Cedri

Set in the Valdera near Lajatico and Volterra, Cedri has been a rural Tuscan village since the 1100s. Today, it has 35 residents, and is part of the territory of Peccioli. It is located near interesting towns like Volterra, Lajatico (famous as the home of Andrea Bocelli), Livorno, Pisa and San Gimignano.

In 1161 count Guglielmo di Ranieri ceded all of his properties of the area to the Diocese of Volterra. In 1305 Volterra vuilt a rocca (fortress) during ongoing conflicts with San Gimignano. The territory was later acquired by the Florentine degli Alessandri family.

The church of San Giorgio was built in the middle ages but restyled in 1833. It has an enviable and historical organ.

The hamlet's "big sister" administratively is Peccioli, where an archeological museum is located. Around Cedri are other frazioni (hamlets) of Peccoli. At Libbiano is the Galileo Galilei Astronomical Observatory, and at Ghizzano is a truffle company that lets you go on foraging tours.

Heading towards the sea, the beaches at Cecina may be beckoning. This is Tuscany, so the inland hills offer gorgeous landscapes, stone hamlets, castles and much to explore (and eat!)