Archive for "Activities"
Planning a trip to Italy? Browse and read our useful and informative articles about the endless range of attractions and experiences in this lovely country.
Travel through the beauties of Italy with us. Visit our blog!
May 24, 2019
Montepulciano, One of Tuscany'S Most Beautiful Towns
Montepulciano is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany. Located on top of a hill in the province of Siena, it dominates the Val di Chiana and the Val d'Orcia offering some breathtaking views. Its look still conserves a Medieval charm and the legacy of a century-old history. In fact, in the 13th century Montepulciano was the center of the war between the Republics of Siena and Florence, which fought to gain the control of the whole valley. Even today, his position is considered strategic for the visitors who wish to reach other centers of interest, such as Siena, Pienza, San Quirico d'Orcia or Bagno Vignoni, and is therefore a famous tourist destination. His fame as a tourist destination has increased after that it's been chosen as location for the filming of the movie "New Moon" of the Twilight saga!
Do you dream of visiting the most beautiful area of Tuscany? Then Montepulciano is the perfect destination for you!
Discover its must-sees and start planning your trip now!
Montepulciano old town center is a beauty. Its highest point is Piazza Grande, which is also the place where events such as "Bravio delle Botti" are organized. This traditional festivity is a competition between the representatives of eight contradas, which must push barrels through the streets of the town. It's here that some of the main monuments of the city are located,that is to say the Dome, Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Tarugi and Palazzo Contucci. While the Cathedral of Sant'Assunta is the major place of worship in town, the other palaces are magnificent noble buildings. The most important one is Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), which was commissioned by Cosimo I De'Medici during the Florentine dominion and presents the wonderful Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower).
Other buildings you should see are the Medici Fortress, which is an ancient castle built in 1261, the Church of Sant'Agostino and the Torre di Pulcinella, a bell tower with a statue of Pulcinella beating on the bell which is shrouded in mystery, as nobody knows the reason why this Neapolitan symbol is put there.
After taking some photographs of these splendid monuments, why don't you stroll a little in the elegant "Corso"? The charming road crossing the whole city from Porta al Prato to the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi is where you will find restaurants, bars and many shops to purchase some souvenirs of your fantastic trip!
Another symbol of the city is the Church of San Biagio, a chapel located at the foot of the hill and immersed in the typical countryside. The church and its dome can be reached by walking along a path adorned with cypress trees, which also conserves an incredible charm. You'll find yourself in a fabulous place, surrounded by a lovely landscape that seems stolen from the background of a nice postcard. Otherwise, if you'd prefer spending your day in an interesting museum, you can't miss the famous Torture Museum, the Civic Museum or the Pinacoteca Crociani, some art galleries that contain works made by important Sienese and Florentine painters.
If you wish to visit Montepulciano, one day is not enough. Take some time to discover the beauties of the historical center or the neighboring villages and enjoy your holiday to the fullest!
You can walk along the countryside streets adorned with cypress trees, cross the wheat fields, immerse yourself in the authentic Tuscan beauty or visit the lake of Montepulciano to practice some bird watching. Also, you have the unmissable opportunity to take part to a memorable wine tour inside a local "agriturismo" and taste some food specialties in a good typical restaurant! Some of the dishes you must try are the pappardelle pasta with a meat sauce, the croutons with livers and the pore mushrooms with "ciaccia" bread, which can be accompanied by a glass of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, one of the best red wines in the world.
Are you ready for your vacation? Book our Villa Lauretana or Villa Corolle to turn your holiday in Southern Tuscany into a daydream!
© Alice Pilastri
Read More
Venice is unique. This magical city immersed in the water of its famous Lagoon seems to breathe following the rhythm of the tide. It's a treasure of art masterpieces and wonderful architectures, made with "calle" streets and "campielli", bridges and "gondolas".
Obviously, Venice is also its Carnival, a unique celebration organized once a year that deserves to be lived in first person at least once in a lifetime.
