in the forest and the beautiful Grotto del Vento, the wind caves – a breathtaking experience! Top     Spring and autumn are beautiful times to visit the Garfagnana. When the intense heat of the summer has gone and comfortable temperatures of approximately 25 Degrees prevail the Garfagnana takes on a new lease of life. There are a wealth of things to do in and around the area when there are fewer tourists around and the region settles down to life outside of the main holiday season. This is of course the best time to experience the culture of Florence, Pisa, San Gimigniano and the other beautiful towns of the region. To go to the Vineyards or to come to the region for cookery or art courses. Top     WALKING in the Garfagnana for young and old alike is a beautiful experience, there are plenty of guide books to be had to guide you through the beautiful scenery. HIKING is very popular. Generally, easy routes are taken, although they also include some sections at high altitudes, avoiding the more difficult peaks. In the Serchio Valley, there are two main hiking routes to follow: the Garfagnana Trekking (GT), well signposted and in good condition, and the Apuane Trekking (AT) which is a more difficult route. MOUNTAINEERING is totally different as it avoids walking through villages and along roads and tends to reach the mountain crests and peaks, where some parts must be climbed. Alpinists find an ideal setting in the Apuane Alps for both the easy ascents, suitable for beginners and the more difficult ones. SKIING on the Apennines and to Abetone – during the winter the thick snowfall and the gentle slopes create the scenario for alpine skiing on the numerous pistes where there are various levels of difficulty HANG GLIDING, one of the most popular take off areas is Crocialino, where the pupils of Diecimos School of Free Flying are trained. CAVING, in these mountains some of the largest and deepest caves of Italy can be found. MOUNTAIN BIKING competitions are frequently held in the valley. HORSE TREKKING is a popular tourist pastime and bridle paths cross and wind the entire Serchio Valley. There are several Riding schools across the valley Details on all these persuits can be found at the tourist office in Castlenuovo.   Top       Top