Discovering the Best Seaside Resorts in Tuscany
Dreaming of a beach holiday in Tuscany? With its diverse coastline stretching from the glamorous Versilia to the wild Maremma and the enchanting Tuscan Archipelago, the region offers a myriad of choices. Whether you prefer long sandy beaches for sunbathing, secluded rocky coves for some tranquillity, or lively coastal towns buzzing with life, Tuscany has it all. This guide will take you through the different stretches of the Tuscan coast, highlighting the best beaches and resorts to help you plan your perfect getaway.
Seaside Resorts in Northern Tuscany
The northern coast of Tuscany falls within the provinces of Massa Carrara, Lucca, and Pisa. The northernmost part borders Liguria and is lapped by the Ligurian Sea, which then gives way to the Tyrrhenian Sea as you head south.
Versilia
Since the 1960s, Versilia has become synonymous with seaside holidays, with its most famous resorts becoming iconic symbols of the Italian economic boom. These towns have evolved over time and remain incredibly popular today. Miles of sandy beaches, high-end bathing establishments, and a vibrant nightlife are the hallmarks of Forte dei Marmi, a favourite of the jet set, famous for the legendary La Capannina nightclub. Lido di Camaiore offers a slightly less exclusive but equally lively atmosphere, a bustling seaside town part of a pretty town nestled at the foot of the Apuan Alps. For a more tranquil setting, perfect for families, Marina di Pietrasanta is an excellent choice. Viareggio stands out as the only coastal town in Versilia that attracts visitors even in winter, mainly thanks to its historic Carnival. An elegant holiday resort with beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, it is also popular with young people for its numerous nightclubs.
Apuan Riviera
Many believe that Versilia is the northernmost part of Tuscany, but the very northern tip of the Tuscan coast is actually known as the Apuan Riviera. Stretching for about 20 kilometres, it includes a part in Liguria and a part in Tuscany, the latter falling within the province of Massa and Carrara. To the east, the Riviera is bordered by the Apuan Alps, from which it takes its name, making it an ideal area for those who want to combine afternoons at the beach with mountain hikes. The two main seaside resorts are Marina di Massa and Marina di Carrara, both awarded the Blue Flag for the quality of their tourist services.
Pisan Coastline
The Pisan Coastline is the sea outlet of the city of Pisa, located between Marina di Vecchiano to the north and the border with the province of Livorno to the south. Although its beaches are less famous than those of Versilia, they are enjoying increasing popularity as a valid alternative. Generally more affordable, they offer equally beautiful landscapes and excellent services. Marina di Pisa is the coastal town of one of the three most visited art cities in Tuscany, making it an ideal base for a holiday that combines sea and culture. Other popular resorts along the Pisan coast include Tirrenia and Marina di Vecchiano-Migliarino.
Seaside Resorts in Central-Southern Tuscany
The central-southern coast of Tuscany is located in the provinces of Livorno and Grosseto, the former in the central part and the latter in the south. The coast varies from high and rocky in some areas to low and sandy in others.
Grosseto Maremma
The Maremma is a vast geographical area that includes much of the central-southern coast of Tuscany and the western part of the province of Viterbo in Lazio. It is divided into several areas, one of which has gained particular fame and is often confused with the entire Maremma: the Grosseto Maremma. It is difficult to pinpoint a single characteristic of the Maremma beaches because this vast area includes both famous and crowded seaside resorts and quiet beaches immersed in nature. We recommend the 5 best seaside resorts in the Maremma. If you want to combine your beach holiday with the charm of typical Tuscan villages, head to Castiglione della Pescaia or Capalbio. Follonica is a former industrial town that has transformed into a popular seaside destination, with long sandy beaches suitable for both those looking for equipped bathing establishments and those who prefer wild-looking beaches. Marina di Grosseto is a quieter seaside resort, ideal for those seeking a relaxing and comfortable holiday.
Silver Coast
A stretch of the Grosseto Maremma with a high concentration of breathtaking beaches is the Silver Coast, which corresponds to the southern end of Tuscany. This coast is high and jagged, with mostly rocky and pebble beaches, often set in coves and inlets. The main attraction is Monte Argentario, a promontory that rises about 600 meters above sea level and is entirely covered by dense vegetation. Loved by sailors for its marinas and waters with splendid colours, it is also accessible by car as it is connected to the mainland. The two main centres are Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole.
Livorno Maremma
The numerous names used for the Upper Maremma, the northern part of the Maremma, can create some confusion. Administratively, it falls entirely within the province of Livorno, hence the name Maremma Livornese; historically, however, this territory was known as Maremma Pisana. The coastal part is known as the Livorno Coast or the Etruscan Coast. The three main seaside resorts are Marina di Bibbona, Marina di Cecina, and Rosignano Marittimo. The first two are typical tourist destinations with long sandy beaches, both free and equipped, particularly suitable for family holidays. Both are surrounded by lush pine forests. Caribbean atmospheres await you in Rosignano Marittimo, a town famous for its Spiagge Bianche (White Beaches): stretches of very white sand lapped by a blue sea and framed by dense vegetation.
The Islands of the Tuscan Archipelago
The territory of Tuscany also includes the Tuscan Archipelago: seven inhabited islands located in the stretch of sea separating the Tuscan mainland and Corsica. On a map, they almost seem aligned. Some are located in front of central-northern Tuscany, others in front of southern Tuscany, so the port of departure may vary depending on the chosen island. The sea crossing takes about an hour for all the islands. Another common feature of all the islands is their extraordinary natural beauty: the sea is blue and crystal clear, and the vegetation is lush. Much of the territory of the islands and the surrounding waters falls within the protected area of the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago. Which island to choose among Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Montecristo, Pianosa, Gorgona, and Giannutri? We recommend the first three.
Island of Elba
Elba is the main island of the Tuscan Archipelago: it is the largest (the third largest Italian island after Sardinia and Sicily), the most developed, and, consequently, the most visited. Choosing Elba for your beach holiday means being able to count on a wide range of accommodation and services. The two main towns on the island, Portoferraio and Porto Azzurro, are historic centres full of shops, bars, and restaurants. Elba is also the recommended choice for young people looking for nightlife and entertainment, for those who want a beach holiday out of season, and for trekking and mountain biking enthusiasts.
Island of Giglio
The Island of Giglio is the second largest island in terms of size and tourist flow. It is a much quieter island: there are only three inhabited centres, and the tourist offer is mainly aimed at couples and people seeking relaxation.
Island of Capraia
The Island of Capraia stands out from Elba and Giglio for its volcanic landscapes: the symbolic image of the island is Cala Rossa, an enormous rock face of an intense red colour overlooking a blue sea. Much of the coast is high and jagged, with breathtaking but difficult-to-reach beaches; however, there are some sandy beaches on the eastern side of the island.
