Coastal or Countryside - Which Villas in Tuscany Work for You?

There are a lot of fantastic villas in Tuscany; from ones located on the coastal towns of Livorno and Solvay to inland ones in Greve in Chianti and Castelnuovo Berardenga. Each location has its own charms to help make your holiday a truly memorable one, but which will best suit what you are searching for to make for a truly unforgettable experience?

Here’s a quick run-down to help you decide on coastal or countryside locations.

Sun, Surf and Salt

Hearing the waves lap on the beach, smelling the salt wafting in the air and soaking up plenty of sunlight are some of the main reasons people flock to this wonderful region in the first place – and is an automatic reason for beach-lovers to book a stay in one of the many coastal villas in Tuscany. Viareggio and San Vincenzo are particularly attractive locations to start your hunt. Fresh, Green and Charming

Those looking for verdant surroundings filled with rustic charm will find a lot to love with the choice of rural villas in Tuscany. These quiet little estates are the perfect places to reconnect with nature and enjoy the tranquillity of the landscape. The various regions in Chianti, from Panzano in Chianti to Greve in Chianti, are perfect places to find a charming countryside villa.

Clubs, Pubs and Restaurants

Many of the coastal villas in Tuscany are located near major tourist hotspots with an active nightlife scene. Livorno and Cecina are two major urban centres, with plenty of rural accommodation just a few kilometres out of town. These cities have plenty of places to mingle with fellow tourists and locals if you feel like socialising. Many of these vibrant local establishments serve drinks as well as fine food - making for a great all-in-one venue for night out.

Wines and Vineyards

Another reason the region around Chianti is so popular is because of its proximity to the vineyards so famous for producing their namesake wines. This makes rural villas even more attractive to wine-lovers of varying degrees - from oenophiles familiar with fine vintages to newcomers curious about one of the world's most famous wines.

Castles and Ruins

A lot of coastal accommodation is located close to ancient ruins and medieval and Renaissance castles. Villa Romana delle Grotte, near the town of Portoferraio, is one shining example. The ruins themselves offer a rare glimpse of life during the Roman era, but the beautiful coastal backdrop enhances its appeal even further. Spa Towns and Thermal Baths

This spectacular part of Italy is famous for the thermal spas dotted around the countryside - from Terme di Saturnia in Manciano to Terme San Filippo in Castiglione d'Orcia. Montecatini Terme, located in the province of Pistoia, deserves special mention, as it is one of the most popular thermal spa destinations in Italy.

Keep all these pointers in mind and, depending on which takes priority on your list, you will have a much easier time deciding whether you’ll want to book reservations on the coast or in the countryside.

Jonathan Magoni is Senior Manager of Cottages to Castles, a family owned company specialising in high quality holiday villas, apartments and cottages in Italy. For spectacular villas in Tuscany or accommodation in the Italian lakes, ski resorts or city centres, we offer only the very best. Discover Italy at your own pace and without time restrictions in our hand picked villas and cottages.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.