Activities

TOP PLACES TO VISIT

Activities

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.

Follonica -- Acqua Village

Two Hawaiian-themed water parks await you in Cecina and Follonica where you can spend days of fun and relax. A total area of 115,000 square meters with 40,000 meters of greenery, 7,000 square meters of structures and 1,500 square meters of parking: at Acqua Village in Cecina and Follonica you will find more than 2 kilometers of slides, 6,000 cubic meters of moving water, seven swimming pools, 300 umbrellas, dining options for all tastes!

Gavorrano -- Parco Teatro delle Rocce

The Teatro delle Rocce in Gavorrano, in the province of Grosseto, is a symbol and also one of the seven gates of the Colline Metallifere National Park. In the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, the theatre was carved out of an old quarry, giving life to a unique cultural space with a charming and magical feel. Since 2003 it has hosted theatrical performances, concerts, dance shows, conferences, art exhibitions and many other important events.

Siena -- Palazzo Pubblico

Palazzo Pubblico in Siena (also known as the Town Hall), is considered a perfect example of civil Gothic architecture worldwide.Built between 1297 and 1310 at the behest of the Government of the Nine of the Republic of Siena, it was the residence of the Signoria and the Podestà and still today a symbol of political power as the town hall. It’s the most important building in the city and the entire Piazza del Campo seems to lean towards it by sheer force of gravity.

Punta Ala

Punta Ala is the ideal spot for a one day excursion from Pietraserena. There are so many activities for the whole family that beckon. Pride of place goes to the beach, with its mile of sand lapped by the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian sea offering safe swimming. Along the beach are loungers and umbrellas available for sunbathing, or for relaxing in the shade when the sun is at its height. Punta Ala Marina is a harbour packed with sailing boats and luxury yachts. Boat tours, fishing trips and sunset cruises are on offer. There are also many walks to explore (maybe in the cooler part of the day) within the Tombolo di Punta Ala Nature Reserve and the Montioni Natural Park. Then there are the restaurants and trattorias, some of them around the marina or along the seafront, others in the town, offering seafood from the day's catch and local specialities such as wild boar roast. Everything is in place to make this a memorable day, even from dawn to dusk.

Rocca di Frasinella -- the Wine Cellar

At Rocca di Frassinello guests are treated to a fascinating journey through time, from the contemporary architecture of Renzo Piano’s cellar, to Italo Rota’s exhibition – The Etruscans and Wine at Rocca di Frassinello – located inside the winery, whose ancient finds prove the profound history of winemaking on this site, dating back almost three millennia ago. The journey continues with a wine tasting in the pavilion where the Rapture of the Grape is displayed

Massa Marittima Cathedral

Massa Marittima is located on the western side of the Colline Metallifere chain (Metalliferous Hills), about 400mt above sea level and approximately 18km from the coast. The surrounding area is covered in Mediterranean shrub, vineyards and olive fields. Massa Marittima has been inhabited since the Proto-historic Era and its mineral resources were already used for mining purposes during the Etruscan period. Lots of small mediaeval villages spread in the whole area and especially on top of the hills due to defensive reasons.