The cleanest beaches of Liguria and Tuscany. Resorts of Tuscany
Tuscany is one of the most beloved regions of Italy by foreigners, which is confirmed by statistics every year. After all, Tuscany is one of the most interesting and picturesque regions of Italy, located between the Tuscan Apennines and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The capital of the region is Florence, the provincial capitals are real treasuries of Renaissance art - Arezzo, Grosseto, Livorno, Luca, Massa Carrara, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena. Two areas give Tuscany a special appeal. Just north of Siena are the well-known San Gimignano and stunning Volterra. They are located in the south of the Chianti province, half an hour's drive from Florence. Without exception, travelers come to see the medieval towers of San Gimignano, some prefer Volterra for its stately old town architecture, Roman ruins and castle. To the south of Siena, the area of note extends from Montepulciano to Pienza and Montalcino, with its charming hillside towns covered with vineyards.
Tuscan beaches
Wide sandy beaches, stretching for 329 kilometers along the clear Ligurian Sea, turn into fabulously lush thickets of natural parks and pine groves, which rise steeply up into the Apennines, covering them with an even carpet of greenery. The Tuscan Riviera amazes even the most experienced traveler with its beauty and charm. The air here is crystal clear, and through the thickness of the water you can calmly examine the grains of sand on the seabed. The Tuscan region contains two national parks and more than 100 nature reserves, as well as three regional natural parks.
Viareggio- capital of the Versilia region. The town is located 80 km from Florence, 170 km from Siena. Protected by the ridge of the majestic Apuan Alps, far from the bustle of big cities, Viareggio already in the 19th century became a city where wealthy residents of Florence and Venice escaped the heat in the shade of pine forests. Viareggio - famous tourist town. People from all over the country come here to restaurants and discos. From Viareggio you can take excursions to the cities. Pisa, Lucca, Florence, Siena, Genoa. The famous embankment with salons of famous fashion designers and shops offering high-class goods stretches for more than 3 km. The town is famous for its amazing beaches, boats and yachts. The picturesque port with its small restaurants, wide sandy beaches, fully equipped, are located along the Promenade with its elegant boutiques, bars and restaurants. Many hotels in Viareggio are located along the sea and many of them are in Liberty style. Not far from Viareggio is Villa Puccini, where Giacomo Puccini lived and wrote his famous operas Tosca, Bohime, Butterfly, Turandot. You can visit Torre del Lago - the family home of the great composer and a museum about him. Viareggio, oddly enough for an Italian city, cannot boast of a rich architectural heritage. But another truly Italian event takes place here - carnival. In terms of beauty and scope, it is perhaps not inferior to its Venetian counterpart, except that fewer people come here, but everyone, as a selection, belongs to the upper strata of society. Viareggio is an elite resort, and therefore the carnival here is more sophisticated, and due to the small size of the city, the atmosphere of the carnival is warm and homely. Almost all residents of the city take part in the festive procession, pulling carts decorated with images of commedia dell'arte heroes or dressed in the costumes of these heroes. And at the end of the holiday, the best mask and “Miss Viareggio” are chosen, which can be any girl who takes part in the competition.
Forte dei Marmi is a famous seaside town that has become popular with tourists since the beginning of the 20th century. The town amazes with its silence and elegance. It has the most Italian celebrities, as well as both of the area's five-star hotels. This area is known for its contrasts of long sandy beaches and a charming Alpine landscape with pine forests and bare walls of marble canyons. Since then, part of its original environment has been successfully transformed into delightful gardens and meadows with isolated villas surrounded by unspoiled nature. Around the city you can find many interesting places from the point of view of architectural, historical and cultural heritage Tuscany. The charming villages nestled in the numerous valleys or perched on the hilltops and the beauty of the Alpine pastures make walking around Forte dei Marmi an unforgettable experience.
Lido Di Camaiore- a small cute town located between Viareggio and Marina di Pietrasanta. This resort is popular not only among tourists who come here to enjoy the warm, gentle sea, but also among local residents. There are numerous villas surrounded by greenery, charming squares decorated with fountains, shady gardens located on the sea coast. Lido di Camaiore - beautiful place recreation for the whole family: in the summer, the resort has a Luna Park, where both adults and children can have a great time. The atmosphere here is conducive to fun and communication. There are many flowers and palm trees on the Promenade, and shops and cafes will make your stay enjoyable. During the high season, the city organizes concerts, fireworks and exhibitions on the streets. Parallel to the Promenade, a wide, professional bicycle and roller track stretches for several kilometers. Lido di Camaiore is ideally located to combine a holiday on the coast with forays into the mountains. In addition, from here you can easily get to Luca, Pisa, Florence, Voltaire, Siena, San Giamignano, Carrara with its marble caves and the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. The cuisine of Lido di Camaiore is typical of all of Tuscany. On the coast they prefer to cook seafood, while inland areas specialize in traditional cuisine. In restaurants on the coast you should try: risotto con le seppie (rice with cuttlefish), cacciucco (fish on toast), zuppa di cozze (mussel soup) and grilled fish. While country restaurants serve traditional dishes such as polenta, or cabbage, legumes and mushrooms, prepared in every imaginable way. In addition, you can try tordelli (pasta with meat), pasta coi fagioli (bean soup with pasta), torta coi pizzi (pie with rice and chocolate or with vegetable filling), castagnaccio (chestnut cakes) scarpaccia (zucchini pie).
