Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Central Coast & Elba
Why Go?
Despite an enviable setting, this part of Tuscany is not burdened with well-known destina-
tions. Anonymous working cities prevail, including primary-school girl-bully Livorno who
dares you to like her - if she doesn't punch your lights out first. But saunter inland, along a
trail of vineyards and olive groves, and pride is restored in the form of eye- catching medi-
eval villages and astonishing Etruscan ruins woven together by tiny roads and blind switch-
backs. Yes, car, bicycle or foot are the only ways to explore.
Meandering south, several sandy strands are worth a sun-drenched flop and seaside
lunch, especially around the bijou Golfo di Baratti. But the best alfresco frolics are a ferry
ride away on Elba, a classic Mediterranean island with orange trees, palms and not a single
high-rise fronting its many hidden beach-laced coves. Tramp its rugged interior, mountain
bike, and don't you dare leave without paddling a sea kayak.
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Road Distances