The word "Carnival" derives from the latin “Carnem levare”, meaning "remove meats from meals". Together with abstinence, this represented one of the behaviors that "good Christians" needed to follow and respect during Lent, which is the forty-days period starting the day after Fat Tuesday.
Since ages, Carnival has been associated with words like liberty, fun and freedom of customs, as this popular rite was an occasion to forget about differences between social classes, religions, sexes and hierarchies. This is why transgression and camouflage later became the main aspects of this festivity.
Carnival celebrations in Venice reach their moment of splendor in the 18th century, the period of foundation of the well-known Venetian Commedia dell’Arte by Carlo Goldoni. Therefore, the link between the city, Carnival and the Masks of the "Commedia" became very profound. The brillian Lagoon craftsmen started manufacturing beautiful facial masks, adding the rich details and bright colors that soon became the symbol of the lavish celebration.
Nothing has changed since those years! In occasion of Carnival, Venice tranforms itself into an enormous theatre stage populated by thousands of masks and costumes that dance, celebrate and have fun enjoying their total anonymity.
One of he best-known masks is called “Bauta” and is composed by a black cape, a red cocked hat and a white mask that can be worn both by men and women. Singularily, the shape of the face mask allows to drink and eat with no need to take it off, while the shape of the nose can even disguise someone's voice.
Taking part to the Carnival of Venice is indescribable. Walking next to century-old buildings dressed as a "Bauta", dancing with a colorful flow of people in the centre of one of the most beautiful town of the world, is really something priceless!
What are you waiting for? Book one of our properties in Veneto, like Ca' Marcello!
© Alice Pilastri
Read More
November 20, 2018
All about Kassiopi and Why You Should Visit It
If you are looking for charming locality in Corfu for your next vacation, Kassiopi is the ideal destination for you. Relaxing, beautiful and immersed in the vegetation, this seaside town is a magic place that will make you explore the local culture in a unique way.
Kassiopi is a traditional fishermen village located in the northern part of the island of Corfu. It is now a vibrant tourist destination with two wonderful beaches that attract many visitors with their stunning beauty.
Born as a small coastal town, during the Roman Empire Kassiopi was a flourishing village where economy was totally based on fishing. Later, it enlarged the dimensions of its picturesque centre and featured a lovely byzantine castle that still partly exists.
Kassiopi was not born as a touristic town. Situated in front of Pantokratos Mount, it is surrounded by a beautiful vegetation and still conserves the typical simplicity of the rich Greek culture.
Of course, an excellent period to visit Kassiopi is summer to enjoy its three nice beaches! The first stony trait of coastline is equipped with facilities and offers various activities like water-ski or scuba diving that will make you live a memorable experience. The other two beaches are smaller but present some charming scenarios adorning them.
The things to do in Kassiopi never lack. As it’s become a popular vacation locality, it offers numerous cafés, pubs and good restaurants of local cuisine where you can taste some Greek specialities. In the afternoons, you can enjoy a bike tour or a wonderful mini-cruise to discover the secret spots of paradise along the coast.
How can we not mention the great events and festival organized in Kassiopi? Easter is definitely an excellent occasion to visit the town and to take part to its festivals, while August 15th and May8th are two important religious festival not to be missed.
Are you ready for your trip? We suggest choosing the wonderful Villa Armonia to enjoy your stay to the fullest, as this beautiful villa located 2 km far from the town centre guarantees an unforgettable stay to all its guests.
© Alice Pilastri
Read More
October 28, 2018
The 6 Best Holiday Destinations for Couples in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean region always stuns everybody with its lovely coastlines and views. There is no better way to discover its beauties than visiting its wonderful islands with the one you love the most, as you can enjoy a romantic getaway to its best-known localities.
Cannot decide which island is perfect for you and your partner? Take a look at our top holiday destinations for couples to spend a very good time in one of Europe's best destinations!
- Kefalonia, Greece
Kefalonia’s atmosphere is wildly romantic. This jewel of the Mediterranean is waiting for you to be discovered and appreciated in its unbelievable charm. Its landscapes are stunning and its hidden corners of paradise guarantee a relaxing and memorable holiday to each couple. If you love nature and you would like to discover some nice folkloristic Greek traditions, this is definitely the destination for you.