Marina di Castagneto Carducci located on the picturesque coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, surrounded by greenery of vineyards and olive groves, in the Tuscan province of Livorno. This place is ideal for those who want to take care of their health during their holiday on the coast. The resort features outdoor pools, private sandy beaches, health Center SPA. In 2003, the Thalassotherapy center was also opened, incorporating centuries of experience in healing and rejuvenating the human body. The treatment rooms and baths of the center are supplied with water containing iodine, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, sulfur and potassium. The undoubted pride of the center is a complex of swimming pools with sea water (for gymnastics and swimming, with devices for hydromassage of the body, with counter-flow and contrasting water temperature - Kneipp bath, with a cascade for massage of the neck and back, with aromatic oils). The province of Livorno is famous for its rich history. The area between the cities of Livorno (the regional capital) and Piombino is also known as the "Etruscan Coast". Here you can find many museums, ancient monuments, wander around archaeological excavations. Among the historical and tourist centers of Livorno are: Castiglioncello, Rosignano Marittimo, Cecina, Bibbona, Campiglia Marittima, Varda, San Vincenzo and Castagneto Carducci. Elba Island is famous not only for its beaches for swimming and diving, but also for its luxurious Roman villas, sights of the Etruscan era and, of course, the Napoleon Museum.
Luxurious resort Punta Ala is located in the famous region of Tuscany on a cape washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea in the heart of a fabulous pine forest. It has the same clean sea and the same climate as Sardinia. Small white sandy beaches with a gently sloping seabed, pristine Mediterranean flora and unforgettable landscapes and remote locations mass recreation make this resort unique. Famous football players Ronaldo and Galliano and Italy's favorite actor Alberto Sordi love to relax in Punta Ala. The yacht of the King of Spain Juan Carlos often stops at the port and lingers for a long time. At this resort, they can afford a “life without a tie,” enjoying tranquility and unique nature, which gives real inspiration. The resort offers all types of elite sports: a magnificent golf club, numerous horse riding routes, tennis courts, and a yacht port. Coves and narrow bays, replacing each other, a clear transparent sea is a paradise for diving lovers. Near Punta Ala are the islands of Elba, Giglio and Giannutri - the site of the settlement of the ancient Romans. You can take excursions there on the hotel's own boats. From Punta Ala to Pisa 90 km, to Florence – 130 km, to Rome and Genoa – 150 km.
San Vicenzo located in the south of the Livorno region, 60 km from Livorno, 130 km from Florence, and 80 km from Pisa. It is a small tourist port and a fully equipped tourist resort. In addition to wide sandy beaches, pine groves and amazing Mediterranean nature, San Vincenzo is of interest as an ancient monument where you can visit Archaeological Park with buildings from the Romanesque era. In fact, the city is located near Cape Popalonia - a place quite prominent in the Etruscan civilization. The presence of metals in this area, especially on the slopes of Mount Calvi, was the reason for the development of metal mining and processing during Etruscan times, for which numerous evidence has survived to this day. After the conquest of this area by the Catholics, a city and port were founded here. In the 9th century there was a small refuge for pilgrims, which later, in the 13th century, became the foundation of a church that has survived to this day. San Vincenzo will interest both gourmets and sports fans. In the central Park of Val di Cornia and national park Rimigliano, as well as in the city itself, you can find cycling tracks and many other opportunities for active rest. You can visit the most famous ancient wine cellars such as Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Antinori and one of the most famous local restaurants "Il Gambero Rosso".
Tirrenia is 10 km from Pisa, 1 hour from Florence. Nearby are the following interesting cities like Lucca, Siena, Volterra and many other lesser-known but no less pretty towns. Just 20 km north along the coast is the world-famous resort town of Viareggio. For entertainment, Tirrenia can offer bars, restaurants, pizzerias, pubs, dance clubs, discos, billiards, bowling (in Marina di Pisa, 3 km from Tirrenia), night clubs, an agency with betting and live broadcasting of races: galloping and strollers . For children and adults there is an amusement park, a park with bicycle paths, a children's park, more than 30 private and 2 communal beaches. A boat runs from Marina di Pisa to the nearest islands (1.5 hours one way, round trip ticket per adult $20). There you will have a great day swimming in amazingly clear waters and sunbathing on secluded small beaches. There are several airfields near Tirrenia where you can rent a small plane (2-3 seats). Yachts are available for rent in Viareggio. Nearby is a nature reserve - San Rossore Park, where until recently there was one of the summer residences of the President of Italy. The park organizes walking, cycling and horseback riding excursions with a visit to the President's Villa (now owned by the municipality of Pisa).
The combination of sea, hills and mountains makes Cinquale one of the most popular resorts on the Tuscan coast. In Cinquale, as elsewhere on the Tuscan coast, you can go diving, sailing, ride scooters, bicycles and horses. There is also a flying club nearby, where you can not only admire the Tuscan coast from a bird's eye view, but also take flying lessons. Interesting places to visit are Villa Schiff, which houses a large collection of cultural treasures, and Castle Aghinolfi, one of the oldest ancient castles in Italy (the first mention of it dates back to 753), which has never been destroyed. The castle has recently undergone restoration in order to return it to the unique splendor of ancient times. From here it is also easy to get to Lucca and Carrara with its marble works and the Museum of Stones.
Thermal resorts of Tuscany.
There are also excellent thermal resorts in Tuscany. Healing properties Hot springs that bubble up from the ground on the slopes of the picturesque Tuscan hills have been known since Roman times.
