From the Pisan plain, where the last strech of the Arno river runs along, the Pisan mountains unexpectedly rise with reliefs till 1000m. This little mountainous group presents a rich enviromental panorama: Mediterranean bush, olive - trees, chestnut - trees, oaks mantle and declivities that creates an enviroment where you can still meet porcupines, badger and tawny owl.

In 1979 the northern part of the Arno delta has been declared natural park of Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli, a rare example of not edified coast area with pine - woods, hydric woods, marsh zone, agricultural land and the tranquil Massaciuccoli lake, chosen by the composer Giacomo Puccini for it's stillness.

The history of this part of Tuscany is connected with the city of Pisa, once a time a prosperous Sea Republic then the slow decline until the complete subjection to Florence during the 15th century. Traces of glorious past can be found everywhere, but very interesting are the little villages around the declivities of the Pisan mountains : Calci with the magnificent Carthusian monastery, the mediaeval Vicopisano and the famous Spas like Casciana, S.Giuliano ed Uliveto.

In such a place full of history tradition cannot fail as the parade of
"Gioco del Ponte" and the characterisitc "luminara" that take place every evry year during the month of june.

Eno-gastronomic products contains that simplicity and genuinity typical of tuscan cooking: wines of " colli dell'Etruria", cake with currants, pasta maltagliati and chckpeas and pisan stock-fish are onnly some example. Concerning handicraft, furniture manufacturing is flourishing.

The Mediterranean climate makes every season agreeable and appropriate for open air activities. On the Monti Pisani has been realized a net of marked pathways for trekking, horse - riding, mountain - biking. These pathways are articulated by an axial course, connected with 30 routes, 8 of them round. The park of Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli offers the possibility for excursions in pine - woods on horses- back organized by various horse centres in this zone.