Tuscany Vacation Rentals
Holiday in Tuscany villas, far from the madding crowd
Province of Massa Carrara
The Province of Massa Carrara is situated in the northernmost part of Tuscany, not far from well-known places such as the Golfo dei Poeti, the “Cinque Terre” and Tuscan art cities like Lucca, Florence and Pisa. Here, nature has created a perfect harmony between land and sea. The Apuan Alps, famous for their marble quarries, overlook the Mediterranean. The excellent geographical position and the exceptional variety of the territory make this part of Tuscany a paradise, the appropriate destination for any type of tourism. Many tourists, in fact, enjoy making the most of the seaside accommodations in Marina di Massa, which is the most famous sea resort of the area.The Province is made up of two twin towns, precisely Massa and Carrara.
The current town of Carrara rises on the area built to house the workers in the marble quarries created by the Romans in the early 2nd century BC. In fact, what really attracted Romans then, and tourists today, was the precious and famous, white marble which, as well as designing the dramatic skyline of the region, is full of artistic suggestions from Michelangelo up to Henry Moore.
The twin towns were ruled by the Malaspina family, until, after the struggle between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, they finally formed the Duchy of Massa and Carrara from the 15th to the 19th century.
After a visit to the quarries one might be interested in exploring the towns centres and visit, in Carrara, the white marble Romanesque Cathedral or the 16th century Ducal Palace, now the seat of the Fine Arts Academy, whereas in Massa a must are the 15th century Malaspina Castle, overlooking the city from a hill, and the Renaissance Ducal Palace on the picturesque Piazza Aranci, the square of the orange trees.
The province of Massa Carrara, furthermore, offers an uncontaminated nature to be experienced at first hand. In just a dozen of kilometres one can leave the sunny beaches of Marina di Massa, Ronchi and Poveromo, and arrive directly to 1000 metres above sea level by car, or even trek to 1500 metres, on the breathtaking Apuan Alps and look down on the white marble quarries and the coastline. Towards the north, the province stretches through the Lunigiana, an unpolluted mountainous area abounding in castles, medieval villages, excellent restaurants and wild nature; thanks to this enchanting situation, there is a wide offers of lovely holiday apartments in the Lunigiana.
This combination between sea and mountain can also be savoured in the local cuisine. From the typical stockfish in the “massese” style to the stuffed mussels, from the tordelli (similar to ravioli with a meat or vegetable filling) to the lasagne tordellate (the pasta used for lasagne with meat sauce), as well as the rice pies (in both versions: savoury and sweet). Last, but certainly not least, the typical product of this territory, the popular lard, Lardo di Colonnata, cured for months in basins made of the local marble with rosemary and other spices. It used to be the main poor food of marble workers in the old good days. Nowadays it is trendy to taste it simply on a piece of toasted local bread, or with small, juicy tomatoes or better still with a drop of local chestnut honey. An inseparable experience in a journey to Massa Carrara.
Gragnola - RIF. S56
This holiday accommodation in Tuscany is located in the heart of Lunigiana, an area in the north, rich in history and uncontaminated nature and is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday. Originally belonging to the noble family of the Tognolis, one can find their coat of arms painted above the fireplace of the bedroom. The B&B consists of two old stone buildings which lodge the bedrooms and the restaurant. Each room is spacious and has a living room corner with sofa and fireplace as well as a beautiful view. The furniture is typical of this area.
These rental apartments in Tuscany enjoy a wonderful view over the valley and the beautiful Castel dell’Aquila (Eagle Castel) of Gragnola, which at 2 km is the closest village where one can find shops and a supermarket. Aulla, an important city of Lunigiana where the motorway entrance is located, is only 15 km away. In Equi Terme, 8 km, there is a spa and an interesting cave under the Apuan Alps.
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Fosdinovo - RIF. S205
Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards this holiday home in Tuscany is on the hills of Lunigiana at 3 km from the beautiful medieval castle of Fosdinovo, once of the Malaspina family. The farmhouse is part of an organic farm and the renovation has followed the same natural principles of the farming, preserving its original structure and details as in the stone and fired brick walls and floors, the white Carrara marble and the wooden beams. The B&B consists of 3 double bedrooms on the ground floor, in one of which can be added an extra single bed, with private bathrooms with shower and air conditioning, plus the Suite, on the first floor, very large, with a sitting room with double sofa bed, a double bedroom, bathroom with shower, air conditioning and a terrace with a superb view over the valley. The farmhouse also rents two holiday apartments.
