Tirrenia Holidays

A coastal Tuscan town on the Ligurian Sea, Italy's Tirrenia is flanked by lush pine forests and the massive San Rossore National Park. It's a spirited place, with theme parks, golf courses, feel-good discos and some prime stretches of sandy beach. Plus, its closeness to Pisa – it's only a half-hour drive away – makes it a great base for a daytrip.

Tirrenia's Blue Flag award-winning beach couldn't be more picture-perfect. The honey-hued sands sweep gracefully up and down the coast, with sturdy pines as a backdrop. Take the kids out to sea on a pedalo, then return to a deckchair under a jaunty parasol –they're available to rent and often come with waiter service.

Tirrenia's got loads of thrills in one small package. Splash yourself silly at the waterpark, watch a circus act at the funfair or play a round of golf – at two golf courses. For a back-to-nature feel, take to the walking trails in the national park and try to spot a prickly porcupine or a wild boar.

At dusk, Tirrenia's pulse pumps up as the sun goes down. Along Viale Del Tirreno – the main street – restaurants, bars and clubs get the energy up. Try some tender tartare – a tasty, raw fish dish – or go for freshly netted mullet or monkfish grilled on an open barbecue. To wash it all down, the local wine's just the thing.