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A region in central Italy, Tuscany is bordered by Emilia-Romana, Liguria, Umbria and Marche, Lazio and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west. Its landscape consists of hills, plains and mountainous areas. The main river is the Arno, which flows through the cities of Florence and Pisa. Other rivers include the Ombrone, Magra, Serchio, Sieve and Bisenzio. Coastal areas have a mild summer and winter climate, whereas moving further inland the weather is increasingly continental. Inland areas experience hot summers and cold winters. Rainfall varies from 600mm (24 inches) annually along the coast to 2,000mm (80 inches) in mountainous areas.
Tuscany's varied terrain and climate makes it the ideal location for a variety of outdoor sports. These activities include walking and hiking, cycling, climbing and mountaineering, water sports and horse riding and golf. National Parks of TuscanyTuscany has many national, regional and local parks, nature reserves and protected areas.
Casentinesi Forest National ParkCasentinesi Forest National Park (Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna) in the Provinces of Florence and Arezzo is the largest national park in Italy. It spans 36,400 hectares encompassing valleys and ancient forests. There is an enormous array of plant and wildlife in the park including Apennine wolves, boar, deer, golden eagles and red foxes. Other attractions include the Sanctuary of La Verna and the Hermitage of Camaldoli. Walkers and hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders can explore the 600-kilometre network of paths. In winter, the park also attracts cross-country skiers.
The Tuscan National Archipelago ParkThe Tuscan National Archipelago Park (Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago Toscano), in the provinces of Livorno and Grosseto, has several trails for hiking, horse riding and cycling. It is the largest marine park in Italy covering 56,766 hectares of sea and 17,887 hectares of land. The park includes the seven Tuscan islands of Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Montecristo, Pianosa, Giannutri and Gorgona.
The National Apennine ParkThe National Apennine Park (Parco National dell'Appennino Tosco-Emiliano) is situated in the province of Massa-Carrara. There are numerous species of amphibian, reptile, mammal, insect, fish and bird as well as a variety of plant life in the park. Walkers, hikers, cyclists and horse riders can explore using the path network.
The Milgliarino, San Rossore and Massciuccol National ParkThe Milgliarino, San Rossore and Massciuccol National Park (Parco di Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccol) covers the coastal strip in the provinces of Pisa and Lucca. It has facilities for horse riding, trekking, nature walks, boat rides and bird watching.
Walking and Hiking (Escursionismo)The region of Tuscany offers many different terrains for walking and trekking. There is one small mountain range and its hilly landscape, rocky coast and forests offer many trails to explore.
The Apuane AlpsValle del Serchio, in the Alpi Apuane is a popular place for walking, hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and mountaineering. The Alpi Apuane is the only mountain range in Tuscany. There are many trails that are accessible through Valle del Serchio and Versilia.
The Sentieri del Marmo (marble paths) surrounding Versilia has caves and paths to explore. The paths branch out from Mount Altissimo and descend into Carrara and Versilia on either side.
LunigianaLunigiana is located in the far north of Tuscany between Liguria and Emilia Romagna. The area is covered by 250 kilometres of pathway suitable for trekking and mountain biking.
The Etruscan Coast (Costa degli Etruschi)The Etruscan coastline extends from Livorno to Piombino. It is a popular location for enjoying outdoor sports including trekking, cycling, horse riding and various water sports. Walkers and horse riders can choose from a variety of treks. There are also signposted routes in the hills and pinewoods for amateur cyclists. Professional cycling teams use the specially equipped facilities. Tracks extend through the woods of San Carlo and the countryside of the Bolgheri wine area.
Elba Island (Isola d'Elba)Elba Island is the natural habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. The area can be explored using various paths, and one hiking trail even leads to the house where Napoleon lived in exile.
Climbing (Arampicata) and MountaineeringThe Apuane Alps is the only mountain range in Tuscany. The instability of its rock makes mountaineering and climbing quite difficult.
Elba Island has some mountaineering sites. Capoliveri (in Italian) is the main location for mountaineering and climbing. Both free climbing and guided mountaineering trips are available. For more information on climbing in Tuscany contact the Tuscan section of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI).
Cycling and Mountain Biking (Ciclismo)Road cycling in Tuscany is a popular sport and roads are frequently closed for cycling races. The variety of terrain ranges from flat to gradual slopes, as well as very steep climbs in the Chianti area. Every year the Giro del Granducato di Toscana cycling competition is held in Tuscany. There are numerous cycling clubs and many travel companies organise bicycle tours of the region. The Apuane Alps are suitable for mountain biking with cycling trails from approximately 22 kilometres to 45 kilometres in length. The terrain and difficulty level of these routes varies.
Garfagnano has over 300 kilometres of track and is a recognised mountain biking destination.
Bike tours of San Rossore National Park are also available. Horse Riding (Equitazione)There are facilities for horse riding across Tuscany, particularly in the natural parks.
Water SportsMost of the lakes in Tuscany are protected natural areas and therefore water sports are not permitted. Water sports such as canoeing and kayaking can be enjoyed at Lake Roffio in Pisa. There is a rowing club and annual regattas are held on the lake.
There are many diving centres and dive sites in Tuscany, especially around the Tuscan Archipelago.
Golf
Further InformationTourists can find information, brochures, guides and maps in several languages at tourist offices throughout Tuscany. The staff are able to make phone calls on behalf of visitors and answer their questions.
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