Monsummano Terme- a balneotherapeutic resort, famous for its grotto, located at a depth of 300 m, which is famous not only for its healing properties (diseases of the musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, skin, gynecological diseases, metabolic disorders are treated here), but also for its amazing beauty. Among the visitors were many celebrities, including Giuseppe Verdi and Giuseppe Garibaldi, who, having experienced the effectiveness, wrote an enthusiastic letter to the owners. Over the many years of its existence, the interior of the grotto has undergone significant changes, as a result of which it, while maintaining its pristine beauty, has become more convenient for visitors, and has become Grotta Giusti Spa.
Montecatini Terme- a resort offering many procedures and services to restore and maintain your health. There are 9 thermal resorts in the city - Tettucchio, Excelsior, Regina, Salute, Tamerichi, Redi, Torretta, Leopoldine, Grocco. Also in the town there is a huge park, sports grounds (golf, basketball, etc.), shopping mall, restaurants. You can also visit Montecatini Aldo, an ancient town built around the year 1000. The sources of Montecatini Terme are especially useful for treating the digestive system, liver, kidneys, intestines and contain many elements necessary for the body - soda, chlorine, calcium, lithium, iodine, phosphorus. The hotels provide additional procedures - mud baths, water and mud therapy. Treatment should be carried out for 15-21 days. The resort is open throughout the year, so you can visit it at any time convenient for you. The hotels have doctors who speak Italian and English language who will advise you and select the necessary treatment.
The resort of Leopoldine was built in 1775 by order of Grand Duke Leopold I of Tuscany and was named in his honor. The waters of the Leopoldine spring are used to treat the urinary system and to remove kidney stones. The source itself is located in the resort’s courtyard. Address: Boulevard Verdi 67.
The Excelsior resort was built at the beginning of the 20th century. It combines thermal treatments and mineral water treatment. The resort also has centers for inhalation, cryotherapy, and mud treatments. Address: Boulevard Verdi 61.
The resort of La Salute was opened in 1921 and has recently been completely renovated. There is a magnificent park next to the resort. Address: Salute street 20.
Resort Tettucchio. The healing waters of this resort are beneficial for the liver and gall bladder. Healing water prevents the formation of stones, regulates metabolism, removes harmful substances and promotes the production of cholesterol. It also has a positive effect on the functioning of the stomach and pancreas, and normalizes intestinal function. Address: Boulevard Verdi 71.
Regina resort. Treatment of intestines, bile ducts, dyskinesia. Address: Boulevard Verdi 71.
Redi resort. It was opened in 1965. On its territory there are massage rooms and mud baths. Address: Piazza Toretta 1.
Tamerichi resort. Has the same functions and features as the Torretta resort. Address: Tamerichi Boulevard 69.
Resort Grokko. The main focus of the resort is therapeutic mud baths. Healing springs appeared after the 1902 earthquake. Dr. Sante Pisani examined the springs and pointed out their high usefulness for treatment. Address: Boulevard Verdi 71.
Resort Toretta. The healing waters of this resort are called “heavy”, because they are saturated with mineral salts, which have a positive effect on peristalsis. Address: Piazza Toretta 1.
San Giuliano Terme known for two springs originating in the mountains, mud based on the water of these springs, which help with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, dermatological problems, etc.
Unique composition of waters San Casciano The thermal bath contains salts and microelements that are indispensable for the human body, which is why their action is so effective and immediate. Procedures based on this water have the ability to restore healthy physical shape, restore vitality and replenish depleted nerve reserves.
Terme di Saturnia famous for their hot pools, which warm and invigorate at any time of the year. The thermal complex that has arisen around them is a perfectly balanced and verified spa “organism”, the concept of which is based on the acquisition of physical and mental harmony. Vast experience and a strict scientific approach ensure the excellent effect of health procedures and the high reputation of Saturnia as one of the most elite SPA complexes in Italy.
Winemaking and cuisine of Tuscany
Tuscany is the most famous and second largest wine producing region in Italy. Wine production per year is about 5 million hectoliters. About 3 thousand years ago, Tuscany was inhabited by the Etruscans with their developed winemaking system. It was they who began to cultivate the traditional Tuscan grape varieties - Sangiovese (red) and Trebbiano (white). In 1716, the Grand Duke of Tuscany designated wine production zones in the region, which gave impetus to the development of winemaking. It should be noted that the Sangiovese variety reaches its peak only on poor soils, and at an altitude of 250-300 meters above sea level. Only 4 regions in Tuscany have similar conditions with poor rocky soils - Chianti Classico, Montalcino, Montepulciano and Chianti Rufina, and this is where the best wines of Tuscany come from. In the early 1980s, varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Black Pinot and Syrah began to be grown in Tuscany, from which surprisingly good wines were produced.
Tuscany is the ideal destination for lovers of good food. The region's gastronomic traditions extend much beyond the region's "calling cards" - the world-famous olive oil and Chianti wine. In the culinary sphere, Italy can rightfully be called a real queen. Italian cuisine is diverse, unique, unforgettable, has ancient traditions that are widely used today. It is not for nothing that there is a real cult of food in this country. Tuscan cuisine is rooted in a more than ancient tradition. There is an amazing and very varied cuisine here, in which fish, sausages and flour products, and vegetables are widely used. The area is famous for its bull meat, from which they prepare Florentine steak, pre-marinated in aromatic olive oil. Superb olive oil - one of the best in the country - absolutely pure, famous for its green color and unforgettable aroma, is an indispensable element of Tuscan cuisine.
Fashion
The Tuscan fashion industry is not only represented by famous names such as Gucci, Prada, Ferragamo or Dolce & Gabbana. Small enterprises in the industry produce high-quality and fashionable clothing, the work on which does not stop for a single day. These enterprises may be less familiar to consumers, but this does not make their quality lower. Exports of clothing and other fashion goods account for approximately 40% of Tuscany's total foreign trade turnover, with Tuscany being Italy's largest exporter.
