Parks
In addition to the towns and villages brimming with art and history, there is another Tuscany which is less well known but well worth discovering. There are nature reserves with their breath taking views, rare plants and beautiful animals in their natural habitats.
A few kilometres from our estate you can visit some of the most beautiful reserves in the area, perfect for guests who love contact with nature including horse riding, bike rides, and picnics with the little ones.
Val Di Cornia Parks
This is a vast area of Tuscany which connects to the last section of the Etruscan coast in the province of Livorno. It is a richly fascinating zone offering many beautiful and interesting starting points for families with children.
The system of the Val Di Cornia parks includes two archaeological parks, four nature reserves, two museums and one information centre, all in the one area to the extreme south of the province of Livorno.
The parks of Val Di Cornia include:
- The Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia
- The Archaeological Museum of Populonia
- The Archeomineral Park of San Silvestro
- The Costiero della Sterpia Park
- The Costiero Remagliano Park
- The Montioni Nature Reserve
- The Forest Park of Poggio Neri
- Villa Lanzi Information Centre
- The Castle and Town Museum of Piombino
- The Fortress of Campiglia
The Nature Reserve of the Biancane
The Nature Reserve of the Biancane (this name derives from the white colour of the rocks) is a geologically extraordinary area due to the strong geothermal effects that have determined the landscape.
Biancane is an extraordinary zone because of its vapour emissions and for the way the energy has affected the habitat and the typical colours of the vegetation of the Colline Metallifere. The particular climate and geography of the region has resulted in a unique and atypical flora. The white steam emitted from the ground, the boiling mud and whiteish marks which feature on the ground areas are unusually fascinating for the visitor.
Since 2019 the visit is even more exciting due to the opening of the MUBIA: Geo Museo delle Biancane which offers visitors the chance to have a fascinating virtual tour to the centre of the earth.
The Garden of the Tarot Cards
Created by Niki de Saint Phalle the celebrated French American sculptor, this garden is an open-air museum with 22 gigantic multicoloured sculptures representing the mysteries of the Tarot Cards. Sculptures are 12-15 metres in height and are constructed in reinforced cement and polyester and covered in a mosaic of glass, mirrors and ceramics.
A place quite out of the ordinary where visitors can lose themselves amidst the beauty of the scenery and colours of the sculptures.
The Garden of the Tarot Cards is currently run by a private foundation. Revenues go towards the constant upkeep of these gardens.
Park of the Maremma
The Parco Naturale Regionale della Maremma is an extensive coastal area of Tuscany extending from Principina a Mare to Talamone and includes the Monti Dell’Uccellina as well as a mosaic of eco systems.
It extends for 25 kilometres through a chain of hills descending to the sea, sandy beaches, and high cliffs and surrounded by marshland, pinewoods, farmland, and pastures. With its intense scent of aromatic herbs, colourful berries, and the call of the wild, the park welcomes a visitor with a soft side as well as its wild side. Contrasting elements which awaken and liberate the mind; a paradise, a pleasure indeed.
Visits to the beauties of the park are offered in numerous itineraries of discovery:
- 16 walks
- 4 bike tours
- 4 horse-drawn carriage tours
- 1 tour by night