July 21, 2023

Ferragosto in Tuscany

Discover with us the highlights of the day of Santa Maria

Ferragosto has always been synonymous with the sea, parties and big binges on the beach, but there is no shortage of those who prefer something different either. Here are our ideas for spending the most carefree and fun weekend of the summer.

Our trip to Tuscany starts in Versilia, a destination of absolute fun. On the coast there is no shortage of unmissable places to have an aperitif, and restaurants with a sea view where you can taste the delicacies of the coast.

For those who prefer an August Ferragosto away from the chaos, there is always Pietrasanta with its must-see venues.

Even going down towards the Maremma there are many things to do. You can opt for a lunch by the sea, or for a tour of the area's most beautiful villages where you will also find several small restaurants to try out local specialities.

In Valtiberina, Ferragosto combines theater and flavors thanks to Tovaglia a Quadri, the celebrated four-course dinner show, which again this year takes place August 10-19 at Sorci Castle.

There are also many festivals around Tuscany where you can taste typical products without giving up the coolness, and folklore events. The Palio di Siena returns on 16 August; from 12 to 15 August in the main square of Montepulciano, the Bruscello Poliziano returns, in its 83rd edition; in Volterra, a medieval festival on 14 August allows visitors to step back in time. For 24 hours, the alabaster city is animated by musicians, jugglers, markets, workshops and falconers.

For early risers, the Ferragosto holiday in Tuscany begins at first light with a dawn concert by Simone Graziano in the Fortezza di Mont'Alfonso (Castelnuovo Garfagnana). The pianist performs at 4:45 a.m. as part of the Mont’Alfonso sotto le stelle festival program.

The Palio Marinaro returns to the Argentario, where the four districts compete in the waters of Porto Santo Stefano. The events start already on the evening of Friday 12 with the historical procession through the streets of the town, on Saturday there is the delivery of the boats and the presentation of the crews, and on Sunday the procession in honour of the Assumption. On 15 August, first the districts parade (from 5pm) and then at 7pm the Palio Marinaro dell'Argentario proper takes place. While in Sarteano, La giostra del Saracino returns.

Finally, also for those who remain in Florence, there are many swimming pools where to go for a regenerating dip just a few minutes from the city, and many places where to enjoy a nice aperitif to toast the sunset. Appointment at Lago Viola with the Ficattole and Wild Boar Festival and the 52st edition of the Steak Festival