Paradù Tuscany EcoResort

Once you've had several days on the private beach and checking out the local waters by canoe, paddleboard or windsurfing board, get out to explore the local surroundings on foot, by bike and by car, around ancient Tuscan villages, modern theme parks and golden Etruscan beaches. The old town of Castagneto Carducci, the closest main settlement to Paradù Tuscany, is five kilometres away. It's a popular hillside town with a medieval castle, small but compact centre and a museum dedicated to the poet Giosuè Carducci, after whom the town is named. From here, take the shuttle bus (free in summer) to the wine village of Bolgheri, with old historical centre and a good handful of wine shops: souvenir purchase essential. Tuscany's biggest amusement park the Cavallino Matto is three kilometres away for a day of rides, shows, acrobatics and live music, set in pine forest near Marina di Castagneto Carduccio beach. Also easily reached from the site is the Bio Gallorose animal park, 15 kilometres away, and the waterpark Acqua Village Cecina, 16 kilometres away with hundreds of metres of waterslides. For Tuscan history of a different flavour, try the Archaeological Mining Park in San Silvestre 20 kilometres away, which tells the tale of mining in the area, dating back to Roman and Etruscan times.