TREKKING AND HORSE RIDING IN TUSCANY

TREKKING

Walking is synonymous of contact with the earth, and so walking the paths of the Costa degli Etruschi means sharing paths that for centuries were walked by woodsmen, charcoal burners, millers, poachers, poets and shepherds. As well as hiking boots and a map, an open mind to fill with the wide open spaces of this land is also recommended. Near the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea or surrounded by the intense green of the metal-bearing hills, the Mediterranean is always in the air. Whether it’s a libeccio (south-western), grecale (north-eastern) or scirocco (south-eastern), at dawn or sunset, in the explosive light of summer or the delicate, hazy light of autumn, the essence of this area gives back to those who move slowly, the joy of discovering places where life is to be lived at a walking pace. And above all, places that help us regain “our” time, in constant movement and in harmony with the sky and the sea.

The area in which the itineraries described are set encompasses the environmental variety typical of Mediterranean areas. Cart tracks and footpaths do not present technical difficulties and are also suitable for not very experienced hikers. Some of the itineraries proposed, although the difference in altitude is not too challenging, do require a certain amount of walking experience as they take about 5 or 6 hours.

HORSE RIDING

Light and shadows accompany horse and rider through the beauty of a spacious, bright country landscape, cooled and protected by ancient holm-oak woods. White roads and country lanes cross rivers and lead to natural reserves and historic places. The horseback trail combines the many aspects of the Costa degli Etruschi: at certain moments it is like riding far from the man-made world in an undefined time. In reality, the fabric of society in this corner of Tuscany is only ever a short way away: a short detour and you'll find yourself among the ancient stones of Medieval villages where olive pressing and harvests are regular events. The journey can provide many such enjoyable moments - from a simple snack of pecorino cheese with DOC wines to a real gastronomic feast.

This then, is a very varied route which reveals the aspects of a harmonious land which has been well-documented in the paintings of the Macchiaioli School, where the natural environment is well integrated with man's activities. Evidence of man's presence is easily seen in the land sculpted with vineyards, olive groves and great expanses of grain, but above all in the stones.

The horseback trail comprises the main axis but it can be completed in circular day rides which start and begin in the same place.
In this case, organization requires less effort and you can count on the various specialized centres along the way.

The circular routes allow areas of great interest which are not on the horseback trail to be explored. They lead towards the coast and its beaches and towards the hills of the interior.
The routes are accessible all year round, with preference being given to the intermediate seasons of spring and autumn. During the winter period and at the beginning of spring, you can use the routes which touch the coasts, while in the hotter months the shady routes through the hills are more advisable. Light and shadows accompany horse and rider through the beauty of a spacious, bright country landscape, cooled and protected by ancient holm-oak woods.