Magical Tuscany
Discover the region’s top sights
Villa Gorgona is a peaceful hideaway, perfect for relaxing – and a great base for exploring the countless attractions Tuscany has to offer. Here are just some of the attractions you can reach within a three-hour drive of the villa. For your convenience, we’ve grouped them by theme.
Attractions of Tuscany
Culture and art
Florence
A visit to Tuscany’s capital is a dream come true for any lover of history and art. Just under an hour and a half by car from Montigiano, Florence is within easy reach of Villa Gorgona. The sheer number of breathtaking landmarks and priceless works of art housed in its museums is astounding – and a stroll through the city’s streets is a true feast for the eyes.
More about Florence
Culture and art
Pisa
One place not to miss during your stay at Villa Gorgona is the nearby Pisa.
This ancient city, founded by the Etruscans or Ligurians and later taken over by the Romans, has a long and fascinating history. Once a thriving port, it gradually lost access to the sea as silt carried by the Arno River built up over time. By the 15th century, Pisa was completely landlocked.
More details and interesting facts
Culture and art
Lucca
We encourage Villa Gorgona guests to visit one of the most beautiful cities in the region – the charming town of Lucca, just under a 30-minute drive from Montigiano.
This historic city bears the marks of its rich past: Roman ruins, majestic medieval churches, remarkably well-preserved Renaissance defensive walls, and elegant palaces from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
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Culture and art
San Gimignano
Just under a two-hour drive from Villa Gorgona lies one of the best-preserved medieval towns in all of Italy. San Gimignano’s unique character and cultural importance were recognised in 1990 when it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Perched on a hill and surrounded by Tuscan vineyards, the town makes a striking impression even from afar
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Culture and art
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is one of the most stunning locations in all of Italy – and it’s just a 90-minute drive from Montigiano. This picturesque stretch of the Ligurian coast is home to five small seaside villages: Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Monterosso, and Manarola.
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Attractions for families
Pistoia Zoo
Pistoia is a charming town often referred to as a “miniature Florence.” While its historic centre, filled with Romanesque churches and impressive landmarks, is certainly worth a visit, one of its biggest attractions for families is the local zoo.
The Giardino Zoologico di Pistoia is a small but well-maintained zoo located on the outskirts of the city. Children will love meeting red pandas, capybaras, and penguins, or watching majestic lions up close. The zoo also runs a variety of workshops and activities designed to teach children about nature through fun and play.
Attractions for families
Aquario di Livorno
Livorno is one of Italy’s largest ports and the second biggest city in Tuscany. One of its highlights is the stunning Terrazza Mascagni – a vast seafront terrace with a striking chequered floor and panoramic views over the sea. Just next door is a favourite destination for families: the modern Livorno Aquarium and its sea creatures.
Aquario di Livorno is a great outing for children of all ages. You can get an up-close look of colourful exotic fish, coral reefs, jellyfish, sea turtles, and even impressive sharks. The aquarium is home to over 2,000 marine animals and plants. In addition to marine life, the facility also includes a special pavilion with insects, amphibians, and reptiles – offering a broader glimpse into the natural world.
Attractions for families
Beaches in Viareggio
This coastal town attracts visitors with its wide sandy beaches and an elegant promenade lined with restaurants, bars, and cafés. Outside the summer season, Viareggio is famous for its spectacular carnival, attended by thousands of revellers each year who converge for the colourful, high-spirited parade. It’s a must-visit for anyone who can’t imagine a holiday without sun, sea, and sand. Viareggio offers two types of beaches: private and public.
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Attractions for families
Aqua Village Cecina
A little over an hour’s drive from Villa Gorgona, Aqua Village in Cecina is a large Hawaiian-themed water park that promises fun for water lovers of all ages. The park features a variety of twisting slides and pools – including a wave pool.
Younger children can enjoy paddling pools and play areas with interactive water games, while those seeking relaxation can unwind in tranquil lagoons, waterfall pools, and jacuzzi zones.
On-site amenities include a restaurant and a fast food bar. Ice creams and sweet treats are also available. The park also offers clean, free-of-charge toilets and an option to rent sun loungers for the day.
Active in Tuscany
Rafting on the Lima River
For those looking to add a bit of adrenaline and adventure to their holiday, kayaking, rafting, and canyoning are all on offer.
In the town of Bagni di Lucca, a local company specialises in outdoor river activities. One of the highlights is a two-hour kayak trip along the Lima River – a perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the region up close. Along the way, you’ll glide past stunning scenery and historic landmarks, including the famous Ponte della Maddalena – all from the unique perspective of the water.
Active in Tuscany
Cycling Routes Around Lucca
Tuscany is a true paradise for cycling enthusiasts. The varied terrain means there’s something for everyone – from gentle routes through town and countryside to more challenging climbs for serious riders. It’s worth noting that every May, part of the legendary Giro d’Italia race runs through Tuscany
To help our guests choose the perfect cycling experience, we recommend visiting a dedicated site featuring the best cycling routes around Lucca.
Each route includes details on difficulty level, surface type, approximate duration, distance, and elevation profile – everything you need to plan your ride..
Active in Tuscany
Ferry Trip to Elba Island
For families who love to mix sightseeing with a bit of sea adventure, a ferry trip is a fantastic option.
From the port in Piombino – about an hour and a half’s drive from Villa Gorgona – you can sail to Elba, the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago. Rich in history (once home to the Etruscans and Romans) and known for having some of the most beautiful beaches and coves in Tuscany, ...
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