Texts from www.pisaunicaterra.it

SEASIDE

The Pisan coast is set in the Nature Park of Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli, with the resorts of Marina di Pisa,

Tirrenia and Calambrone to the south of the River Arno and Marina di Vecchiano to the north. It provides a coastal

outlet for the municipalities of Pisa, San Giuliano Terme and Vecchiano, a stretch of Tyrrhenian coast offering a wide choice of seaside facilities and unspoilt beaches.

When travelling from Pisa to Marina di Pisa along the road that skirts the left bank of the Arno, there is an opportunity to watch eel fishing at the mouth of the river (“Bocca d’Arno”) and enjoy the scenery of the shoreline and scrub of San Rossore Estate against the backdrop of the Apuan Alps.

Marina di Pisa features small beaches protected by breaker rocks and town squares lined with Art Nouveau buildings that look out onto the sea. The beaches become increasingly wider as the journey progresses towards Tirrenia and Calambrone, which are immersed in a vast pine forest and surrounded by dunes of great environmental value. The sandy beaches, the clearsea and shady woods, the sports and leisure facilities (riding schools, golf courses, discos and pubs) offer a relaxing and varied stay.

To the north of the Arno, Marina di Vecchiano stretches from the mouth of the Serchio to Torre del Lago Puccini with Migliarino Forest behind it. The long, sandy coastline features one of the few remaining unspoilt beaches, including a beautiful dunal ecosystem. Modern and comfortable facilities are seamlessly integrated with the natural surroundings; the silken beaches and Mediterranean vegetation with its fragrances and bright colours make Marina di Vecchiano the ideal destination for those who seek a holiday in close contact with nature, just a stone’s throw from Pisa’s art treasures.

 

NATURE

This land offers various landscapes and ecosystems: from the green reliefs of the Monti Pisani(Pisan Mountains) to the

sands and marlstone of the Colline Metallifere; the white calanchi (gullies) of the Volterraarea covered in vineyards

and olive groves; the Colline Pisane (Pisan Hills), where the red clay earth alternates with sandy surfaces; the soffioni

(boric acid fumaroles) of Larderello; a coast bordered by dunes and pine woods.

The beauty of the mountains and hills is a gift of nature enhanced by the labour of man. Farmers in particular have moulded and worked this land over the centuries to create a countryside speckled with farms, country houses, mills, vineyards, olive terraces and large expanses of crops, fruit and vegetables that yield products of the highest quality.

This rich green territory is a paradise for nature lovers to be explored through the manytrekking routes, by bicycle or on horseback along the scenic paths that wind amid the farms. Close to the most famous tower in the world, the Nature Park of Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli forms a mosaic of remarkably integrated natural environments teeming with rare flora and fauna.

The beach is one of the most isolated in Tuscany, with a myriad of low dunes and pioneer plants. Green pine woods planted in the 18th century, fragrant extensions of Mediterranean scrub and strips of mixed woods populated by deer, wild boars and birds loom up behind.

A fine spot for bird watching and photo hunting is the hidden lay-bys in the Oasis of Lake Santa Luce, on the Pisan Hills.

Orciano Pisano is set on a rolling hillside and is in the centre of a land steeped in natural and culinary heritage. The paths and the ‘vie bianche’ trails grant visitors the opportunity to break away from the hectic city life and stroll or cycle freely through the fields and hills.

Moving towards the upper Val di Cecina, in contrast to the farmed land and the naturally preserved landscape of the park and the numerous nature reserves, we come across the erosion phenomena of the calanchi and biancane, typical of clayey soil and finding their most striking manifestation in the famous balze of Volterra. Further on are the Colline Metallifere(Metalliferous Hills), the southernmost reach of Pisan territory, noted for the phenomenon of the soffioni (boric acid fumaroles) and where visitors can observe the ancient Etruscan andmedieval mines.

 

FOOD AND WINE

In this land, that climbs from the sea towards rolling hills to then drop into the valleys of the plains, you can admire the

numerous centres of art, smell the flavours and pleasures of the food and culture and taste thelocal products of the Pisan territory, the wines, oils, truffle and cherries.

They are products of the wild or fruit of the professionalism and tireless work of our farmers, identity and capacity for innovation.

Just think of the knowledge required of the preparation process for the wines that are taking centre stage at both a national and international level.

There are routes and trails to be followed from the sea to the hills and, aside from the natural and architectural beauty, they open the door to the discovery of the “masterpieces” of the localfood and wine, the result of a farming culture with roots as deep as the Etruscan and Romancivilizations: unforgettable, unique flavours and aromas, derived from the many varieties ofwine, oil, fruit, cheeses, sausages, desserts, truffles and meats that take advantage of the raw ingredients and working methods to meet the needs of a tourism in search of genuine taste in a historical-cultural setting.

The Wine Road of the Etruscan Coast is shared with the province of Livorno and goes through some municipalities of Val di Cecina and counts the Montescudaio DOC as Pisan wines. This route presents two qualities of wine: Red (an intense colour and perfume, dry and full bodied) and White, led by the straw yellow colour and fruity aroma of the Trebbiano Toscano.