Each of the resorts in Tuscany is special, and this is not only a tribute to the Tyrrhenian Sea, but also to centuries-old traditions and modern trends. The harmonious tandem of the latter has made the resorts of the Tuscan Riviera (Versilia) an elite holiday destination for guests with excellent taste and increased demands for comfort. Therefore, there is everything here for everyone!
Idle idleness, or beach leisure on the Tuscan coast
The wide coastline, golden sand, well-groomed and neat territory, the necessary furniture for relaxing near the sea waves, and the shallow depth of the Tyrrhenian Sea attract numerous tourists with children to the beaches of Tuscany. Each beach in the area belongs to the municipality and is paid, so expenses “at sea” must be included in the cost of the trip. In the southern part of Tuscany you can find hotels with their own small beaches, swimming pools with sea water, but on elite resorts You won’t find those in northern Versilia.
At the same time, the beaches of Forte dei Marmi are especially loved by guests. Only members of the elite buy villas here different countries, so the beaches are rarely overcrowded. At the same time, they are all well-groomed, and comfort and leisure are thought out to the smallest detail! Not only the waters of the sea, but also the green grove behind the beach, designed to protect from the midday heat and give bliss, will have a truly enchanting effect.
The beach resort of Marina di Pietrasanta is the most famous in Tuscany, attracting attention with its five-kilometer length and a strip of relict coniferous forest protecting the beach. The city of Pietrasanta was once the historical capital of the region, so here you can admire the ancient architectural monuments, visit one of hundreds of boutique salons or stay until the morning in one of the many nightclubs. Day and night life is in full swing here!
Torre Matilde tower, Castrum de via regia castle, a long promenade with bars and restaurants, boutiques and entertainment complexes, art galleries, cinemas, the whisper of the sea and at the same time the opportunity to walk in a pine forest - these are the offers of the beach resort of Viareggio. This place in Tuscany serves as a kind of magical center that attracts every traveler with its powerful energy of drive, fun, and happiness!
You can take a boat ride or a yacht ride in Tuscany from any town, but giving preference to true water activities is not possible everywhere. For example, experienced surfers are attracted to the island of Elba. But steep cliffs, coral gardens, the skeletons of sunken “ships” in the form of snags and tree stumps - this is the world of divers near the island of Janutri. Dozens of specialized schools will help those who decide to dive into the depths of the sea for the first time!
South of Tuscany: resort destinations for family leisure
The resorts in the south of the region - Pisa, Grosseto, Livorno - are the least demanding and more democratic, unlike the northern ones. This area seems to be created for families with children: a lot of attractions for older children and entertainment for the little ones, clear sea waters, beaches with convenient entry for kids, all kinds of cafes and restaurants that will delight both kids and their parents. At the same time, a vacation in Tuscany here means the Church of San Francesco, the fortress walls of Grosseto, SPA treatments, hot pools in sulfurous water in Saturnia, the mysteries of the ancient Etruscan city of Pitigliano and many other wonders.
Everyone has access to accommodation either in a hotel or in a private villa or cottage, which is rightfully considered an object of “green” tourism. This is an opportunity to see olive groves with your own eyes, taste natural wines famous for their bouquet, enjoy walks through meadows and fields, and get acquainted with the life, traditions and culture of local residents. This is a special type of leisure. Unhurried, gentle, educational!
The most popular place in Livorno is San Vincenzo. It’s definitely worth a visit at the end of your trip, even if you’re traveling with children. The main street, where boutiques and cafes are located, and low-rise houses of local residents in the evening become a kind of gathering place for all vacationers. Mini-festivals, nightly entertainment events, open-air dancing - everything is possible here. The yacht port "Marina San Vincenzo" offers evening sailing trips... A fabulous pleasure!
The island of Elba deserves the attention of travelers, with its picturesque bays, steep cliffs and... two museums of Napoleon Bonaparte. And besides museums, there is something to pay attention to here! This is a recreational leisure activity on the territory of a local SPA center, giving unforgettable pleasure. You can get to the island from Pisa or Florence, then by ferry. The maximum travel duration is a couple of hours. And how many emotions!
North of Tuscany: for the brave, bright, creative
The resorts of the north, Lucca and Massa Carrara, Marina di Pietrasanta and Forte dei Marmi are distinguished by their special chic, luxury and are affordable for people who are far from poor. The entire leisure infrastructure is built in such a way that there is no time left for idle lying on the beach! At the same time, the Apuan Riviera, as well as the picturesque Passeggiata promenade connecting many resort towns, can rightfully be considered a striking feature of these places.
The resort of Punta Ala is considered the most elite on the entire Tuscan coast. It would seem that there is nothing surprising in it: a central street with boutiques, a 100-meter pier, fashionable hotels (as elsewhere), small cozy houses... But something attracts everyone here who cannot imagine themselves without a holiday in Italy. Maybe it’s the energy of the local yacht club in Follonica, or all kinds of water attractions you can imagine, or fireworks at sea, or the cleanest beaches? Probably all together!
Castiglione della Pescaia offers the most varied holiday in Tuscany for everyone. Here you can ride horses or quad bike through pine forests or sand dunes, take an excursion around the historical center-castle of the city, enjoy water activities, or take an evening stroll along the embankment, “studded” with boutiques, salons, and restaurants serving local cuisine. Many gourmets visit this resort not only to bask in the gentle rays of the sun and lie on the beach, but also to try Tuscan tomato soup, fresh vegetables, cut into pieces and simply drizzled with olive oil, or Florentine steak, characterized by a crispy crust on the outside and " blood" - inside.
