Andiamo! | Citalia Magazine Autumn 2021

How long have you lived in Tuscany and why did you
choose to live here?
I’ve been in Tuscany since 2006, but I’ve been in Italy since 1999! My
husband and I decided to move to Italy for a better quality of life - and to
escape the English weather and food!
In springtime you’ll find yourself hiking between poppies and wildflowers
and foraging for wild asparagus and garlic. In May there’s a free trekking
festival, and in October you’ll get to see the olive harvest and pressing!
Why have you chosen to partner with Citalia?
Citalia offers real authentic Italian holidays, and I want to be able to show
the Citalia audience all of my hidden gems and secret spots to truly make
your Citalia holidays a unique, local and original experience!
Where's your favourite place in Italy?
I’m not biased, but it would have to be where I currently live. Vicopisano
is full of authenticity and character, and I love the charm of the area
and exploring the hidden hilltop towns and countryside. It’s also located
conveniently close to Pisa, Lucca and Florence, and we are also only 30
minutes from the Tuscan coast, so it’s easy to delve into the city and
escape to the sea.
What’s the best thing about Tuscany?
It would have to be the varied landscape, olive trees and the hiking trails,
to the typical Italian hidden beaches and coves. It really does have it all!
What's your favourite place to eat/drink in Tuscany?
It’s hard to pin down because there are so many fantastic places in our
region. One of the main reasons we left England was to escape the British
food, and I can say that I’ve never been disappointed with a meal out
here. I love having a drink during ‘golden hour’: as the sun dips below the
rolling hills and everything turns orangey-amber.
My favourite foodie market is Il Mercato Centrale in Livorno, Tuscany’s
important port city and only 30 minutes from Pisa. It was redesigned
under the reign of the Medici family during the Renaissance period and
is one of the oldest covered markets in Europe sitting alongside the main
canal. You’ll find 30 odd shops and over 200 stalls that line the corridors
of this huge food hall, which has an amazing selection of the freshest fish
and seafood.
What’s your favourite thing to do in Tuscany?
I love all the hikes and nature trails around me, and one of my favourite
activities is to go foraging! I also love visiting all the local farms, and
learning about how they create their produce.
My region is all about slow and organic living, and I love this way of life.
It’s so easy to grow your own vegetables here and create your own olive
oil, due to the culture of the region, which focuses on nature.
One of my favourite places to explore and go hiking are around the
hills of Monte Pisano, a small range of hills that separates the plains
and cities of Pisa and Lucca. It’s here where you’ll find a route called
Strada dell’Olio Monte Pisani, which winds between the olive groves and
wildflowers with distant views out to sea and the Tuscan island of Gorgona.
It’s the perfect territory for nature lovers, hikers, and mountain bikers.
What’s a few must-do activities in Tuscany?
Visit Lucca, one of Tuscany's best loved cities and walk or cycle along the
famous walls! These walls date back to Roman times, and the 'Princess
of Lucca' restored them back in the 16th century, turning them into
wide walkways for the locals to enjoy. These walkways are now part of
everyday Lucca life. There really is no better way to explore Lucca than
on foot or peddling away, as this city is mainly a car-free zone!
If you’re seeking relaxation, then have a spa day at Bagni di Pisa Palace
and Spa in the waters of San Giuliano Terme. This luxury hotel was a
former summer palace built for a Grand Duke of Tuscany in the 18th
century, and has so much history and amazing grand interiors.
The spa really does take you back in time as you follow the Salus per
Aquam Circuit, a small complex of pools filled with naturally warm spring
waters rich in healing minerals. Imagine bathing in pools of thermal
waters that were first enjoyed by the Etruscans, then the Romans, and
then the Medici family!
If you’re looking for a unique experience and something you wouldn’t
expect to do when visiting Tuscany, explore the coast. Tuscany may be
known for its rolling hills but it also has 142 miles of beautiful coastline!
My top tip is to find and book a stabilimento balneare (beach club) in
advance as they often get booked up by the locals, especially at the
weekends. Beach clubs are the ultimate way to enjoy Tuscany’s most
stunning sandy beaches.
Read stories from Marie Kidd and Citalia’s other inspiring experts on Instagram @citalia_holidays.
You’ll also find all the latest Italy travel information, giveaways, and exclusive Citalia offers.
Summer/Autumn 2021
Andiamo!