- The Balearic Islands, Spain
: Yes, it might be very hot and crowded in the high season here. But how can you renounce to those beautiful panoramic view and dreamy beaches? Ibiza, Mallorca and, most of all, Menorca and Formentera are wonderful holiday destination for couples. Wouldn’t you like to have a romantic vacation where you can also party in the world’s best clubs and pubs? You and your partner can have the best time of your lives here.
Looking for a holiday rental? Choose among our villas for rent in the Balearic Islands!
- Capri, Italy
Located in Southern Italy, Capri is an adorable islet with picture-perfect scenarios. Its glowing sea cave called Blue Grotto is a magic place to reach with a private boat, while the Faraglioni Archway is a beautiful place that will leave you speechless. Couples from all around the globe decide to visit this locality together, some of themto celebrate their wedding or honeymoon.
Looking for a holiday rental? Choose among our villas for rent in Campania!
- Folegandros, Greece
Not so popular, but still one of the most beautiful, Folegandros enchants with its white town streets and stunning landscapes. The islands is filled with typical Cycladic buildings and natural beauty, made of splendid sea views and picturesque scenarios.
- Santorini, Greece
Santorini is a dream. Its famous sunsets are the unique protagonist of the holiday, as sun rays reflect on the beautiful white house walls creating splendid atmospheres. Thisis definitely one of the most popular destinations for couples in Greece, and it’s not difficult to understand why. Beautiful to be discovered by land and by sea going on a memorable private boat tour to visit its secret hidden corners of paradise.
Looking for a holiday rental? Choose among our villas for rent in Santorini!
- Crete, Greece
Crete is the largest Greek island and it’s one of the best for a romantic vacation. It offers some of the most superb beaches of Europe and an incredible treasure of art and culture that will enrich your Greek experience making it unforgettable. A lively nightlife, an incredible variety of activities and a delicious offer of local food will delight you and make you live one of the nicest times you’ve ever had.
Looking for a holiday rental? Choose among our villas for rent in Crete!
© Alice Pilastri
Read More
Summer’s over and you still have to get used to cold weather and stressful days? Do not panic: we have the solution for you!
Autumn can be the perfect period to visit Greece, where days are still sunny, and you can enjoy a late relaxing holiday at the seaside. We do not guarantee that you’ll be able to wear a swimsuit and dive in the transparent sea waters, but you’ll sure get the chance to recover a few of your suntan visiting some of the best beaches of the Mediterranean Sea in a period where they are not very crowded.
Discover the best places to visit in Autumn and the best activities that will turn your holiday into an amazing experience!
Zakynthos is a beautiful, unique island where nature grows almost uncontaminated. Here, modernity mixes with old traditions creating pleasant atmospheres that charm every visitor. Zakynthos city is the capital of entertainments, while the small fishermen villages situated along the coast are nice places to spend a relaxing day. Then, you can enjoy some stunning beaches pretending it is still August, like the intimate Gerakas beach or the famous Ship Wreck Bay!
Autumn is also the perfect period to visit some of the wonderful museums found in Crete, one of Greece’s largest islands. Being the southernmost point of Greece, Crete’s weather is rather good, even in October. That’s why you cannot miss a visit to its best beaches to get some suntan, like Balos or Elafonisi.
And what about a romantic boat tour around Santorini coasts? This charming island is a major tourist attraction in Greece and the views that you can admire from its sea are just splendid, especially when the sun goes down.
Otherwise, you can decide to explore Corfu, where its plentiful activities will surely fulfil your expectations. Corfu Town is a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site to discover, while the beautiful beaches found in the north offer some splendid places to relax.
Looking for a holiday rental for your dream stay on a Greek island? Have a look to our properties for rent in Crete, Santorini, Zakynthos and Corfu and choose your favorite one!