If you want something unusual, natural, far from what is created by human hands, go to Maremma, an area that is a nature reserve and is protected by the state. You won't find shops, bars or other modern entertainment here. But here you can feel all the beauty and care of nature, which created bushes, trees, hills, and wetlands that have been more than three thousand years old. A striking feature of Maremma is the "Marruchetone" farm. It is surrounded by 9,000 olive trees, cattle are raised in wild conditions, and is unique in the abundance of crops grown under the hot Italian sun on 220 hectares. Stone stupas, wooden crushers and millstones, the hard work of those who lived here centuries ago - everything is in front of you! Excursions to Maremma are organized strictly according to schedule so as not to disturb the idyll of nature.
In short, Tuscany is made for everyone. And everyone will find entertainment to their liking at one of its resorts. Picturesque landscapes, warm-hearted Spaniards, hearty and simple local cuisine, and the sea breeze will help saturate your senses and emotions. And every time you visit Tuscany, you will find something intimate, special, and individual in it!
Of the many regions of Italy, perhaps only Tuscany has such wide world fame - here are cities of high art of the Renaissance, such as Florence, Pisa and Siena, authentic Italian medieval borgs, as well as unique natural landscapes with biblical landscapes, attracting millions of tourists with their beauty from all over the world. And along the coastline, which is more than 400 km long and washed by the waters of the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian seas, stretch the magnificent beaches of Tuscany. Their variety can satisfy the preferences of every beach lover. On the Tuscan coast you can find not only sandy beaches with a well-developed resort infrastructure, where the whole family comes to relax, but also hidden and sometimes little-known corners surrounded by wildlife and sand dunes, deserted even in the high season. And the rocky beaches of Tuscany, abounding in rock fragments, traditionally attract diving enthusiasts to the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea who want to discover the amazing beauty of the marine world.
Beaches on the Tuscan coast
Many beaches in Tuscany are awarded year after year by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), receiving the Blue Flag. In our short review we will tell you about the best, grouping them by regions facing the Tuscan coast, from north to south.
Forte dei Marmi – Forte dei Marmi
This area of Versilia on the Tuscan coast is an ideal place for those who prefer to relax with family or a large group of friends. As one of the Italian tourism capitals in the province of Lucca, Forte dei Marmi traditionally attracts tens of thousands of holidaymakers with its countless bars, restaurants, fashionable clubs and discos along the promenade. The wide, about 100-150 meters sandy beach of Forte dei Marmi is one of the longest in Italy. It provides convenient access to the sea.
The city takes its name from the so-called “Fortino”, a defensive fortress of Lorenese built in the 18th century by the Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo, who traded in marble mined in the Apuan Alps. One of its most prestigious areas is the Roma Imperiale quarter, with ancient noble villas such as Villa Antonietta, Casa Mann Borghese or Villa Agnelli.
Pietrasanta
From Forte dei Marmi to Lido di Camaiore stretches the fantastic Versilian coast of Marina di Pietrasanta. Here, beach lovers can expect more than 110 Tuscan beaches, located on four and a half kilometers of wide coastal strip with fine golden sand near the villages of Le Focette, Motrone, Tonfano and Fiumetto. The beaches of Pietrasanta, surrounded by pine groves, are famous for their natural beauty. They are among the cleanest on the coast.
Viareggio – Viareggio
The second largest city in the province of Lucca is also one of the main tourist centers, located on the famous stretch of Tuscan coast known as Versilia. Within its municipal boundaries, the magnificent Tuscan beaches of Viareggio stretch for more than 10 km with a colorful line of umbrellas and beach chairs, while the lively parallel promenade attracts with numerous shops, restaurants and cafes. In the Regional Natural Park of Migliarino San Rossore you can find the quieter free beaches of Viareggio, where you can retire in the silence of the pine forest.
Marina di Pisa – Marina di Pisa
The southern end of the Migliarino San Rossore park borders the seaside resort of Marina di Pisa, which is an integral part of the city of Pisa in the province of the same name. The resort's beaches, strewn with white small pebbles, begin in a charming place near the mouth of the Arno River, where there are many well-equipped marinas for boat trips. Despite the fact that there are quite strong undercurrents, you can come here on vacation even with children, since the beaches of Pisa adjacent to the water area are protected by a barrier of huge rock fragments that separate them from the open sea. Further along the coast there are also small sandy beaches with alternating powerful breakwaters that protect the coastline from destructive storms.
Tirrenia
The main attraction of this modern seaside resort of Pisa is the crystal clear sea and sandy coastline, which stretches for approximately 5 kilometers. The beaches of Tirrenia, founded in the early 1950s by the Americans who built the Camp Darby military base here, have been preserved since 2014. became public. Today they have turned into a well-known sea tourism destination, where lovers of underwater fishing and windsurfing come. Those who prefer a beach holiday can enjoy various activities active species sports - beach volleyball, tennis and even horse riding. Another attraction of this section of the Tuscan coast is the coastal Oasis Dunes of Tirrenia (L" Oasi dune di Tirrenia), where many types of lush Mediterranean vegetation are presented in the protected area.
Transfers from Florence
KiwiTaxi company offers comfortable transfers in Italy. Experienced drivers will meet you personally and deliver you to your hotel, airport, railway station, seaport or to the specified address.
