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Photo © Stutterstock.com / StevanZZ
Photo © Stutterstock.com / StevanZZ

Summer in the cool in Tuscany: 5 ideas against the mugginess

From rivers to less crowded beaches, here's how to fight the heat without giving up the fun

We enter the heart of summer and the temperature column rises: what to do to escape the scorching city heat? From the classic mountain getaway to visits to coastal museums, here are five ideas for an anti-hot weather itinerary among the beauty of Tuscany.

Contents
  • 1.
    Fun at water parks
  • 2.
    Escape to the mountains
  • 3.
    Relaxation by the sea
  • 4.
    River bathing
  • 5.
    Museum visits
1.

Fun at water parks

Acqua Village Cecina
Acqua Village Cecina

Slides for all tastes, play areas and swimming pools suitable for both adults and children: water parks remain among the favorite places for those seeking relaxation and recreation in one.
The Etruscan Coast has two of them - in Cecina and in Follonica - where, among the various attractions, there is also a sensory slide: an 18-meter-high multi-lane slide that, through adrenaline-pumping and relaxing paths, stimulates the five senses.
Even on the Pisan coast, there is no shortage of fun: in Tirrenia, just a stone's throw from the sea and a cool pine forest, you can spend pleasant days among slides, pools and shows with entertainers suitable for young and old.

1.

Escape to the mountains

Acqua Village
Wind Cave - Credit: H005

A decidedly more relaxing choice, but at the same time suitable for the whole family: from Lunigiana to Amiata there are many wonderful forests and villages where you can find some refreshment.
For a truly refreshing weekend, nothing beats the Garfagnana where you can experience the thrill of descending to a depth of 75 meters in the heart of the Apuan Alps thanks to the Grotta del Vento (Wind Cave), an underground treasure where the temperature is always 10 degrees. You can end the day by enjoying local delicacies.
If, on the other hand, you prefer a more spiritual destination, a trip to the La Verna Sanctuary is for you: here, surrounded by the beautiful Casentino forest, you can enjoy nature, savor the lifestyle of the monks and discover the products of the ancient pharmacy.

1.

Relaxation by the sea

The mountains of Pistoia
Biodola Beach, Elba Island

A trip to the sea is ideal for cooling off: more than 600 kilometers of coastline and some of Italy's most beautiful (and Blue Flag award-winning) beaches.
Spending a few hours in the most fascinating coves such as Buca delle Fate - on the Etruscan Coast between Piombino and Populonia - or Cala Violina - in the heart of Maremma, in the nature reserve of Scarlino - is the ideal solution for those looking for clear water and wild nature.
For those on Elba Island, you will be spoiled for choice: from expanses of golden sand to pebbly bays, finding the beach best suited to your needs will not be difficult.

1.

River bathing

Stream in the forests of Casentino
Stream in the forests of Casentino

For those who love nature but do not want to give up a dip in cool water, the Tuscan countryside has many other surprises in store: river bathing, for example, is a great summer classic.
In Casentino, at Steccaia - near Bibbiena - one can cool off in the waters of the Corsalone, while in Lunigiana - a land rich in waterways - one can choose the evocative Parana Waterfalls, where, after a path of about thirty minutes' walk, one arrives at a fairy-tale place with pools of clear and pleasant water.

1.

Museum visits

Temple of Brunello
Temple of Brunello - Credit: Mario Salvucci

Finally, for those who do not want to give up the most interesting cultural proposals, summer can be the right opportunity to visit lesser-known museums.
Accompanied by the most evocative places and the most charming villages in Tuscany, a museum is a great idea to spend a few hours in the cool, surrounded by the wonders of the territory.
They range from mouth-watering proposals, such as the Temple of Brunello in Montalcino - where you can learn about and taste the famous wine - to more classic ones, such as the Archaeological Museum of the Territory of Populonia in Piombino with extraordinary artifacts from prehistoric times.
For those who cannot give up a dip at the end of the day, there are numerous museums along the coast just a few kilometers from the best-known beaches!

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