© Alice Pilastri
Read More
September 28, 2018
6 Amazing Things You Must Do in Santorini
Santorini’s fame comes before any description. It is probably one of the most iconic Mediterranean islands and its glimpses come to mind when it is time to talk about Greece. This volcanic island emerging from the Aegean Sea presents unique landscapes and stunning sunsets that add a wonderful touch of romanticism to a lovely holiday with the beloved one.
But which are the best things to do in Santorini? There are activities you cannot skip to do and places you absolutely need to visit before returning home full of regrets. Discover them with us!
If you are looking for a holiday rental in Santorini, don't forget to check Villa Dreams and Lighthouse Villa, two charming properties that we rent on this island.
1) Watch the Sunset in Oia
Oia is a small but very charming village located north that mixes tourist attraction with traditional atmospheres. Its sunset are stunningly beautiful and will leave you speechless. The perfect spots to watch the sun go down is the Byzantine Castle, Akrotiri lighthouse, Santo Winery or at a romantic restaurant.
2) Spend a day at the beautiful beaches
What’s better than spending a hot summer day at the beach? Santorini offers various beaches with different features that fit the need of every visitor. While Red Beach is wild and colorful, Perissa Beach is very frequented , White Beach can only be reached by sea and Kamari Beach presents an endless trait of fine white sand. You just need to choose your favorite and relax.
3) Take part to a delightful Wine Tour
One of the things that distinguish Santorini is its unique viticulture, that differs from any other around the globe. It is not a holiday without a glass of wine, right? And why not choosing an incredible 18-Greek wine tasting in the famous Santo’s Winery?
4) Visit an archaeological excavation site
The western coast of Santorini presents the wonderful archaeological site of Akrotir. Here, an ancient Minoan civilization was discovered, after being buried for centuries under the ashes of a 15thcentury BC eruption. Don’t miss it!
5) Discover the beauty of Fira
Fira is Santorini’s largest town and certainly the most visited by tourists. Its attractions are countless: spend some time shopping in the numerous boutiques of have a coffee in a panoramic café! Then, continue your tour between picturesque churches and don’t forget to take some gorgeous photographs.
6) Hike to the top of Santorini Volcano
This island presents a famous “caldera” born from volcanic activities. Get the most out of your experience and try to hike to the top of the volcanic island of Nea Kameni that you can find in this area! You will spot smoking craters, lava formations and beautiful landscapes that you will not be able to see in any other place. Also, the panoramic view will be worth the long walk!
© Alice Pilastri
Read More
© Photo Credit Motorbike Tire Shop
Who hasn't ever heard about the legendary Vespa Piaggio? It is the symbol of Italian "Dolce Vita" and certainly one of the world's most popular scooters!
There is no better way to discover the beauty of Italian landscapes than driving a Vespa. Hair blowing in the wind, a nice sunny day and an incredible sense of freedom provide some emotions that cannot really be described in words. Wouldn't you like to enjoy your Italian holiday to the fullest? Then rent a splendid Vespa and go discovering the hidden panoramic views and the small pieces of heaven!
Here's why our company offers some special experiences to its customers, like an unforgettable Vespa Tour in Tuscany! Discover more about this service and contact us for more information!
The Piaggio society was founded in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio in Genova. It's in 1946 that the Vespa 98 was produced: this was the first model ever made and it was received as a revolution in the transport field that was an immediate success. In 1956, Piaggio manufactured the Vespa 150, a scooter with 150 cc and improved performaces that brought Piaggio to its 1.000.000th sale. The other iconic models were the Vespa 90 Super Sprint made in 1966, the Vespa 125 ET3 in 1976, the Vespa 50S in 1985 and the innovative Vespa ET2/ ET4 produced in 1996, which presented an elegant design and a modern motor that reduced emissions and consumptions.
Slim, responsive and sophisticated, the Vespa soon became a "Made in Italy" symbol and legend. It's very popular both in Italy and abroad, especially in cities where traffic is a big problem to handle. Nowadays, Piaggio produces many different models: while the Vespa GTS is quicker and nippier, the Vespa primavera is much more simple and elegant. Of course, "Vespa" is not all about the scooter: there are many gadgets and accessories that will add a touch of style to every biker!