Castiglioncello – Castiglioncello
Further south, in the province of Livorno, the Tuscan coastline becomes increasingly rocky, but there are also some charming beach spots to be found. The beaches of Tuscany in Castiglioncello are mainly located in small coves among the rocks. However, some of them, such as those in the bays of Quercetano or Caletta di Castiglioncello, are made of sand. Despite the fact that the length of the beaches is limited, access to them is quite convenient, the sea washing them is very clean, and the baths are picturesque. Here you can often see desperate surfers cutting through the waves of the Tyrrhenian Sea under colorful sails.
Being one of the historical seaside resorts, Castiglioncello has long been considered the pearl of the Tuscan coast. Many poets and artists received their creative inspiration here. In the early 1960s, the beaches of Castiglioncello became famous throughout the world in the drama “Il Sorpasso” (The Overtaking, 1962), directed by Dino Risi.
Cecina – Cecina
Cecina Mare, also known as Marina di Cecina, is the busiest summer seaside resort in the province of Livorno. Situated on the charming Etruscan coast of Tuscany, it is an ideal holiday destination for couples with children. Thousands of tourists choose the beaches of Tuscany in Cecina, which have been winning FEE Blue Flags for many years. You can come here on holiday with your four-legged friends - there is a seaside resort for dogs with a free beach, Bau Beach di Cecina.
The picturesque landscape of the Tuscan coast is complemented by sand dunes and ancient pine forests of the Tombolo di Cecina nature reserve. They were planted by Grand Duke Leopold of Tuscany to protect crop fields from sea winds. Today the forest belt extends along the beaches for 15 km.
San Vincenzo – San Vincenzo
Further south of Cecina is one of the most beloved seaside towns of Livorno. The coast of San Vincenzo is simply dotted with soft sandy beaches, of which the most famous is the beach of the Rimigliano Park, which stretches over 6 km of sand dunes to the green cape of Piombino. Near the Rimigliano Park, literally one kilometer from the center of San Vincenzo, is the shallow beach of della Principessa. North of San Vincenzo, on a long coastline of fine golden sand, the popular La Conchiglia beach is a traditional beach destination for families with children. On days with strong winds, surfers prefer to frolic here.
For holidaymakers with their four-legged friends, there is a beach called Dog Beach, where animals can walk and swim freely, and closer to Cape Piombino, in the Gulf of Baratti, there is the famous Tuscan beach La Nido del Aquila, where some nude sunbathers practice nudism.
Follonica – Follonica
In the province of Grosseto, between the capes of Piombino and Punta Ala, opposite the island of Elba, there is the beautiful bay of Marina di Follonica, where in the vicinity of the city of the same name there are several magnificent Tuscan beaches. The light, fine sand and shallow bottom attract thousands of tourists with children to the Fallonica coast in summer. The most famous of them is Torre Mozza beach with ancient tower on the shore, built in the 1500s to forestall possible Saracen raids, and Carbonifera Beach, which takes its name from the equally famous 19th-century tower that dominates it. The beaches of Lido Il Boschetto and Pratoranieri are located closest to the city center - they can even be reached on foot, but the most beautiful beaches of Tuscany in Marina di Fallonica are located 10-12 km away. This is the beach of Cala Violina, located between Fallonica and Punta Alba in the natural reserve Bandite di Scarlino, wild beaches Cala Martina and Cala Civette. However, getting to them will not be easy, since vehicle access to them is prohibited.
Marina di Grosseto – Marina di Grosseto
Just beyond Cape Punta Ala there is an equally beautiful Rocchette beach, hidden in the bay of the same name, dominated by an ancient watchtower built in the 12th century. Here begins the waters of Marina di Grosseto Bay, a popular tourist resort with many beaches spread out on a wide, about 50-meter, coastal strip with light sand. It stretches for several kilometers - from Castiglione della Pescaia, with a free but well-equipped beach, to the Maremma Regional Park, where the Marina di Alberese beach, famous for its untouched natural beauty, is located.
Monte Argentario – Monte Argentario
In the southernmost part of the Tuscan coast of the province of Grosseto, on the cape of Monte Argintario, which extends far into the Tyrrhenian Sea, there is one of the privileged places, especially interesting for lovers of diving and sea tourism. Here, in Porto Santo Stefano or Porto Ercole, you can rent a small boat or boat to go around the cape and admire the small islands of the adjacent water area and the delightful coastline peninsula, indented by hidden coves with sandy beaches. However, getting to them is quite problematic. For a complete beach holiday on Argentario, the most suitable sandy beaches with a gentle seabed are Feniglia and Gianella, which stretch along the northern and southern sand spits that connect the peninsula with the Tuscan coast. For several years now, the municipality of Grosseto has been awarded the FEE Blue Flag for the best European coastal resorts, as well as the Green Flag for best beaches for children.
The best beaches of Tuscany on the map
Thanks for the photo: real_ludo, barbarellaviola, teo678, gianlucaanselmi
Sea, beaches and resort life in Tuscany
One of the most frequent questions I’ve been answering lately is “help me decide on the choice of a resort in Tuscany, so that the sea is clean, the beaches are sandy and free, and it’s not boring in the evenings...” with slight variations on the theme of holidays with children or in youth company - has finally formed into a single article, which I hope will be useful to many.
Another reason for writing it, strange as it may seem, is the absolute impossibility of giving an unambiguous answer to this question based on all the parameters of the “search” for a beach holiday. The fact is that the coast of Tuscany is very different, each with its own characteristics and its own “Pros and Cons,” which I tried to present more or less clearly.
