For a long time, tourists looking for the real Italy have been flocking to Tuscany for its picturesque hills, ancient villages, and world-famous wineries. This wonderful area holds a special place in the heart of Francesca Monaco, co-founder of the eco-friendly clothing line THEMOIRè.
Her suggestions for visiting Tuscany are a reflection of her professional and personal beliefs; they include ecological practices, stunning landscapes, and a wealth of cultural heritage.

See: The Magic Of Tuscany

Laguna Di Orbetello

If you’re in search of a place that offers sea, culture, and tradition, then welcome to the Lagoon of Orbetello. It’s a natural paradise that’s located in lower Maremma. Discover three slight and sandy stretches of land wrap around Orbetto’s lagoon. You’ll discover migratory birds and a charming coastal oasis at this lake.

Parco Regionale della Maremma

A recommendation that we truly love by Francesca, Parco Regionale della Maremma is a rare island where Mediterranean nature is preserved and wildlife flourishes. It’s located in Southern Tuscany, and there’s a lot to be discovered on the island. From wild beaches like Cala di Forno and Collelungo to guided horseback tours of the landscape, this is the best way to get in touch with nature.

Fiesole

Just 7 kms away from Florence’s city centre, Fiesole is a town situated on a hill that overlooks the Arno and Mugnone valley. The town dates back to 9th - 8th Century BC, and was a chief city of the Estruscan confederacy. Today, you can find the portions of the Estruscan wall, well-preserved Roman baths and theatre, as well as other notable mediaeval landmarks.

Castello di Ama

The origins of Castello di Ama date back to 1976 when this prestigious wine estate was restored by four Roman families. Located in the heart of Chianti, you’ll spot bucolic rolling landscapes of woods, vineyards, and olive rooves. Be sure to walk through its vineyards and take in its panoramic views as you sip on some exceptional wine.

Sip & Savour: Authentic Italian Meals

Podere Il Casale

On a quest to find genuine, healthy food, Sandra and Ulisse moved to Pienza in 1991 to Pedere Il Casale. Today, the Podere restaurant sees visitors from all around the world who come in to visit the farm and taste its organic products. With an indoor space that’s warm and cosy and an outdoor area that overlooks the entire Val d’Orcia, this restaurant is a delightful experience for everyone. Their menu is prepared with care, and all dishes use fresh organic produce and meat from the farm. Any ingredient not sourced from within the space comes from carefully selected local farms.

La Ménagère

Francesca suggests "La Ménagère," a concept restaurant that blends a cafe, flower shop, and design store, for an eco-friendly and genuine eating experience. The menu showcases creative dishes made using ingredients acquired from the surrounding area.

Villa Petriolo

An organic estate in the heart of Tuscany, Francesca suggests we don’t miss out on visiting this beautiful spot. This restored villa has been transformed into an agricultural estate, where you can find the best of nature and Tuscan practices.
Make a pitstop at PS Ristorante, led by Chef Stefano Pinciaroli who serves up dishes that merge innovation and tradition beautifully. Take a stroll through the vineyards of Villa Petriolo to get to know their land and heritage. Don’t miss out on their guided wine tasting with the sommelier.

Santarosa Bistrot

Creating fresh, in-season cuisine, Santarosa Bistrot launched in 2016 with the aim to redevelop the public gardens adjacent to the old municipal walls of Florence. This restaurant reminds us of a greenhouse, and it's the ideal place to enjoy a cup of coffee or an aperitif. The flavours are inspired by the chef’s Neapolitan roots and from worldly cuisines, and as a result they’re famous for their bold and elegant dishes. Francesca recommends it as a must-visit spot when in Florence.

Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo

Overlooking the River Arno with stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio, this Michelin star restaurant offers an unparalleled fine dining experience, which makes it a favourite for Francesca. Chef Claudio Mengoni's philosophy of authentic cooking is evident in his uncompromisingly creative and rigorously crafted dishes, blending flavours, colours, and forms into memorable culinary masterpieces. Ask sommelier Salvatore Biscotti's expert guidance to browse their extensive wine list featuring over 900 prestigious labels.

Serre Torrigiani

A unique secret garden amongst the lush greenery of Florence, Serre Torrigiani merges beauty, art and history. It serves as a restaurant as well as a lounge bar. “The romantic Italian Garden, the cool pergolas, the statues, the fountains, and the monumental vases provide a backdrop for suggestive outdoor lunches and dinners,” says their official website. Try their typical Tuscan dishes if you’re looking for authentic food in a gorgeous setting.
Written by Alex and Team AiSPi | Interviewing Francesca Monaco
All images are courtesy of the places mentioned in the captions.
To learn more about Tuscany, head over to our page. Follow AiSPi on Instagram for more updates on other European summer hotspots.