The Wine Road of the Pisan Hills passes through municipalities of the province of Pisa and features the Chianti DOCG of the Colline Pisane (a quiet red wine for any occasion, that improves with age); the white San Torpè DOC (a dry, balanced and delicate taste and lively aroma) and the Vin Santo San Torpè DOC.

The Olive Oil Route of the Monti Pisani crosses the municipalities of Vecchiano, San Giuliano Terme, Calci, Buti and Vicopisano combining art and history with food and typical produce, from extra virgin olive oil to wines and from chestnuts to mushrooms.

There are numerous outstanding recipes from the sea, land and fresh water in the typical Pisan cuisine: dishes that are supported not only by expert experience in stove preparation, choice of ingredients, quantities and cooking, but also centuries of social, political and economic history and sediment.

Deep in the green countryside there are numerous farm accommodations that give the guest the opportunity to taste the local agricultural products, while enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the Pisan countryside.

 

THERMAE AND WELLNESS

The territory of Pisa has long been popular for its thermal resorts thanks to the wealth ofthermal water springs, renowned not only for their curing properties but also for the beauty treatments, the quest for physical perfection and the restoration powers for wellness and tranquillity.

The municipalities of San Giuliano Terme and Vicopisano, on the slopes of the Pisan Mountains, are set in a landscape of lush green areas and slopes cultivated with olive grovesand have a grand hydrothermal heritage all within a territory full of history.

A blend of traditional and innovative treatments can be found in the elegant and refined thermal resorts of the Baths of Pisa in San Giuliano Terme which were built in the grand ducal period and were the destination of choice for the nineteenth century European aristocrats.

Guests at Uliveto Terme can enjoy the benefits of the hydropinica therapy while strolling through the vast thermal park equipped with recreation areas, a swimming pool and tenniscourts.

Deep in the green setting of the Colline Pisane or Pisan Hills, the technology and services of theCasciana Terme resort provides cutting edge curative and rehabilitation benefits in a refinedwellness centre that offers a wonderful view of the large outdoor thermal pool and the surrounding park from the resort terrace.

The quality of the treatments, the beauty of the landscape and the unique combination of sound, fragrance and colour of the Pisan thermal baths equips visitors with the physical and psychological balance needed to take on the challenges of modern life.

Golf is just one of the sporting activities that the resorts of the Pisan territories have to offer, in addition to the wellness of the thermal springs. The courses and fairways allow golfers to play through an enchanting natural setting, to stay in touch with nature, and reap the healthyrewards for the body and the mind.

The province of Pisa has three beautiful golf courses perfectly placed for easy access from the major centres of the territory and is perfect for those seeking a holiday that merges the fun of a game of golf in the countryside with the pleasure of a relaxing break in the name of wellness, for those who love to relax while playing sport, and even for those who are taking on the game of golf for the first time.

The “Cosmopolitan Golf Club of Tirrenia” is on the Tyrrhenian coast of Tirrenia, at just 500 metres from the sea is the “Tirrenia Golf Club” and deep in the pine forest, between the hills of Valdarno and a short distance from the town of San Miniato, is the Fontevivo Golf Club .

Termal springs and golf: an ideal combination for tourists who love to keep fit by alternatingsport with the baths and treatments at the thermal resorts, all the while visiting the cities and centres of art scattered throughout the province or enjoying a holiday by the sea and hills.

 

VILLAGES AND CITIES OF ARTS

Concentrated in just a few dozen kilometres are some of the most renowned artistic treasures of Tuscany: the “leaning”

Tower of Pisa, Volterra “the city of the Etruscans”, the Churches of San Miniato. A heritage that attracts millions of visitors all through the year and from all around the world who do not always realise how many monuments and masterpieces of art our province can offer them.

The province of Pisa is an expanse of artistic heritage, that goes far beyond the very famousPiazza dei Miracoli, in the rest of the city and among the splendid hills and Medieval hamletsof the Pisan countryside.

Pisa, thanks to its glorious past, offers the visitor the splendid Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO heritage site, with the Dome and its bell tower; (the famous leaning Tower), the monumental Camposanto (cemetery), the fourteenth century Battistero (baptistery).

But in addition to this Pisa is the city of the Lungarni, belts of noble Renaissance buildings locked together, a web of small Medieval alleyways, beautiful old buildings and churches.

Towards the East, along the line of the Arno, there is the city of San Miniato. Situated along Via Francigena it features the highly

prestigious Palazzo dei Vicari dell’Imperatore (XII century) and the Dome (XIII century), with its heavy bell tower.

The stunning city of Volterra, in the south of the Province of Pisa, seems to meet the tourist halfway with the enchanting view of the Medieval walls, the Dome and the Piazza dei Priori, as well as other treasures such as the IV century BC Porta Etrusca and the Teatro Romano.

To complement this “triangle” of treasures of international acclaim, the Province of Pisa has a host of exciting and moving sites in lesser known spots, spread throughout the countryside. A landscape full of buildings that hold all the charm of the centuries, Medieval hamlets, ancientcastles and churches full of hidden treasures