Beach Villas in Tuscany

About the Tuscan Coast

For many holidaymakers, Tuscany conjures up images of a rich rural landscape – rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards and charming villages. For others, the thought of Tuscany immediately brings to mind its famous cities – Florence, Siena and Pisa. However, visitors should not forget that Tuscany also has a wonderful coastline and some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. In fact, Tuscany can boast over 400 km of incredible coastline offering the perfect setting for your next villa holiday in Tuscany.

Towns and villages along the Tuscan coast

There are a wealth of wonderful towns and villages on or near the Tuscan coast. Some of the most popular seaside resorts include Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, Sonnino, Baratti, Castagneto, Cala Violina, Punta Ala, Castiglione della Pescaia, Porto Ercole, Fenigalia and Marina di Grosetto. Not far from the coast are larger towns and cities such as Pisa and Grosetto.

Wealthy Italians often flock to the cool of the coast around Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi in the Summer months, staying in elegant villas that overlook the sea. However, you’ll also find Viareggio busy in the winter – it is home to the famous Carnevale that takes place across virtually the whole month of February. Castagneto is where you will find one of Tuscany’s longest beaches. It’s the perfect spot to sunbathe as well as to enjoy a long coastal walk. We recommend you hike or cycle along the Viale dei Cavalleggeri trail here. Lined with tall pine trees, it’s a stunning route. Just south of here is Punta Ala. This is another upmarket resort famous for its marina and sailing regattas. Also in this area is one of our favourite Tuscan coastal towns – Castiglione della Pescaia.

Grosetto lies approximately 12 km from the seaside resort of Marina di Grosetto. It’s certainly worth the short journey. It has a beautiful historic centre and it’s where you will find the 13th century Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Museo Archeologico e d’Arte della Maremma. And, I think we’re safe to say that Pisa itself needs no introduction.

Beaches in Tuscany

Pretty much wherever you go along Tuscany’s long coastline, you will find the beaches clean and the water a deep blue. However, that said, the beaches in Tuscany do vary quite dramatically from north to south. This means that you can choose between a rocky or sandy beach. You can then opt for either a beach with established beach club where loungers, parasols and other facilities are provided, or one where you’re unlikely to see another soul. Maybe it’s a dog friendly beach that you’re after. Or perhaps it’s something family friendly. Whatever you’re looking for, Tuscany will tick the box!

In the far north of the region, you have the Apuan Riviera. Amongst other resorts, this 20 km stretch of coastline includes Marina di Carrara, Marina di Massa and Ronchi. You’ll find numerous beach clubs here and plenty of nautical centres for those who want to enjoy water sports such as windsurfing and sailing. The Apuan Coast is also framed by the Apuan Alps, creating quite a unique setting for a holiday in Tuscany. After all, you can be hiking in the mountains in the morning and be relaxing on the white sandy beaches of Tuscany in the afternoon.

Moving south, you quickly reach the Versilia coastline. This 25 km stretch of the Tuscan coast is famous for its private beach clubs and vibrant night life. In decades past, it attracted the rich and famous, keen to be seen partying the night away. These days, it doesn’t have the same status as it did back then, but it still attracts a rather wealthy, upmarket set. Resorts along the Versilia coast include Forte dei Marmi, Marina di Pietrasanta, Lido di Camaiore, Viareggio and Torre del Lago. If you’re into surfing, then this is the best place to ride those waves! Just be aware that, whilst the water is clean, due to the currents in this area, it can often look rather brown and murky during the peak Summer months.

From here, you reach the Pisan coastline and the Etruscan Coast. The Pisan coastline is home to the Migliarino San Rossore and Massaciuccoli Park. This has stunning beaches, a number of which are free, as well as gorgeous sand dunes. Also on this stretch of coast is Marina di Pisa and Tirrenia, both offering well-equipped, long, family-friendly sandy beaches. And there is Calambrone too. Here, the sea breezes means its a popular spot with sailors and windsurfers.

The Etruscan coast stretches from Livorno in the north down to Piombino in the south.  The coastline starts to become more varied here. You’ll still find sandy beaches but there are also rocky coves too. It’s also an area of Tuscany that boasts a rich history dating back to Etruscan times. The best example of this is at the Archeological Park of Baratti and Populonia, home to a large Etruscan necropolis, as well as the nearby hamlet of Populonia Alta which is the first coastal village built by the Etruscans. Once at Piombino, you are rewarded with wonderful view of Elba Island. Incidentally, if you want to explore either the islands of Elba or Pianosa, the main departure point to do so would be Piombino.

Keep journeying south and you’re then in the area south of Piombino and the Maremma beaches. This is a stunning stretch of coastline. To one side you have the crystal clear sea waters and pale sandy beaches, whilst to the other you have the wooded WWF Oasis of San Felice and then the Maremma Regional Park. The latter stretches for 25 km along the coast and covers an area of 22,000 acres, It comprises swathes of pine forests, fields, meadows, marshes and hillsides that rise 400 metres above sea level and is a protected wildlife reserve

Next you come to Tuscany’s Silver Coast – the Costa d’Argento. The start of this is the Marina di Talamone. From here, you have approximately 16 km of almost uninterrupted beach that runs all the way to Monte Argentario. This promontory is connected to the Italian mainland by two narrow strips of land, both flanked by beaches and with a saltwater lagoon in the middle. This is where you will find Orbetello. A bridge then leads from here to Monte Argentario, Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano. It is a stunning landscape oozing beauty, with numerous charming coves and beaches.

And then finally you’ve reached Lazio!