From rolling, cypress covered hills to the beaches of Elba to the Renaissance capital of the world that is Florence, the Italian region of Tuscany invites you in for an all-round experience. Long has the picture-postcard image of the rolling hills of Tuscany’s countryside been etched in our minds as the dreamy destination a lot of us would want to retire to, and it turns out the reality isn’t actually that far away from the dream. Add into the mix, world-renowned tipples from local vineyards and, of course, the ever-delectable Italian cuisine that can be found on your doorstep and you really do have a recipe for success.
If you have been considering a move to the central Italian region, then read on for all you need to know about Tuscany, its cuisine, cities, and countryside allure.
Finding a home
From city apartments to sprawling villas with pools overlooking the peaceful countryside, the options are plentiful when it comes to finding a property suitable for your dream move. The range of beautiful homes for sale in Tuscany vary in price, size and amenities they are equipped with, but you will no doubt find the Italian charm in all of them.
Are you looking for a six-bedroom, five-bathroom stone villa near Lucca with pool? How about a beautiful three-bed farmhouse with pool and garden near Pisa? Or even a 20-bedroom house in Arezzo? Whatever your desires, we are sure there’s a home perfect for you somewhere across Tuscany.
Tuscan cuisine
We all know that Italian food the one of the finest cuisines on the planet. Its simplicity combined the very best ingredients makes it highly desirable. When you move make sure you scope out all of the finest cafés, restaurants and trattorias in your locale – there are worse ways to spend your time – so that you know exactly where to head to for your special occasion meals, casual lunches and quick coffees.
Make sure you have plenty of olive oil in your pantry as Tuscan cuisine would be lost without it. Prepare to drizzle on salads and breads, and use with soup, stews, and basically any cooking you do. Typical Tuscan meals consist of roasted meats, especially wild game, while panzanella, Bistecca Fiorentina and papa al pomodoro are all must-try dishes.
In Italiano
As with any move to a country where your native tongue isn’t a national language, it is wise to learn at least the basics to be able to hold a conversation with the local shopkeeper, taxi driver, and anyone else you may come into contact with, especially if you choose a place that’s a little further away from a city. Of course, it’s easy to assume that everyone knows a little English to get by, but when you move abroad you should make every effort to learn the language to understand the people, road signs and the like in order to blend in as best you can. You are far more likely to enjoy the experience even more so if you do this, or at least make your very best effort.
Tuscan highlights
Florence
The capital of the region, Florence is a beautiful place that draws and excites art and architecture lovers the world over. From spotting Renaissance masterpieces such as Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’ at the Uffizi Gallery to Michelangelo’s ‘David’ sculpture at the Galleria dell’Accademia to seeking out the iconic terracotta tiled Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio, visitors will be left enthralled with the sights.
Pisa
The small city of Pisa is best known for its leaning tower, which, when completed in 1372, was already tilting and has become a world-famous landmark to this day. Visitors can wander the Piazza del Miracoli and hear singers utilising the renowned acoustics of the Baptistry, spot the Romanesque striped marble cathedral and take in the sight of the 56-metre-tall bell tower than famously leans.
Chianti
Wine-lovers will be thrilled to be in the vicinity of the Chianti region which sits in the centre of Tuscany and produces those world-renowned reds thanks to its mountainous landscape. Take a tour of one of the local vineyards and learn all there is to know about the area while sipping on a glass or two of the finest.
Of course, this expansive region boasts many delightful sights and scenery to explore, be it beaches on the west coast, mountains in the north, and picturesque towns and monuments to seek out all over. Volcano, village, vineyard; Tuscany has it all and it is there, ready and waiting to be explored.
