Originally known as Gualdistallo, this medieval hillside village, whose first human settlement dates back to 4-5,000 years BC, flourished under the Longobards, and later under the Gherardesca counts. The remains of the castle can still be admired today. In the village there are shops selling local produce, cafés, restaurants, a pharmacy and a bank. Guardistallo is an ideal base for day-trips to the most important tourist destinations in Tuscany: Florence 75 miles, Siena 50, Lucca 50, Pisa 35, San Gimignano 30, Volterra 20, Massa Marittima 45, Bolgheri 9, Casale Marittimo 1.5, spa towns (Casciana, Venturina), national parks, and the Isle of Elba. Pisa Airport (served by Ryanair) is 35 miles away.