Archive for 'Parks & Gardens'

If you've found your luxury villa in Lucca and are looking for things to do but can't seem to escape the easy answers of food, museums and places that attract every tourist in the world (or so it would seem from the lines into such places!), then listen up. If you're after something different, a bit of an adventure, time outdoors and a little bit physical exertion mixed in with fun, then you're going to want to check out the recently opened adventure park in Bagni di Lucca. Canyon Park has opened at Scesta, near Cocciglia, on the Brennero road towards Abetone. It is the first adventure park developed in a canyon in Italy and enables visitors to go rafting on the river, zoom down a zip line and clamber over the wire suspension bridge across the canyon, among other things.

Orbetello Lagoon is one of the best preserved, most unspoiled natural areas in all of Italy as well as Tuscany. This coastal lagoon consists of 1500 hectares of marshland which is separated from the sea on the west and east by two 6km strips of land and by the Argentario headland. The town of Orbetello sits on a third strip of land that stretches into the centre of the lagoon and a bridge connects Orbetello to Mount Argentario, dividing the lagoon into two parts. This all adds up to a visual treat which is both highly unique and supremely beautiful.

With so much to see in this eden-like natural reserve, it's the perfect spot for holidaying nature-lovers. If you happen to fall into that category, just find a holiday rental in Orbetello and get exploring the lagoon.

Once you've found a luxury villa in Lucca and are headed there on a holiday, it might be tempting to stay within the Baroque walls of the beautiful city, especially as there is so much to see, despite its relatively small size. However, venturing beyond these walls is well worth it – not only for the stunning Tuscan landscape which surrounds but also for the villas on the outskirts of Lucca. These buildings were originally largely the summer homes of influential merchants. With frescoed interiors, sumptuous architectural detail and stunning gardens with waterworks ahead of their time, these villas are a treat to the senses, pleasant ventures into the past and historical and artistic gems. One particularly beautiful example is Villa Torrigiani.

The Orrido di Botri is an impressive gorge, made up of deep steep walls, which looks like a karstic canyon and was created by the eroding of the limestone rock of the Apennines by the Pelago creek. The creek, set between the craggy walls of the canyon, creates a perfectly scenic natural environment of great geological and naturalist interest. This whole area, located near Lucca, is part of a natural reserve which was established in 1971 to protect the unique and beautiful landscape and its inhabitants. It is home to beech, black hornbeam, orniello, leccio, maple and willow trees as well as wild linden and animals such as roe deer, deer, hares, squirrels, marmots, foxes, polecats and martens.

The Giardino Bardini, or Bardini Garden, is a Renaissance garden in Florence which has only been opened to the public in the past few years. Less well-known than other Renaissance gardens in the city such as the Giardini di Boboli, it is still a bit of a well-kept secret devoid of crazy crowds of tourists. Though relatively small it is a rich gem with beautiful canals, fountains, flowers and sculptures dotting the whole garden. It also has exceptional views over the city. If you're looking to spend a few pleasant hours strolling the gardens with a loved one or lost in your thoughts and the peace and quiet, this is just the place for you. Find a luxury villa in Florence and you could grab lunch and then lazily walk off the meal in one of the prettiest parts of the city.