Your tips for exploring Tuscany's natural side in late August
FR

Translated into English.

Original post
FA
Hi, I'm looking for info on Tuscany with the idea of taking a family vacation at the end of August, but we're not into cities or crowds. We're more into wild nature, beaches, and hiking... I've heard about southern Tuscany—is it too urbanized? Where else should we look? Thanks so much
MA Mathews Globetrotter ·
We're looking more for wild nature, beaches, hiking...

Hi, why not consider northern Italy instead? There’s Piedmont, Lombardy, and the Dolomites for wild nature. Tuscany is a pretty central region, and as you can guess, Florence is a very touristy city, obviously. Not to mention it’s really hot in Italy in August. Further north, you can enjoy the cool mountain air.
FA Fannymontagn ·
Thanks because we already live in the mountains and we want to see the sea! 😊
MA Mathews Globetrotter ·
oops, my bad then
DE Delrome Regular ·
Hi there, The main issue you’ll run into is the heat—especially if you’re used to mountain living. Tuscany is amazing in spring or fall. We went last August too, and honestly, it was pretty tough, even though we live in Carpentras! Maybe the coastal areas are a bit cooler. Here’s a link to our family trip—hope you find some useful info in there. I’d recommend looking for accommodation in an agriturismo farm stay; it’s cheaper than a hotel and perfect for that nature vibe. https://www.voyagesetenfants.com/1-semaine-toscane-famille-nombreuse/
del
GA Gaura Veteran ·
Nature in Tuscany at the end of August… bad idea because it’s way too hot. I’m a huge fan of Tuscan landscapes—I often recharge there in May or June. After several experiences with extreme heat in June (including this year from the 8th to the 22nd), I’ll only go in May or autumn from now on. Hiking in those stunning landscapes is impossible; the most beautiful routes have no shade, and the distant views disappear in the heat haze. Nothing but downsides. I don’t know the beaches in the area. As for accommodation, pick a place with a pool to cool off if you stick to your plan. Italians who can escape head to the mountains in summer… but it gets crowded by the lakes and in the Dolomites.

I can confirm that agriturismos are a great tip—the same accommodations are cheaper than on Airbnb or Booking.
gaura
FA Fannymontagn ·
Hi, thanks so much! I was thinking of visiting the Apuan Alps and then a campsite with a pool and sea access near Rochette, toward the Marenna.
VA Valmichel86 Regular ·
Hi Fanny, Your idea of splitting your trip into two separate stays—one for the mountains and one for the sea—seems like a good plan. For the seaside (I’m guessing you’re tied to August dates), I’d make the same choice as you: southern Tuscany. I haven’t explored that area myself, but the stretch of coast I know (from Carrara to Livorno) is completely urbanized, except for a few pine grove spots. I’d absolutely avoid it—traffic is impossible even in June, so I can only imagine what it’s like in August. The southern coast is less built-up. For the mountains, the Apuan Alps are stunning, but don’t stay on the Versilia side. Instead, book accommodation in Garfagnana (the inland side of the Apuan Alps).

To escape the worst of the heat, plan activities above 1,000 meters in altitude.

Last year, I hiked in the Apennines north of Arezzo province (check out my travel journal I wrote about it). The elevation is great—it’s mountain hiking through forests with less open scenery. I also did some hiking in the Apuan Alps back in 2021. I can dig up those details if you’re interested.

Finally, the iconic Tuscan landscapes you see in photos aren’t found by the sea or in the mountains. They’re in the hilly areas between the coast and the mountains, especially in the Siena province. Don’t expect that kind of scenery near the Apuan Alps—they drop straight into a coastal plain that’s only about 5 km wide (and completely urbanized, as I mentioned earlier).
Valmichel86

Similar discussions

You might also like