It is one of the many charming aspects of the Tuscan countryside. Perhaps the less renowned by mass tourism, whose favourite destinations in Tuscany are the hotels in Versilia or in Grosseto Maremma.

We are talking about Val di Cecina, a strip of land stretching between the provinces of Pisa and Livorno, along the river Cecina.

Renting a villa in this corner of Tuscany means discovering peaceful small towns that have maintained their medieval and Renaissance character, despite the passing of time. Excluding the three main towns of the area (Cecina, Volterra and Pomarance), all the other municipalities of this part of Tuscany have a population of just 2,000 inhabitants.

Which makes them the ideal places for those who are dreaming of relaxing and peaceful holidays in Tuscany.

• You will, thus, have the opportunity of exploring the fascinating Volterra (or "Velathri", as its founders, the Etruscans, called it) following the traces of the characters of "New Moon", the second novel of Stephenie Morgan Meyer`s saga, "Twilight".

• Or you can stroll in the narrow streets of Montescudaio, which is, not by chance, included in the list of Italy`s most characteristic villages drawn up by ANCI (the association of Italian municipalities).

And do not forget that if you are willing to dip in the sea and you do not want to rent a typical Tuscan villa in Cecina, it will take just half an hour to reach the Tuscan coast from any place in the Val di Cecina.

So, why do not you rent a typical Tuscan villa for your holidays in Tuscany in the Val di Cecina?