Blue Flags: discovering the dream beaches and clear sea in Tuscany
The Tuscan coasts are celebrated for their crystalline sea, clear waters and well-kept beaches. Along the entire coast of Tuscany, there are numerous seaside resorts able to offer maximum comfort and services without compromising the environment. These municipalities have thus won the prestigious recognition of the Blue Flag, an international symbol of excellence awarded by the FEE, Foundation for Environmental Education. The Blue Flags are a guarantee not only for the quality of the sea, but also for a series of environmental indicators that contribute to determining the excellent state of conservation of most of the Tuscan coasts.
The municipalities of Tuscany with the Blue Flag
In Tuscany there are 19 municipalities that can boast the Blue Flag and 7 tourist ports (Port of Pisa, Marina di Cala de’ Medici in Rosignano Marittimo, Port of Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro, Marina di Punta Ala, Porto della Maremma and Marina of Cala Galera Monte Argentario).
Here are the 19 Tuscan municipalities protagonists of this article:
- Carrara
- Massa
- Forte dei Marmi
- Pietrasanta
- Camaiore
- Viareggio
- Pisa
- Livorno
- Rosignano Marittimo
- Cecina
- Bibbona
- Castagneto Carducci
- San Vincenzo
- Piombino
- Marciana Marina
- Follonica
- Castiglione della Pescaia
- Grosseto
- Orbetello
Carrara: a refuge of wellbeing
The coast of Marina di Carrara, with its comfortable hotels, campsites and services, represents the perfect destination for a holiday dedicated to well-being and fun. The fine, soft sandy beach is easily accessible by public transport and is surrounded by a dense pine forest which offers shelter from the sun on the hottest days.
Massa: fun on the beach
Expanses of golden sand, with the rugged Apuan massif behind them, frame Marina di Massa. During the summer, numerous establishments, some of which are historic, clubs, discos and tourist services make this location one of the most attractive destinations in Tuscany.
Forte dei Marmi: luxury and fun in Versilia
Versilia is the perfect destination for those who want to have a holiday full of glamor and fun. The Blue Flag flies proudly on the beaches of Forte dei Marmi, which have always been a highly sought-after destination even among celebrities and VIPs.
Pietrasanta: art, marble and soft beaches
A few kilometers from the historic center of Pietrasanta, the artistic capital of Versilia, and from the famous marble quarries, the beaches of Tonfano and La Versiliana in Marina di Pietrasanta offer large expanses of soft sand and every type of comfort possible and imaginable.
Camaiore: elegance on the beach of Lido di Camaiore
Loved by celebrities of the past such as Gabriele D’Annunzio, Eleonora Duse and Vittorio Emanuele III, the beach of Lido di Camaiore is a pleasant and elegant seaside resort overlooking the wide beach of Versilia. Like any self-respecting town in Versilia, Lido di Camaiore also boasts excellent services and a lively nightlife.
Viareggio: the city of Carnival
Viareggio, known as the city of Carnival, is also the pearl of Versilia, with beaches awarded with the Blue Flag, including that of Torre del Lago Puccini. The latter location, in addition to enjoying an extraordinary view of the Tyrrhenian Sea, hosts the Puccini Festival, which every summer offers a high-level opera season at the Gran Teatro all’Aperto Puccini.
Pisa: relaxation and reserved beaches
The Pisan coast is a paradise for those seeking relaxation and quieter beaches, away from the crowds. In all the towns of the Pisan province, Marina di Pisa, Tirrenia and Calambrone, you will find clear seas and vast Mediterranean pine forests. In addition to the pleasures of the sea, these locations can also offer you an excellent starting base for exploring the nearby cities of Pisa and Livorno.
Livorno: environmental quality and high services
On the coast of Livorno, Parco Marina del Boccale, Rogiolo, Bagni Roma, Rex and Cala Quercianella guarantee a high level of environmental quality and services for tourists.
Rosignano Marittimo: between sandy beaches and rocks
In the municipality of Rosignano Marittimo, the beaches of Castiglioncello, La Mazzanta and Vada have won the Blue Flag. Castiglioncello, born on an ancient Etruscan village, is famous throughout the world thanks to the film “Il Sorpasso” by Dino Risi. The beaches of Vada, shaded by thick pine forests, alternate characteristic establishments with stretches of free beach, including the Secche, loved by fishing enthusiasts in every season.
Cecina: a world of services and activities to do by the sea
The beaches of Le Gorette and Marina di Cecina are close to a wide range of amenities and are ideal for relaxing family holidays. Here you can also practice water sports, with swimming and sailing schools, riding stables and a clay shooting range.
Bibbona: mild climate and uncontaminated nature
Located in the middle of the Etruscan Coast, in the province of Livorno, Marina di Bibbona is a very popular destination due to its mild climate, the beauty of the place and the tranquility of the area. Immersed in nature, Marina di Bibbona offers ideal beaches for the whole family and for lovers of water sports.
Castagneto Carducci: clean sea and welcoming beaches
Marina di Castagneto Carducci boasts a clean and clear sea. The welcoming coastline is full of bathing establishments and “Punti Azzurri”, large stretches of free beach with guaranteed services.
San Vincenzo: beaches loved by all
The beaches of San Vincenzo, including Principessa and Conchiglia, are highly appreciated by both local and foreign tourists because they offer many opportunities for lovers of water sports. The Rimigliano Natural Park, a magnificent flora and fauna oasis located directly on the sea, deserves a special mention.
Piombino: nature and wild beaches
The Parco Naturale della Sterpaia, in the Piombino area, is known for its rich environmental ecosystem, with dunes, agricultural areas and a suggestive humid forest. Its beaches are located in Perelli, Carlappiano, Mortelliccio, il Pino, Carbonifera and Torre Mozza.
Marciana Marina: Blue Flags on the Island of Elba
The Island of Elba certainly needs no introduction. Beloved by sea enthusiasts, Elba is one of the most sought after destinations for summer holidays. Could there therefore be no Blue Flags on this magnificent island? Of course not! In this case, the beaches that can proudly show off the Blue Flag are La Marina, La Fenicia and Re di Noce in Marciana Marina.
Follonica: a beach in the heart of an enchanting gulf
The beach of Follonica, located in the center of a beautiful gulf between the promontory of Piombino and Punta Ala, is an unmissable experience, with the Island of Elba as a backdrop.
Castiglione della Pescaia: a historic village with crystal clear sea
Another unmissable place is Castiglione della Pescaia, with its historic village overlooking the sea. Among the seaside resorts to visit are Rocchette, Roccamare, Mora, Riva del Sole, Capezzolo, Ponente, Spiaggia Pian d’Alma, Casetta, Piastrone, Punta Ala, Levante and Tombolo.
Grosseto: family beaches in the Tuscan Maremma
Maremma offers extraordinary locations for an unforgettable summer. The coasts of Marina di Grosseto and Principina a Mare are considered among the best beaches for families with children. For nature lovers, I would like to point out that not far away there is also the beautiful Maremma Regional Park, the true green and wild heart of the province of Grosseto.
Orbetello: beaches on a spit of land
Continuing south to Orbetello, a singular town nestled on the strip of land that extends towards Monte Argentario, you will discover the beaches of Fertilia, Puntata, Osa, Giannella, Feniglia and Tagliata.
These Tuscan seaside gems await you for an unforgettable holiday, between clear sea, breathtaking landscapes and first-class services.