Totally immersed in an uncontaminated countryside, these holiday accommodations in Lunigiana are a perfect setting for a quiet holiday as well as an excellent starting point for exploring both the Ligurian and Tuscan Riviera, with Lerici, the Cinque Terre and the coast of Versilia nearby, as well as visiting the medieval villages dotting the hills of this region or the magnificent white marble quarries of Carrara. The farm produces excellent wine, olive oil, honey, cured meat –salumi- and jams, all natural products one can also find in the restaurant of the farmhouse where wholesome products and traditional cooking
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Montemarcello - RIF. S181
This holiday accommodation is located in Montemarcello, a beautiful medieval village on a hill facing the Ligurian sea, right between Liguria and Northern Tuscany. The apartment is on two floors: a staircase leads to the entrance, kitchen, living room, and a small toilet. On the first floor there are a double bedroom with wonderful view over Portovenere, an en-suite bathroom, a twin bedroom and a little balcony. A public car park is at 50 metres.
The village is famous for its fine restaurants, for the beautiful corners and views and also for its trekking routes through the woods to the sea. It is crossed by tiny streets which are not accessible to cars. The sea town of Lerici is at only 6 km whereas the World Heritage Sites of Portovenere and the Cinque Terre are, respectively, at 30 and 40 km. Excursions to the art cities of Lucca and Pisa are possible within an hour, being at 60 km. The nearest beach is right down the hill, and can be reached by a staircase of 1000 steps or otherwise more easily at next village at 3 km.
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Fosdinovo - RIF. S204
Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards these holiday apartments in Tuscany are on the hills of Lunigiana at 3 km from the beautiful medieval castle of Fosdinovo, once of the Malaspina family. The farmhouse is part of an organic farm and the renovation has followed the same natural principles of the farming, preserving its original structure and details as in the stone and fired brick walls and floors, the white Carrara marble and the wooden beams. The agritourism consists of 2 apartments which can comfortably accommodate 6 people each. Both on the ground floor they have a sitting room with double sofa bed and fully equipped kitchenette, a double bedroom, a twin bedroom, a bathroom with shower and a terrace with a superb view over the valley. Air conditioning in both flats. The farmhouse also rents rooms as a Bed & Breakfast.
Totally immersed in an uncontaminated countryside, these holiday accommodations in Lunigiana are a perfect setting for a quiet holiday as well as an excellent starting point for exploring both the Ligurian and Tuscan Riviera, with Lerici, the Cinqueterre and the coast of Versilia nearby, as well as visiting the medieval villages dotting the hills of this region or the magnificent white marble quarries of Carrara. The farm produces excellent wine, olive oil, honey, cured meat –salumi- and jams, all natural products one can also find in the restaurant of the farmhouse where wholesome products and traditional cooking is to be relished.
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Marina di Massa - RIF. S164
These lovely apartments for rent on the Versilia coast, are Iocated in Cinquale, 4 km from both sea towns of Forte dei Marmi and Marina di Massa, pearls of the Tuscan coast. This holiday accommodation in Cinquale is located in an elegant and quiet part of the town and about 1300 meters from the beaches. It's a villa consisting of 4 self catering apartments; 2 on the upper ground floor, 1 on the first floor with balconies on all sides, while the one on the second floor is an attic apartment with two balconies built into the roof. A beautiful fenced garden, full of plants and trees, offers a relaxing area, furnished with barbecue and deckchairs for all apartments. Also available to guests within the grounds is a car park. Pets welcome.
A grocer’s shop is at only 200 meters, whereas within 900 meters are a supermarket, a restaurant, a bank and a laundry. Guests can also benefit of a 10% reduction at local seaside resort Bagno Fernando.
Special offer stay 14 pay 12, except high season
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Marina di Massa - RIF. S193
These comfortable apartments for rent on the Versilia Coast are located 900 meters from the sea, in the charming seaside resort of Cinquale, between Marina di Massa and Forte dei Marmi. The estate consists of a large villa with 7 apartments and a cottage where the owners live. The flats are either on the ground floor with private garden area or on the first or second floor with balconies or terraces. The apartments on upper floors also enjoy a breathtaking view of the Alpi Apuane. At guests disposal a vast, fenced garden full of trees and flowers plus private car park. The location offers peace and quiet and the garden shade from the summer heat.
These accommodations in Tuscany are in an ideal position for those wanting to enjoy a holiday at the seaside and also a perfect starting point for outings to most art centres. Pisa and Lucca are at only 40 km, whereas the beautiful white marble town of Carrara is at 16 km.
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