Did you know that one of the most important Piaggio factories turned into a special museum in Tuscany? The main production center in Pontedera was transformed into an enormous exposition area conserving the historical heritage of this ancient Italian industry, including some inestimable vintage objects. Guided visits, game areas and various educational activities will accompany you along this interesting tour to show you how Italy and Europe's history was changed by Piaggio's innovations.
Do not forget to visit the Piaggio Museum if you are staying in the surroundings of Pisa! Have a look a our holiday rentals near Pisa and choose your favorite to spend a memorable vacation in Tuscany.
© Alice Pilastri
Read More
A trip to Sicily...why not? What Italians call “Sicilia Bedda” is a treasure full of beauties and different cultures that mix in the middle of wonderful natural atmospheres. An area that will certainly make you fall in love is the North West coastline, corresponding to the three provinces of Palermo, Trapani and Agrigento. Here, you will not be able to find the words to describe the beauty right in front of your eyes and you will really think to live inside a wonderful dream.
Do you have few time to visit Sicily but you still desire to discover the best tourist attractions of this region? Here's a list of the best must-dos and must-sees in Western Sicily! This top 10 will be essentail for your tour and it will make you come back home with no regrets, happy for being able to see everything that was worth a visit.
10) Discover the charm of Erice
It is one of tourists' favorite destinations in Sicily, as they love its splendid location, the wonderful panoramic view of the city of Trapani and the beauties of the old town center. Erice if considered one of Italy's most charming "borghi" and it presents ancient monuments such as the castle of Venus and Balio, Torretta Pepoli, Phoenician-Punic city walls or the magnificent Spanish District.
Are you looking for a holiday rental in Erice? Book our Villa Erice!
9) Walk along the streets of Mazara del Vallo center
The historical center of Mazara Del Vallo is certainly one of the most peculiar of the island. Here, different cutlures weave together in an amazing way and transform the town into an adorable place. Do not forget to go see the Moroccan Kasbah, the rests of Sant'Ignazio Basilica or go walking along the seaview promenade to spend a relaxing and pleasant afternoon!
Are you looking for a holiday rental in Mazzara del Vallo? Book our Villa Oasi!
8) Visit San Vito lo Capo
Those who love sandy beaches and clear sea waters can have a great time on San Vito Lo Capo coastline, which is one of the major Sicilian tourist destinations! Moreover, the history of San Vito is rich of interesting events and there are innumberable centyr-old monuments that you can admire during your city tour, like the beautiful San Crescenzia Chapel.
Are you looking for a holiday rental in San Vito Lo Capo? Book our Villa Afrodite!
7) Taste the Pane Cunzato
One of the dishes you should really try is the “pane cunzato”, which is a special kind of "seasoned bread"! This Sicilian loaf is produced by many town bakeries and was invented in Scopello, where it is traditionally flavored with a lot of extra-virgin olive oil, first-salt Sicilian cheese, tomatoes, anchovies and oregano. Taste it and discover its explosive gusto!
Are you looking for a holiday rental in Scopello? Book our Villa Contrada!
6) Dive from the amazing Scala dei Turchi
Scala dei Turchi is the name of a singular white reef located on Realmonte coast, not far from the main city of Agrigento. This cliff emerging from the sea water is now a popular tourist attraction that became famous for being the location of a famous Italian series called “Il Commissario Montalbano”.
Are you looking for a holiday rental near Realmonte? Book our Villa Agorà!
5) Admire the picturesque views of Cefalù
This splendid seafront village does not really need a description! Cefalù is located in the province of Palermo and its charm was even awarded by UNESCO, which recognized it as a "World Heritage Site". The sandy beach, the Cathedral, the "Rocca" and its beautiful old town center donates unique emotions to all its visitors (discover more about Cefalù here)!
