By the sea on the Etruscan Coast in Tuscany
When we talk about the Etruscan Coast we are referring to that stretch of sea between Livorno and Piombino. The Etruscan Coast takes its name from the ancient people who lived in these areas before the advent of the Romans and develops entirely within the province of Livorno. The traces left by the Etruscans are numerous and well documented thanks to the archaeological excavations that have been carried out over the years.
In this area there are several historic villages of considerable interest that are appreciated both for their beauty and for the superb food and wine tradition. In fact, some of the finest wines of Tuscany and beyond are produced in these parts.
The main tourist attraction of the Etruscan Coast is the sea. Here there are many of the most beautiful beaches in the region and more generally in central Italy. Over the years, the Etruscan Coast has equipped itself more and more to welcome visitors in the best possible way with accommodation facilities, bathing establishments and so on. Along the coast there are often wonderful pine forests, ideal shelters from the heat where you can organize lunches and picnics, go for walks and bike rides.
In summary, the Etruscan Coast is able to offer an excellent synthesis between nature, good food, history, sea and beaches where you can spend a nice holiday.
- Castiglioncello
- Rosignano Marittimo
- Cecina
- Bibbona
- Castagneto Carducci
- San Vincenzo
- Parco di Rimigliano
- Golfo di Baratti
- Piombino
Castiglioncello
Castiglioncello is part of the municipality of Rosignano Marittimo and is located in the northernmost part of the Etruscan Coast. The center is perched on a small promontory from which you can quickly reach the sea. Here the coast is very indented and has some coves with rocks but there are also some short stretches of sandy beach. If you like rocks, Castiglioncello may be the right destination for you, and here you can also dedicate yourself to diving and snorkeling. Castiglioncello has obtained the important recognition of the Blue Flag which certifies the quality of its sea and its cleanliness.
Rosignano Marittimo
Rosignano Marittimo is a hamlet of medieval origin that developed around its castle. Between Rosignano Maritimo and the sea lies the center of Rosignano Solvay, famous for its white beaches. The beaches of this stretch of coast between Rosignano and Vada (Blue Flag) are characterized by very clear, almost dazzling sand and a turquoise sea that recalls that of the Caribbean. Unfortunately, the similarities with the Caribbean stop there because these colors are not a miracle of nature but the work of man. The white beaches are in fact the result of the Solvay industry discharges, in particular calcium carbonate.
Cecina
In the municipality of Cecina, both Le Gorette and Marina di Cecina have been awarded the Blue Flag. The sea is clean and the beaches are sandy. Along the coast there are free beaches and bathing establishments and there are also some beaches for dogs (Bau Beach). On the beach it is possible to practice various sailing sports such as surfing and wind surfing. Both in Le Gorette and in Marina di Cecina there are beautiful pine forests, in particular in the southernmost part there is the Riserva Naturale Tomboli di Cecina with many paths, picnic areas and benches.
Bibbona
Bibbona is a beautiful village nestled on a hill a few kilometers from the coast. Near the center there is a large protected natural park that lends itself to naturalistic and sports holidays, especially for those who are fond of cycling and trekking. The paths can be traveled on foot, by bicycle but also on horseback to enjoy the woods and shrubs typical of the Mediterranean machine. On the coast there is Marina di Bibbona (Blue Flag), one of the most famous tourist resorts in the area, with long sandy beaches full of equipped establishments.
Castagneto Carducci
The pretty village of Castagneto Carducci takes its name from the great italian poet Giosué Carducci. As in the case of Cecina and Bibbona, Castagneto is also located inland. In its municipality there are also Bolgheri, a town definitely known for its highly prized wine and the seaside resort Marina di Castagneto Carducci, yet another Blue Flag of the Etruscan Coast.
San Vincenzo
Going south you meet the beautiful beach of San Vincenzo, with its fine and soft sand. San Vincenzo is the ideal destination for a family holiday with children and teenagers. This is one of the best equipped beaches with assistance points, lifeguards, bathing establishments with bars and restaurants for lunch or dinner by the sea. San Vincenzo is equipped for various water sports and sailing and also has a comfortable marina for boaters.
Parco di Rimigliano
Just beyond San Vincenzo you will find the beautiful Parco Costiero di Rimigliano. Here there is a very long beach which can be accessed from the gates that open through the dense pine forest of the park. The sea here is very beautiful and the beach is characterized by peculiar light sand dunes. In the Rimigliano Park you will find only free beaches and no equipped bathing establishments, at most there are picnic areas and small refreshment points. If you are looking for a place to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy the green of the trees and a beautiful view, the Rimigliano Park is definitely for you.
Golfo di Baratti
The Gulf of Baratti is a real jewel, certainly one of the best places to go to the beach on the Etruscan Coast. This beautiful bay is surrounded by dense Mediterranean scrub and can boast crystal clear and very clean water with shallow waters that are also perfect for children. Along the gulf there are large stretches of free beach and some bathing establishments equipped and equipped with every comfort (showers, bars, restaurants, pizzerias, kiosks, diving centers) to have everything at hand. At the southernmost point of the bay there is a delightful marina.
The sand of the Gulf of Baratti has a somewhat particular color ranging from dark brown to silver with black fragments, which are probably residues from iron working, which was practiced at the time of the Etruscans. The presence of this ancient people is well documented and in fact the gulf is also a destination for lovers of history and archeology. Here you can in fact visit the Parco Archeologico di Baratti e Populonia which extends from the Gulf of Baratti to the slopes of the Promontory of Piombino and includes the ancient Etruscan and Roman city of Populonia.
The beaches of Piombino
Piombino has 30 kilometers of beaches that follow one another between coves, bays, cliffs, paths, pine forests, bathing establishments, sandy and pebble beaches. All this variety is certainly able to satisfy the needs of every tourist. A little south of Populonia is the Buca delle Fate, one of the most beautiful and evocative places on the entire Tuscan coast. To reach it you will have to take a path that crosses the promontory of Piombino and descends towards the cliff. Among the sandy beaches there are Cala Moresca, Perelli, the Parco Naturale della Sterpaia, and the Torre Mozza beach.
