TUSCANY

The sea and Tuscany are two favourite targets for August. One of the most iconic destinations is Versilia, with its exclusive beach clubs, which are also perfect for the Santa Maria lunch.
For those who prefer a dip in the swimming pool, Florence and its hinterland offer beautiful scenic ones.
If you are looking for calm and peace, Valdarno Superiore is a delightful area, which also presents The Mall Firenze, where you can pamper yourself with a beautiful gift on Ferragosto.
Among the islands, Elba ranks first, but sea, hamlets and good food are also the claim for those who choose to visit the Maremma.
And what about events? Early risers will find the suggestive concert of pianist Simone Graziano at dawn on 15 August (it starts at 4.45 am), in the Mont’Alfonso Fortress in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, while Porto Ercole has organised the historical Palio Marinaro dell’Argentario for 15 August, a boat race between districts. Finally, we cannot fail to mention the famous horse race Palio dell’Assunta di Siena, even if it is held on 16 August.

LIGURIA

Even Liguria di Ponente (western Liguria) features elegant beach clubs, and also picturesque hamlets – such as Dolceacqua, Bussana Vecchia, Apricale and Pigna – while the seaside target par excellence in an eastward direction is the spectacular Cinque Terre, with the neighbouring Gulf of Poets.
Then, naturally, we find Sanremo, the charming city of flowers, with summer venues and its exclusive The Mall Sanremo, open on 15 August, and again, considering the west coast, romantic Alassio, and the city of two souls, Imperia.
Nature lovers can experience the thrill of trekking under the stars in the Beigua Park, in the Varazze highland, to admire the fireworks lighting up the entire coast. But if you wish to see one of the most spectacular fireworks displays, less than an hour’s distance from the border between Liguria and France, visit the show organised for the Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique Cannes. This is one of the many surprises offered by the neighbouring French Riviera, with cities such as the Principality of Monaco, Mentone, elegant rooftops and magnificent beaches.