Birdwatching in English

When in Fiesole, do as the Romans did

Waving the texture of history

Tuscia Electa permanent exhibits

The 5 Senses Test

Under the Tuscan Sun

C’mon, have a go!

Chocolate Valley

Pontormo

The Leonardo Codexes reversed

The sea, the sea

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Summer in Fiesole

Fiesole, unique, in the Spring

How to get there:

The terracotta of Impruneta

More about Abetone

LIFE’S A BEACH ! (PT.1)

LIFE’S A BEACH ! (PT.2)

Visit the Tuscan coast

A glorious day at the Seaside
[Susan Glasspool]

Florence, luckily for those living or staying here, is situated conveniently close to the coast. The nearest beaches are in fact a little over an hour’s drive away and easily reachable for a day trip or a weekend by the sea. There are four main areas of coast, plus of course the Tuscan Archipelago, all of them boasting splendid beaches and unpolluted waters.

Here is some advice on on how and where to go.

• Versilia is the area lying closest to Florence and an excellent choice for a day out at the seaside. It stretches along a strip of about 20 kms of sandy coastline set between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Apuan Alps, where the splendid white Carrara marble, of Michelangelo fame, is quarried. The beaches all have plenty of facilities to suit all tastes, varying from exclusive lidos to more lively areas, with sun shades, sunbeds, beach games and entertainment, including plenty of nightspots.
• Viareggio, famous for its Carnival, boasts a long promenade, elegant and historic cafès and many fine early 20th century buildings in Liberty style. Torre del Lago nearby hosts the celebrated Puccini open-air opera festival in July and August. Pietrasanta, further north, is popular among sculptors, some world famous, many of whom reside here, thanks to the local marble and bronze work. Lido di Camaiore is famous for its nightlife, while elegant Forte dei Marmi offers large beaches, fine shops and art galleries.

• The Pisan coastline offers several beaches and dunes from Marina di Pisa to Tirrenia, much of it backed by splendid pinewoods.

• The Etruscan Coast stretches from Livorno southwards to Piombino and is rich in beautiful scenery and Etruscan remains. Livorno, the main town and one of the most important ports in Italy, also boasts picturesque areas, fine views and the Giovanni Fattori Museum. Castiglioncello, further south, became fashionable after being discovered by the ‘Macchiaioli’ school in the late 19th century. Apart from its clean sea, fine beaches and pinewoods, the town offers excellent tourist services and plenty of entertainment. The area between Rosignano and Vada is famous for the dazzling white sands, though fewer tourist facilities. Quercianella, Marina di Cecina, Marina di Bibbona, Donoratico, San Vincenzo and Baratti, with its fascinating Etruscan necropolis of Populonia and archaeological park, are all delightful and well organised seaside resorts along this coast. Piombino, like Livorno, is a large port with frequent ferry services to the Tuscan Archipelago.

• Further south, the long and multicoloured Maremma coastline is bathed by a transparent sea (among the most unpolluted in Italy), sunny beaches, protected by lush pine forests, isolated coves and rocky cliffs. The main towns include Follonica, Castiglione della Pescaia, Punta Ala and Grosseto, with the nearby Nature Park of the Maremma. It is perfect for people who love the sea and nature but also want the availability of restaurants, bathing establishments and sport. Beautiful Monte Argentario, mystical Orbetello and its lagoon, the golden beaches of the Feniglia, Giannella, Capalbio and Ansedonia, the fishing villages of Talamone, Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole are all delightful.

• The Tuscan Archipelago includes the islands of Giglio and Giannutri, plus of course Elba, of Napoleonic fame, the largest island, which can be reached from Piombino or Santo Stefano.



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