Places of interest near Tuscany, Lovely accommodation in the old town centre

Portovenere

distance to property: 13

Named after Venus herself, Portovenere is one of the most romantic villages on the Ligurian coast with a cluster of narrow streets lined with pastel coloured houses, and full of coastal charm Today recognised by UNESCO as part of the world cultural heritage It has been said that Portovenere is the less flash version of Portofino, and yes in many ways it is. The moorings lend themselves to small fishing boats rather than luxury yachts, and the drinks are less expensive however this is not to say you wont possibly catch a glimpse of a famous face. The front is lined with a host of seafood restaurants and bars, while the narrow cobbled lanes behind comprise a multitude of small boutiques and shops selling local produce and souvenirs. In the upper part of the village is the 12th Century church of San Lorenzo which preserves some remarkable works of art and on the hill facing out to the sea stands the small, black and white 13th Century church of San Pietro. From here, or from the 16th Century castle on the top of the cliffs, there are glorious views of the Cinque Terre and the small island of Palmaria, which can be visited by boat form the harbour. The island is a splendid nature reserve, hosting many beaches and coastal rocks. A network of paths running across the island makes this a ramblers paradise. If this isn’t your thing then simply catch the boat over for a romantic meal overlooking the port.

Viareggio

distance to property: 50 km

Is the oldest of the coastal towns on the Versilia. Its origins are Roman and in the middle ages it was an important sea landing. In the 19th century it was reputed to have built some of the best boats ever to sail on the Tyrrhenian Sea and the boatyards are very much alive still today. Viareggio reached its hey day at the turn of the century with a number of the original buildings remaining in the town. Along the palmed fringed boulevards Art Nouveau style of architecture can be seen in the grand hotels, villas and cafes built in the 1920s. The finest example is the Gran Caffe Margherita at the end of the Passeggiata Margherita, designed by the father of Italian Art Nouveau, Galileo Chini. Viareggio is known best for its extravagant carnival held in January and early February second only to the more famous festival of Venice. Today this is the most popular resort on the Versilia coast. During the summer months there is a lively atmosphere and any train bound here on a summers morning is likely to be full of people heading for an easily organised day at the beach. Forget tiny coves with hidden beaches where you can throw down a towel as Viareggio is commercialised with private stretches of beaches that charge for entry. All are equipped with towels, changing rooms and sun loungers for the convenience of the beach enthusiast. Many find the resort a bit too commercial however a few things are for certain, several miles long of excellent beach, clean and groomed sand and a relaxed beach atmosphere. Seafood restaurants are plentiful even if the prices are quite high but they are some of the best on the coast. If you don?t mind sitting in organised rows on the beach with everything at hand, then Viareggio provides an ideal resort.

Pontremoli

distance to property: 150 km

Pontremoli is the northern gateway of Lunigiana. An ancient town, Pontremoli developed with the expansion of its central castle. The buildings are positioned in such a way that they seem to defend the historical centre. A town of slate and terracotta roofed houses, palaces, towers and many attractive stone bridges. Wherever you look in Pontremoli there is a multitude of balconies either overlooking the two rivers of the town or one of the narrow streets and piazzas. The town first appears in history books in 990 and has passed through turbulent times during the struggles of the middle ages. The old walls of the town called ‘Cacciaguerra’ were built by Castruccio Castracani of Lucca in 1322 to separate two rival groups. Thankfully in present times the people of Pontremoli live in harmony with each other. One of the most remarkable buildings in the town is the Castello which dates back from the tenth century and is situated on the top of a hill above the Cisa main road. Recently restored, the castle now houses the Museo Archeologico with its unique collection of menhirs, prehistoric and bronze age stone monuments.

Filetto

Filetto has two piazzas overlooked by the palaces. Gathered at the centre of a wide lowland and a dense forest of chestnut trees, the centre of this small settlement represents a precious jewel of Byzantine architecture, historically recorded as a military garrison with angular towers, structures still clearly identifiable today in this village. The Ariberti palace overlooking the church square seems to return to its ancient splendour in the month of August when it opens its large doors to play host to exhibitions and antiques organised when Filetto hosts its annual medieval festival. This colourful and traditional festival includes processions in costume accompanied by drums and trumpets, displays of archery, traditional flag throwing and open air theatre. All the streets are decorated and appear untouched by time. Long banqueting tables are laid to enjoy ancient and traditional recipes.