Are you looking for a holiday rental in Cefalù?Book our Villa Nettuno!
4) Travel on the roads of the Natural Reserve of Saline
Both Marsala and Trapani are two centers that deserve to be visited at least once during your trip. However, what is considered as one of Sicily's most impressing places is the road connecting the two cities, which becomes particularily charming when the sunrays reflect on Saline's waters at sunset. This "Salt Road" presents some incredible natural landscapes and an unmissable museum!
Are you looking for a holiday rental near Trapani? Book our Villa Salinella!
3) Take a picture to the beauties found in Palermo and Monreale
Arab, Christian, Greek, Phoenician, Norman and Ostrogoth, the history of Palermo (discover more about Palermo here) is an incredible mix of cultures and arts! Monuments and places of interest are countless: enter Palazzo dei Normanni, Palazzo della Zisa or the Palatine Chapel to admire its magnificent decorations, otherwise visit the beautiful city of Monreale to see the stunning Dome.
Are you looking fora holiday rental in Palermo? Book our Villa Vincenzo!
2) Spend a day at "Tonnara di Scopello" and Riserva dello Zingaro
Staying at San Vito Lo Capo, you have the opportunity to visit Scopello and its famous Tonnara. This 17th century town is a relaxing and quiet place which is well-known for the sea stacks that come out from the splendid sea. Don't miss the Riserva dello Zingaro, which is a natural oasis that will surely surprise you leaving you speechless.
Are you looking for a holiday rental near Riserva dello Zingaro? Book our Villa Contrada!
1) Time travel in the wonderful archaeological parks of Agrigento, Segesta and Selinunte
It's in Sicily that you can find the remains of some splendid Magna Graecia's polis. The best-known is Agrigento, whose “Valle dei Templi” conserves ten ancient temples (discover more about Agrigento here). Other interesting destinations are Selinunte, where there is Europe's biggest archeological park, and Segesta, a Greek city founded in the 9th century BC that exhibits an inttact temple.
Are you looking for a holiday rental in Agrigento? Book our Villa Agorà!
© Alice Pilastri
Read More
Every July and August, the city of Siena hosts a very popular event. It is broadcasted live by the main TV channels, it draws crowds of spectators and it engages all its inhabitants, even the youngest and the oldest, who share the same huge passion. The inimitable Palio di Siena is not just a 90-seconds horse race, but an important part of Seneses' life, who dedicate soul and body to their own Contrada.
But what is the Palio and what is the history of this event?
The Palio di Siena is an equestrian competition with Medieval origins that takes place on two occasions every year, precisely July 2nd (Palio di Provenzano) and August 16th (Palio dell'Assunta).
It is believed that its origins date back to 1200, when the first entertaining events had been organized in town. The initial meaning of the Palio was political and it celebrated the city's triumph, although it soon lost this allegorical value after the fall of the Republic of Siena in 1559. In the 17th century, the event started to include the figure of the "fantino" (the jockey), the round race, the bareback ride and the "tratta", which is the appointment of the horses to each Contrada. Later, two Palios were organized instead than one, the territorial borders and the colors of Contradas were officially established and the historical parade with musicians, flag wavers and other participants wearing Medieval costumes was introduced once again.
In each race, 10 of the 17 contrade compete against each other, including Chiocciola, Drago, Civetta, Pantera, Valdimontone, Onda, Aquila, Giraffa, Oca, Selva, Tartuca, Torre, Nicchio, Istrice, Leocorno, Lupa, and Bruco. .Fierce rivalries and strong alliances exist between the contrade. You cannot simply choose a contrada; you must be born and baptized there. Each contrada has its own baptismal fountain, church, and museum. During the Palio, each district is decorated with flags bearing its symbols. When a child is baptized, they receive a square silk cloth called a fazzoletto, tied with a special knot that can only be untied if the contrada wins a race. This cloth is worn throughout all Palio celebrations for the rest of the child's life.
