Villa Pietraserena is an excellent center for exploring Tuscany.   Young families will make a beeline for the beaches, some 10-20 minutes drive away.  Boat trips can be organized at the marinas of Puntone or Punta Ala, maybe even fishing trips from Castiglione Della Pescaia, a fishing town 20 km away that is the best source for fresh fish.   The island of Elba can be reached by ferry from Piombino (20 km) and the island of Giglio from Porto Santo Stefano (40 km), with the 30-45 minute ferry time making one-day trips possible. Follonica (12 km) is a seaside town that offers an abundance of shops, and an extensive market every Friday.   There is also much to offer inland.  Tuscany abounds with medieval cities, perched on hilltops, with narrow streets and hidden artistic gems.  Near Villa Pietraserena there are Gavorrano, Scarlino, and Montepescali ready to explore, with Massa Marittima (20 km) the jewel in the crown, hosting open-air operas in the main square in August.  Further afield there are famous centers of art and culture, including Volterra, Montalcino, Grosseto, and most famous of all Siena, a 75-minute drive away along motorways.   After a morning exercising at the beach or walking around the hilltowns before it gets too hot, there is nothing better than to go back to the house for a dip in the pool and a lineout in the sun  --  or shade.  When supplies are needed, most can be found in the local village Bagno di Gavorrano,  just 1 km away, where shops are open until 7.30 p.m., and the supermarket until 9 p.m.  When hunger strikes and energy for home cooking is lacking, pizzas can be collected from several places, while there are many restaurants in or close to the village, both indoors and under the vines.  Vineyards can be visited, and famous local wines sampled, like that from Rocca di Frasinello. Whether you and your party are adventurous or just want to chill out, Villa Pietraserena and its environs will provide for your needs, whether pre-planned or decided on the day, or just allowed to happen.