THE VILLAGE OF GIUNCARICO
A Medieval hamlet of some 500 souls with many original “Palazzi”, and conveniently
located between Siena and the coast, Giuncarico sits on a hilltop overlooking vineyards
and olive groves. The old cobbled streets add to the atmosphere of peace and
tranquillity and are totally safe and secure. The village is situated in wonderful
walking and trekking country, and there are numerous spectacular walks on the
doorstep.
Facilities
The village has a handful of local shops – a convenience store 5 minutes
from the house, at the top of the hill – one restaurant, and a bar/social club.
It also boasts an impressive, panoramic swimming pool, open during the summer
months.
|
|
Lake of Accesa
|
Castiglione della Pescaia Castle
|
THE AREA
The Maremma Toscana appeals to everyone, from beach and trekking enthusiasts to art
lovers. It is one of the best preserved and least spoilt areas of central Italy,
thanks to the many restrictions imposed by the local Government to protect the
amazing wildlife and preserve some important archaeological and geological sites.
The provincial capital is Grosseto. The nearest shopping centre to Giuncarico is
Ribolla, where a colourful market is held weekly on a Tuesday.
|
|
Maremma
|
|
Scogliere
|
|
Follonica
|
THE COAST
Castiglione della Pescaia
Giuncarico is within 30 minutes’ drive of the coast, where you will find miles of
golden sand, with a backdrop of pine woods. The most renowned resort is Castiglione
delle Pescaia, a charming fishing port guarded by a well-preserved Medieval Castle
(hence the name “Castiglione”). It is a lively place at night , with many good quality
restaurants and cafeterias. Castiglione has been awarded the title of “ best Italian
beach resort” by Legambiente, an association which rates holiday resorts on the basis
of freedom from pollution, quality of tourist infrastructure, and landscape.
The Tuscan Archipelago
Just a ferry away are the islands of the Tuscan archipelago, including Elba – all
green forests, pink granite and white sands – Montecristo (now a nature reserve),
untouched Capraia and charming Giglio. Hop on a ferry at Castiglione to the beautiful
island of Elba. Stroll around the old walled town of Portoferraio, and visit Napoleon’s
villa and palace. Shop for souvenirs in the Friday market. Take a boat to deserted sandy
coves, or rent a moped and head off into the hills to explore wonderfully wild countryside.
|
|
EXCURSIONS
Giuncarico is strategically located for visiting many historic centres: the beautiful
renaissance city of Siena (1 hour drive),Florence (2 hours drive), and a number of
charming old towns such as San Gimignano, Volterra, Massa Marittima.. For wine lovers,
Montalcino, home to the renowned Brunello, is a must. This part of Southern Tuscany
was home to the Etruscans, who exploited its vast mineral sources. Both Grosseto and
Volterra have museums with Etruscan artefacts, and if you want to do the so-called
Etruscan Tour, start at Roselle, the most important excavated site. Further east are
the rock tombs of Saturnia, Sovana and Pitigliano, picturesquely situated on tufa
cliffs. Head back towards the coast via Marsilia and Talamone, Roman villa and baths,
and finish in Grosseto, whose 16th century walls and bastions are still standing.
From Grosseto railway station there is a convenient train which takes you to the heart
of Rome in just 1 ½ hours.
Giuncarico is also within easy reach of many natural treasures such as the little-known
Lake of Accesa (don’t miss it!), and the breathtaking Maremma National Park (Parco
Nazionale della Maremma) is within an hour’s drive. The park organises some interesting
activities, such as Natural history treks and nocturnal expeditions in search of wildlife.
|
|
|