This is the preferred European destination for Spaniards to escape this summer

Florence and Tuscany

have been chosen as the favorite European getaway to do this summer by travelers in a recent macro survey carried out on Instagram by Lonely Planet Spain (@lonelyplanet_es).

In it, users of the social network (with 117,000 followers) were asked what their favorite European destination was to go to on vacation, in a competition based on knockout rounds (semi-finals, final...) in which 28 other cities were proposed , including Dubrovnik, Budapest, Edinburgh, Berlin, Oslo, Stockholm, Prague, Athens, London, Brussels...

The more than 45,000 travelers who participated in the sample overwhelmingly opted for the Italian city and its surroundings, with 70% of the votes.

In second position, much further away, was

, with 30% of the votes, followed by

and

An open-air museum

Panoramic view of Florence.

Florence

, birthplace of the Renaissance and home of Botticelli and Dante, is one of the most beautiful and visited cities in the world.

Considered an open-air museum, its overwhelming cultural, monumental and museum heritage, its charming parks and gardens, its instagrammable bridges over the Arno River, its palaces and, of course, Michelangelo's David, are just some of the main attractions. claims to visit the

.

To these are added the gastronomy and the spectacular surroundings, with landscapes undulating by the hills, dotted with green meadows, vineyards and medieval villages that make you fall in love.

Any time of the year is good to go to Florence;

neither the oppressive summer heat nor the humid cold of winter prevent you from enjoying the charms of a city that is always full of tourists (sometimes too many).

The date of the year does not matter.

Therefore, if you want to visit any of the countless and world-renowned museums, it is recommended to get your ticket in advance.

If you have little time and just want to wander around and marvel at the architecture, all you need is patience and wait to take the photo without (many) people around.

Among the must-see museums and galleries are: the

, one of the most important art galleries in Italy that contains one of the oldest and most famous collections of Renaissance art in the world and is located in the palace of the same name built in 1515;

, where Michelangelo's

is exhibited , and the

located in a former prison, which houses sculptures of all kinds and styles, such as

Michelangelo's

or Giambologn's

Strolling through the city center is quite an experience, especially for lovers of art, architecture and history.

The historic centre, declared a World Heritage Site, is perfectly accessible on foot and contains the main medieval and Renaissance sites that make this city one of the most beautiful in the world.

Among the essential places are:

, presided over by the

, a temple built in 1368 made of white and green marble with a 45m diameter dome and the bell tower (

, and the

, the oldest building in Florence, dating from 1128.

The bridges over the river Arno, which runs through Florence.

Another must-see square is

the busiest in the city whose origins date back to the time of the Roman Empire.

There are the

, the

, the

, the Uguccioni Palace and the Court of Goods.

Nearby are the

, neo-Gothic in style and with the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, and the famous

, of medieval origin and remodeled during the Renaissance.

It was the only bridge to survive the Nazi bombing of the city in World War II.

To have the best panoramic view of the city, it is recommended to go up to

, on a hill across the river.

The Toscana

Vineyards in Tuscany.

Castles, medieval towns, palaces, endless vineyards, green meadows and magical mountains make up the idyllic Tuscan landscape that surrounds Florence.

Also in this region are the city of Pisa, known for its distinctive leaning tower, and the medieval town of Siena.

Beyond the big cities, the region is home to other charming towns that are worth knowing, such as

,

,

or

, as well as multiple wineries to taste

and a Tuscan aperitif.

Reservations for excursions in Florence and the towns of Tuscany here.

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