Archive for 'August'

Tuscany is an inherently historic destination as it is a place where history is alive and well. Many towns have charming centres that remain relatively untouched by time, culture and art from the rich history of the region account for a vast majority of the most popular tourist attractions, and many ancient traditions persist to the current day. One such tradition is of large-scale local festivals, many of which involve processions and events while in historic dress that recreate the past. Among these various festivals and celebrations, usually referred to as sagre, there is the Balestro del Girifalco. This is a twice annual crossbow competition in the town of Massa Marittima that includes a grand procession in historical dress through the charming Old Town, medieval-style feasts, and more. So, if you love history and want to feel it truly come alive, or you simply love a spectacle, then be sure to attend this fantastical event if you have booked a villa on the Tuscan Coast and are spending time in the area around Massa Marittima. 

Right now, if you head on holiday to stay in one of our amazing villas in Tuscany, especially if you find a vacation rental in the Maremma area or a holiday rental in the Val D’Orcia, you will likely encounter the incredible sight of fields upon fields of golden sunflowers. Blooming from around the middle of July until around the middle of August, these stunning flowers may not be native to the area but are now actually a symbol for Tuscany. 

Livorno is home to another Venice, the Venezia Nuova, or New Venice of Tuscany. A stunning coastal town in Tuscany, this gem of a place features a series less-famous but undeniably lovely canals of its own.

Throughout the year, there is plenty to recommend the town for a vacation in one of our Tuscany Villas but there are a few annual events that make time staying a villa in Livorno and exploring the city all the more appealing. One of the most exciting of these events takes place each August and sees the canals made yet more lovely with music, performances, street art, light shows, markets, and more. The Effetto Venezia, or Venetian Effect, is an event with an almost 40 year tradition and is a thrilling and colourful festival that makes Livorno into one giant work of art and party.

The town of Montepulciano is a town famous for its wine and, certainly, those interested in Tuscan wine will find incredible wineries to visit and taste wine in the vicinity, charming restaurants where delicious meals are perfectly paired with excellent vintages, chic bars to share a bottle with their travel companions, and some great shops to purchase a bottle of wine to enjoy as they relax in one of our amazing Tuscany villas if they spend any time in the area. However, if you also like somewhat unusual events and traditional festivals and celebrations on top of tasty wines then it would be best to plan your vacation in Montepulciano during the month of August, around the time of the Bravio delle Botti. This somewhat bizarre but very exciting and interesting event is a rather special annual race that takes place in town each summer and sees representatives of the different neighbourhoods of Montepulciano compete by dashing through the pretty historic centre while pushing a giant wine barrel. Though the sight of it might momentarily make you concerned that you have been indulging in the local speciality a little too liberally, we can assure you that this silly and fun event makes for the best opportunity and time of year to get to know Montepulciano.