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Published: October 22nd 2017
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Geo: 43.9055, 10.7882
On Wednesday, the sun was shining so we decided to repeat the bike ride we did from here last year. Since I had not used mine in five months and with very little other physical exercise, I was struggling with many of the early inclines and had to walk some of the way. However, this does have its benefits since you can safely take in the fantastic views over the wooded Ligurian hillsides dotted with hamlets of dwellings in a multitude of terracotta shades, with very little traffic. The peace is temporarily broken though as you pass beneath the motorway viaduct.
After settling the bill, we left Finale Ligure on Friday to rejoin the motorway which would take us through Genoa via numerous tunnels closely bordered by residential high-rise living then into Tuscany, with the odd glimpse of the sea and picturesque towns hugging the coast. Out of view are the villages which make up the Cinque Terre and a location on our must-see list but I failed to get a response to my emails requesting a pitch. Perhaps it is an omen of a hectic tourist hotspot which we would prefer to avoid, and again something for another year
earlier in the season.
Our destination, however, was Montecatini Alto high above the main town of Montecatini Terme, which is famed as a spa resort. We did have a navigation malfunction (disregarding the satnav as recommended) when we missed a right turn in 'Terme' presuming that it was too minor a street, but eventually got back on the right track. Thankfully it was fairly quiet and during the closure for lunch. Out of the main town we then started looking for the 'Camping Belsito' signage and took the slow, tortuous road, negotiating the tight hairpin bends with care. 'You wouldn't want to meet a bus round here' says he when just at that moment a white tourist coach rounded the next corner! There was something of a passing place so that saved the day. Minutes later, we arrived at the site. Whew!
Since our first impressions were favourable, we asked about the possibility of extending our intended 3-day stay. (Sharp intake of breath from reception - the place is busy.) So, after inspecting the possibilities and making our choice we set about pitching. There was not enough space for the awning but there is the bonus of our own shower, loo and
dish washing facilities alongside. We encountered this phenomenon last year in Spain and is in keeping, no doubt, with the standards expected by the predominantly Dutch clientele. The whole site is generally laid out and maintained to a high spec compared to some rather scruffy Italian ones we have used.
We had some rain and distant rumbles of thunder last evening, but this morning was cloudy and cool. We decided to take a took at the nearby town of Montecatini Alto itself, and it was quite charming but clearly geared up for tourists with numerous eating establishments and souvenir shops. Many visitors arrive on the quaint bright red funicular from Montecatini Terme below. After a cappuccino, we strolled the narrow, cobbled streets and pathways with panoramic views over the surrounding Tuscan landscape.
Beside the church at the very top, we found a most bizarre memorial to Saint Barbara who is the protector of, amongst other things, the Italian Military Navy and Army, the fire brigade, miners and oil workers, bell ringers and the list goes on. The memorial features items connected with the organisations she represents, including an anchor, barbed wire and a canon.
Returning to the square, which by now was busy,
there was one restaurant which in another life was clearly the local theatre. Puts me in mind of Wetherspoons!
By this time, the sun was out and the temperature rising, so it was back to the caravan for an al fresco lunch followed by a bit of sunbathing beside the pool.
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Ali
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We stayed in Montecatini Terme last year when the cycle ride was in town. Our hotel was just up from the Spa, the Bellavista Palace, where the winning team was based! They started outside the Spa en route to Florence. Quite a pretty place.
Took the funicular up and walked down. Sun has got its hat on today and in Devon at the weekend. X