Before the race, a historic procession takes place, during which jockeys prepare for the race and forge alliances. The starting order is determined by the ‘mossiere’. Ten jockeys ride bareback on a track made of tufo—a thick layer of earth—and complete three laps around Piazza del Campo.One of the unique rules of the Palio states that it is perfectly acceptable for a jockey to be thrown or pushed off the horse. What matters is that the horse crosses the finish line, known as the mossa. The winner is the horse—with or without a jockey—that crosses the finish line first after completing the three laps of Piazza del Campo. The victorious contrada receives the coveted cencio or drappellone.
The celebrations for the Palio do not really last a single day, but all year long. It is a protracted period of festivities that turns into a hectic week in occasion of the four days before the race, when there are events such as the choice of the horses, veterinarian visits, various rehearsals, religious celebrations and exciting in-Contrada dinners. For the people of Siena, the Palio is a special kind of love, while their Contrada is seen like a big second family.
It is not easy to describe or understand a feeling like this, but why don't you try to let this passion carry you taking part to the next Palio? You can either buy a ticket for the podiums and terraces or you can enter the square for free and watch the race from there, although a good visual is not guaranteed. Here, you will not find any toilets, shadow areas or seats, so we recommend getting ready and equipped properly before the beginning of the race. Once you'll be there, nothing else will really matter thanks to the incredible atmosphere of that day!
Plan your visit to Siena, buy your ticket and book one of our holiday accommodations!
We suggest our San Donnino.
© Alice Pilastri
Read More
The incredible story of a wooden puppet called Pinocchio made millions of people go off on flights of fancy. Since more than a hundred years, his tales have passionated children and adults of all ages and they have been translated into more than 250 languages.
However, few people know that this famous story was born in Tuscany, in a tiny medieval center near Pistoia called Collodi. Yes, "Collodi" is also the surname of the book's author, Carlo! Actually, he chose this alias in honor of his mother and the place he spent all his childhood at.
This lovely center became a well-known tourist destination thanks to the wonderful Pinocchio Park, where visitors can dive into the magic of this timeless story next to its unforgettable characters! The little Fairy, the Cat and the Fox, Stromboli and Geppetto are waiting for you inside a colorful park, where you can re-live the most important episodes of their fable visiting its beautiful locations.
So, what are you waiting for? Follow our travel tips and start planning your visit!
No matter if you are a large family, a couple or a group of friends: if you'd like to spend a different afternoon feeling like a kid again, this place is certainly the perfect destination for you!
The Pinocchio Park is an open-air space that will stun you with its thriving nature, its bright colors, its stunning decorations and other surprises! Get inside the Puppets' Theater, the Fairy's House, the Pirates' Cave or the mythical Dogfish's Mouth! During your tour, you will also meet many bronze statues, some wonderful pieces of art and various ancient carrousels which will embellish a precious atmosphere. Enter the ivy maze and find the exit with your beloved ones, enjoy a snack in a café or pic-nic area, or rather let your children have fun with the games, laboratories and activities offered by the staff. This will certainly make your day memorable!
The "older" visitors will be able to spend their time visiting the interesting "Pinocchio Museum" or tasting some delicious local dishes at “Osteria del Gambero Rosso”!
And there is more: next to the Park, there are two spectacular places you must visit! The historical Garden of Villa Garzoni was defined as one of Italy's most beautiful parks and it presents many fountains, water games, colorful flower beds and splendid ancient statues. Near this Villa, you will find the charming Butterfly House, an enormous greenhouse inhabited by more than a thousand butterflies!
The cumulative entrance ticket allows to visit the Park, the Garden and the Butterfly House and it costs €22/ €18. A single ticket for the Park costs €13.
Enjoy a wonderful sunny day in this magical place and feel like a dreamy little child again! Fun is guaranteed and the spectacular location will surely leave you breathless.
If you are looking for a property to rent for your stay near Collodi, we suggest booking our Villa Melograni in Montecarlo, Villa Celeste or Villa Fiamma in Segromigno in Monte, which are located just a few kilometers away.
© Alice Pilastri
Read More