The most famous resorts of the northern coast of Tuscany or Versilia (Viareggio, Lido di Camaiore, Marina di Pietrasanta, Forte dei Marmi) have long established themselves as prestigious places for summer holidays in Italy thanks to a well-developed infrastructure with a wide selection of hotels for every taste, expensive or traditional restaurants, cafes, and evening cocktail bars. It’s nice to stroll here in the evenings - all the suburbs of Viareggio are connected by one wide embankment “Passeggiata”, here are the most the best discos Tuscany, shops and boutiques of all famous brands. Excursions to the main cities of Tuscany can be conveniently planned from here.
And now about the main thing, about the sea. Sandy beaches Apuan Riviera unusually wide, sandy bottom - shallow ( which is not very popular among fans of long swims, but just makes parents and children happy). The sea water is quite clean ( how applicable is this to any sandy bottom?), as evidenced by the “Blue Flags of Quality” awarded in Italy only to environmentally friendly resorts. However, absolutely everything local beaches urban ( especially in Viareggio) and paid, often with 15-20 rows of tightly standing umbrellas. In Versilia there are practically no hotels with their own beaches, there are no free beaches within walking distance from the hotels, so among all other vacation expenses you need to take into account the additional payment for beach places. Thanks to constant charter flights to Pisa (from May to September) The main offers of large Russian Tour Operators are here, so there are always a lot of Russian tourists in Versilia.
Resorts of southern Tuscany ( coast of Livorno, Grosseto and Pisa) unlike Versilia, they are more democratic and less pretentious! Small resort holiday towns and villages also have a developed infrastructure, designed mainly for Italian family tourism. The sea here is very clean, with wide sandy beaches and easy access for children. Almost all hotels (3* and 4*) and even aparthotels in this part of the Tuscan coast have own beaches and swimming pools that alternate with free ones ("wild") beaches accessible to everyone.
Riviera Etruscan It is especially convenient for day trips and excursions to all the cities of Tuscany, even if you do not plan to rent a car. However, in the evenings there is not as much entertainment as in Versilia. Fans of evening promenades overlooking the sea will not be able to “take a walk along the embankment,” since there are no embankments in these towns. All resort life is concentrated on one main street ( 500 meters) with pizzerias, ice cream parlors and small shops with the most necessary items. Recently, many people have been choosing these places precisely because of the tranquility and ease of relaxation, and most importantly, because of the special, favorable microclimate of the pine parks stretching along the entire coast!
A few words about the towns themselves. Marina di Castagneto Carducci, Marina di Bibbona, Cecina Mare- quiet resort towns, where mainly Italian families with children relax (there are several playgrounds, the Cavallino matto amusement park and a large water park). The towns are convenient for short excursions to Pisa, Volterra, Lucca, for enogastronomic excursions through medieval towns and even visiting thermal baths.
San Vincenzo is currently the most popular resort coast of Livorno. There is also a small “promenade” here ( imagine one main street (800 meters) with a dozen different boutiques, cafes and restaurants, quite nice and calm, with resort houses of 2-3 floors), where all the vacationers go to sleep in the evenings in the summer. In July and August, many events are held here to entertain tourists, such as “white nights”, fairs with tastings or open-air concerts. The newest yacht port, Marina San Vincenzo, like all yacht ports on the coast, is traditionally a favorite place evening walks and entertainment: sunset aperitifs, dinners overlooking yachts, evening cocktails with music.
Personally, I like the Tuscan coast Castiglioncello- a small town near Livorno, was once the famous Dolce Vita resort of the 60s. True, here too all the entertainment of vacationers is concentrated on one main square, or in the nearby yacht port. But Castigliocello does not give the feeling of a provincial resort, perhaps because of the Italians themselves who spend their holidays here or come for the weekend. The town still remains such a “fashionable place”, where on Saturdays colorful and quite nice “bikers” from all over Italy invariably gather, and in the spring and summer theater festivals and concerts are held in the local Castle. Starting in May, it is always quite lively here in the evenings, there are good restaurants and nice bars. People come here and just take a walk along the promenade-embankment along the sea or in the pine park, where there is also a small children’s playground. The main “minus” of Castiglioncello is the beaches, of which there are not many here. Tiny beaches in coves, with a few exceptions of paid beaches with bulk sand, are rocky and have a pebble bottom, which especially attracts lovers of clean water and snorkeling.
Prestigious resorts in south coast of Tuscany are considered Punta Ala And Castiglione della Pescaia. IN Punta Ala, however, apart from a luxurious yacht port with expensive yachts and expensive villas hidden in the greenery of pine parks, there is nothing either. The main street with two or three boutiques along the pier with yachts 100 m! Unlike him in Castiglione della Pescaia a very nice historical center-castle, the port promenade and the main street with restaurants, bars and boutiques are always lively in the evenings. These places have perhaps the cleanest sea in Tuscany with beaches of fine light sand. But this one, which appeared quite recently in the offers of our technical services: Marina di Grosseto may seem even more “democratic” than the already mentioned towns of Livorno ( By the way, it is positioned as inexpensive holiday by the sea in Tuscany).
The main disadvantages of these places, oddly enough, is the infrastructure. These resorts cannot boast of an abundance of hotels, good hotels 3* or 4* very few ( exception - three 5* hotels in Punta Ale). In addition, it is quite difficult from here to go on excursions to the cities of Tuscany on your own (without a car). Still remains on the sidelines Punta Ala, little accessible in every sense to a wide range of tourists ( It’s almost impossible to spend a holiday here without a car) and firmly holds the bar of a true VIP resort in Tuscany, a resort for the elite, which provides an excellent opportunity to isolate yourself from the outside world during your vacation!
