Rocky cliffs and beaches, fields of wheat, magnificent pine tree groves, all lit up by the splendid Mediterranean sun; these are the characteristics of the area that slopes down from Pisa towards the Maremma, combining the beauty of the landscapes with numerous places of historic and cultural fascination. If you love art you must visit Pisa, an ancient Marine Republic and a city known around the world for the unique spectacle of Piazza del Duomo, said "dei Miracoli" ("of miracles"). Here you will find the Cathedral, without a doubt the greatest evidence of Roman-Pisan architecture, the Leaning Tower, the Battistero and the Camposanto. Livorno was once the access to the sea of the Medici, who acquired it from Pisa in the 16th century. A lively city, home to an important harbour, offers the view of the Terrazza Mascagni along the sea and the charm of the popular Venice district with its canals and fish markets. The coast, which stretches from the mouth of the Arno River to the Maremma, offers fascinating inlets, alternating between rocks and fine sandy beaches, shaded by sweet-smelling holm-oak trees and secular pine tree groves. In the stretch that leads from Livorno to Piombino, Castiglioncello with its villas and white hotels lies amidst the pine trees. And it is within this context that you will find the houses that we propose for rental: country residences, apartments by the sea, farm holidays, farmhouses and villas with swimming pool for a holiday by the sea, full of relaxation and tranquillity or in search of the artistic and architectural marvels of this region.

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Eat...

Gambero Rosso (Vernazza). Considered Vernazza's finest restaurant, Gambero Rosso is only slightly more expensive than the others and offers several fine dishes - including the spaghetti alle vongole. The local white wine (vino delle Cinque Terre) is great with seafood.

Ristorante l'Alta Marea (Monterosso). Although not the place to go to experience tradition, this trendy restaurant's cuisine hold up well to the old-school eateries.

When in Tuscany...eat pesto. This region is the birthplace of pesto. Sample a mixture of cow-sheep cheeses, fresh local basil, garlic, oil and pine nuts over your favorite pasta. Many local shops also sell pesto to be enjoyed when the mood strikes.

Play...

Take a dip (Cinque Terre). The jagged, rocky coastline of this fishing and agricultural area doesn't offer miles of sandy beaches, but there are still plenty of reasons to get wet. Manarola offers deepwater swimming and high-diving. Corniglia has a nice manmade beach, and Guvano (between Corniglia and Vernazza) is clothing optional. Snorkeling and scuba diving excursions also are offered in the area.

Cruise the coast (Cinque Terre).Trains and boats are the best way to get around in the Cinque Terre, so why not tour the Italian Riviera by boat? Regular boat service runs between Monterosso and Riomaggiore daily. Half-day and full-day cruises of the area are also available.

Explore...

Vernazza harbor. From the harbor, or the gothic church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia nearby, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the bay.

San Francesco (Monterosso).One of two churches in the largest of the five Cinque Terre fishing villages, San Francesco was built in 1619 (and reconstructed in 1632) and houses many major artworks, including a crucifixion by Van Dyck.

San Pietro (Corniglia). Follow the cobblestone streets to this fascinating Gothic church, built in 1334 on the ruins of an 11th century chapel.

Hike the Cinque Terre. All five of the coastal towns that make up the Cinque Terre are connected by red-and-white marked trails. Hiking one end to the other takes about four hours - if you don't stop and soak in the amazing views.

Leaning Tower (Pisa). What's a trip to Tuscany without seeing this architectural icon? Much work has been done in recent years to stabilize the structure, without straightening it, but it holds its 12th-century charm well.

Shop...

Cantina du Sciaccetra (Monterosso). Once you've sampled the vino and pesto this area has to offer, consider taking it with you. Cantina du Sciacchetra is one place where you can stock up for a picnic, and even try before you buy.

Il Mercante d'Oiente (Vernazza). You won't find big fashion houses or strip malls in this area with its postcard vistas and laid back locals. What you will find is small family-owned shops like this one, where items such as jewelry and colorful scarves can be purchased.

This is provided for informational purposes only. Endless Vacation Rentals does not endorse any of the resort activities, guides, vendors or service providers described. It is the individual’s responsibility to investigate the safety and suitability of any activity, and the credentials and fitness of any guide, vendor or service provider. Endless Vacation Rentals expressly denies any liability for engaging in any activity, and for using any guide, vendor or services provider, that may be mentioned or described in any Endless Vacation Rentals advertisement or publication. Additional fees and restrictions may apply to any activity or service.