There comes a moment during your holiday at Canado when you feel the urge to look away from the blue of the sea and let yourself be guided by the outline of the hills. The area around Canado is full of places to visit and experiences to enjoy. Among the many options, the Giardino Sospeso Adventure Park in Riparbella stands out – a park where you don’t just look at nature, but traverse it, suspended amongst the treetops. To get there, simply drive inland for about twenty minutes to discover a fun-filled spot for the little ones.
For our families and young children, a day at the Giardino Sospeso is the perfect opportunity to change scenery, leaving your flip-flops in the room to slip on trainers and, for a few hours, become true forest explorers.
Feeling like little Tarzans in the Tuscan woods
At the heart of the experience are the adventure courses. Imagine walking across Tibetan bridges, swaying on wooden walkways and whizzing through the trees suspended from a pulley (the legendary zip-line). It’s a test of balance and courage that sparks the children’s enthusiasm and, let’s face it, is great fun for us grown-ups too.
Safety is the top priority: every course is tailored to age and height. Before setting off, expert instructors hold a detailed briefing and fit each participant with professional equipment. Even the youngest children (aged 2 years and older) have their own ‘baby’ courses, where they can experience heights just a few centimetres above the ground in complete safety, under the proud gaze of their parents.
A relaxing day in the heart of nature
But the Giardino Sospeso isn’t just about adrenaline. It’s a place where time seems to slow down beneath the dense shade of the oak and cork oak woods. If you’re looking for a bit of respite from the summer heat, here you’ll find a refreshing coolness that only the hillside can offer.
In addition to the treetop trails, the park offers ample space to explore the woods at your leisure:
- Picnic and barbecue areas: You can enjoy a packed lunch in the designated areas, taking in the peace and quiet of the countryside whilst the children play in the woods.
- Archery: For those who want to try their hand at this ancient and fascinating sport.
- Refreshing walks: The paths winding through the park are ideal for a leisurely stroll, breathing in the clean air of the Tuscan countryside.
Our tips for planning your adventure in the woods
The journey from Canado to Riparbella is a short scenic drive through vineyards and olive groves that is well worth the trip in itself.
- Distance and travel time: The park is about 25 minutes from us (around 20 km). Simply head towards Cecina and then follow the signs for Riparbella/Parco Avventura.
- Clothing: Remember that trainers are compulsory for the adventure courses. We recommend comfortable sportswear.
- Staff tip: Always check availability and, if possible, book in advance to secure your harnesses, especially on busier days.
The return to the coast
There is something magical about returning to the coast after a day spent ‘suspended’ in the greenery. As the car descends towards the sea, your muscles are pleasantly tired and your mind is filled with images of branches and sky.
Returning to our pine forest at sunset, with the sound of the waves coming back into earshot, is the perfect ending. It is the contrast we love about our land: being able to experience a wild adventure in the woods in the morning and, shortly afterwards, find yourself enjoying the bliss of a swim in the sea before dinner. We head to the Giardino Sospeso to challenge the heights, but we return to Canado to rediscover the shelter and peace of our home by the sea.