Tuscany resorts by the sea
As you know, there are not many beaches suitable for swimming in Italy. This is due to the fact that most of of the Italian coast are inaccessible cliffs extending into the sea. However, exceptions still exist. Some of the best sandy beaches in all of Italy can be found on the Tuscan Riviera, in the heart of the country. Tuscany's seaside resorts are considered one of the most fashionable; snow-white yachts often moor here, and local hotels offer the highest level of service. At the same time, the beaches of Tuscany are all entirely sandy, well equipped and have everything and even more for entertainment and a pleasant pastime.
On the Tuscan coast there are several bays at once, from the north the coast is washed by the Ligurian Sea, from the south by the Tyrrhenian Sea. The best resorts of Tuscany in the northern part are Forte dei Marmi, Lido di Camaiore, Viareggio, San Vincenzo, while in the southern part - Punta Ala, Marina di Grosseto, Follonica, Orbetello and others. Read more about how to organize your own travel and vacation in
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Among the options for where to relax on the Tuscan coast, the most often voiced are or , both resorts are perhaps the most popular on the Riviera. The popularity of these resorts is understandable: in addition to extensive sandy beaches, vacationers are offered a developed infrastructure, including exclusive hotels or even apartment rentals, numerous entertainment venues such as bars, discos, nightclubs, a large city promenade with shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants and, of course, first-class service.
Contrary to popular belief, a holiday in Viareggio or Forte dei Marmi can be very affordable; every year more and more budget accommodation options appear here. However, you must be prepared for the fact that local beaches are paid, and entertainment is much more expensive than at neighboring resorts.
Commune is located in the southern part of the Tuscan Riviera, and its beach part - Marina di Grosseto - can easily be considered one of best resorts Tuscany for a beach holiday. Administratively, the town is divided into a historical upper part and a lower resort part, which comes close to the shore of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The historical part of Grosseto is perfect for excursion holiday and inspection of local architectural monuments, it is not for nothing that Grosseto is called little “Siena”.
Well, the beach part of the town is often called the place where it is better to relax in Tuscany by the sea, if you want peaceful rest, fine sandy beaches and calm seas with a gentle entrance to the sea. The resort's infrastructure is well developed; it has everything you need, including a variety of hotels and equipped beaches. Located close to the resort natural Park“Maremma”, which can be explored either independently or with a guided tour.
Allie_Caulfield/Tuscany
If Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi are considered centers of active resort life, then the neighboring , on the contrary, it is conducive to a relaxing holiday in nature, while the local beaches are no worse, but there are much fewer tourists there in the “high” season. Lido di Camaiore is also suitable for a family holiday with children, especially since the amusement parks Pitagora, Lidolandia and Baby Lido are located in the vicinity. For natural attractions, from Lido you can go to the Apuan Mountains Natural Park. We can consider that the resort in Lido provides an opportunity to combine a beach holiday with hiking in the mountains.
Some of the cleanest beaches in Tuscany can be found in the resort . These statements are not unfounded; the resort town has been awarded the Blue Flag insignia for many years now, which is awarded only to resorts with the cleanest beaches in the world. The beach line of San Vincenzo stretches for more than 10 km, the local beaches are sandy with a gentle entrance to the water, the coast is washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea. San Vincenzo itself is fraught with many interesting things; many historical monuments have been preserved here. In addition, from San Vincenzo it is convenient to go hiking in the Rimigliano Natural Park or visit the Italian island of Elba on a boat excursion.
Among the resorts of Tuscany by the sea, is by no means in last place. Here, in the local harbor, snow-white yachts like to moor, and entertainment in Punta Ala includes golf courses, catamaran rides, diving, surfing, horse riding and tennis courts. The resort infrastructure is very developed with excellent hotels, where you can find many additional options such as swimming pools, entertainment programs, bars, children's animation and much more. Punta Ala is one of the best places where you can relax on the Tuscan coast with maximum comfort.
You can always diversify your beach holiday in the resorts of Tuscany with excursion trips from the nearest historical cities, for example, in , or . Thermal resorts are also popular in Tuscany; more on them later.
lo.tangelini/Beaches of Lido di Camaiore Thermal resorts of Tuscany
You will be surprised, but Tuscany is rich not only in its beach resorts, but also thermal. About what exists here mineral springs, were known even in the era of the ancient Romans, and since then the local baths have not lost their popularity. Rest on thermal resort– this is an opportunity not only to have fun and unwind, but also to improve your health. The best part is that swimming in many local thermal baths is free and free, because... considered the property of the people. However, you can also find secluded hotels with all the necessary spa options for a private holiday here. The most famous thermal resorts in Tuscany are Montecatini Terme and Terme di Saturnia.
IN There are several thermal springs with different properties. It is not surprising that thanks to them, the resort became widely known. The city has numerous thermal complexes, swimming pools and pump rooms. The most popular thermal baths are Tettuccio, Redi and Excelsior. Holidays in Montecatini are usually combined with active walks in the fresh air and a visit to the old part of the city, the so-called Montecatini Alto district. The area is located on a hill; you can also get here by cable car. The historical district of the city is famous for its architectural and historical monuments.
Another thermal resort - town – is located in the southern part of Tuscany. The city is famous for its spa hotels, amazing natural microclimate and free thermal springs, available for swimming to anyone. Local springs - Cascate del Mulino and Cascate del Gorello - maintain a temperature of 37.5 degrees all year round, and are shaped like cascading waterfalls. The best part is that Saturnia is located close to the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, which means that a holiday at a thermal resort can be combined with trips to the sea.
