Beaches in Tuscany
Our Guide to the best beaches in Tuscany
With over 300km of coastline, Tuscany is a superb destination for beach-lovers. The most famous beaches are in the north, where exclusive beach clubs attract Italian A-listers. Others are family-friendly, with shallow waters and soft sands. Many back onto unspoilt nature reserves, where emerald woods and forested hills provide the perfect backdrop for a utterly tranquil day by the sea.
Search villas in Tuscany
Our favourite beaches
Below is a list of our favourite beaches on the Tuscan coast.
Forte dei Marmi
Where: about 30km northwest of Pisa.
Description: part of a long sweep of fine soft sand that’s beloved of Italian VIPs. It’s very lively in the summer months with lots of lidos, bars, cafés, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
Access: easy, by car.
Spiaggia di Vecchiano
Where: 7km south of Viareggio.
Description: a long expanse of golden sand lapped by azure waters and backed by dunes and greenery. Views to the north take in the outline of the towering Apuan Alps, and the sunsets are magical. There are only a couple of lidos nearby, so it is perfect for those who wish to find their own space away from it all. We recommend you take provisions.
Access: easy, by car.
Tirrenia
Where: just north of Livorno.
Description: golden sands, lidos and ideal conditions for windsurfing.
Access: easy, by car.
Spiaggie Bianche
Where: about 20km south of Livorno.
Description: as the name suggests, glorious white sands. The translucent, electric and milky blue waters are irresistible. There is a good selection of restaurants in nearby Rosignano, just a few hundred metres away.
Access: easy, by car.
Marina di Bibbona
Where: about 35km south of Livorno.
Description: part of a 30km-long, gently curving arc of sand fringed by greenery. There are a few lidos, but plenty of space to spread out and find your own spot.
Access: easy, by car.
Golfo di Baratti
Where: on the northern side of the Piombino promontory.
Description: a sheltered arc of soft sand below overlooked by pine-forested hills and the ancient Etruscan site of Populonia. There are a few lidos, restaurants and bars but also quiet areas. The sunsets are stunning should you wish to stay on for a seafront aperitif.
Access: easy, by car.
Spiaggia della Buca delle Fate
Where: on the western side of the Piombino promontory.
Description: something special for those with a boat. Drop anchor and swim ashore to this little bit of rocky paradise below the cliffs of the Piombino promontory. A tranquil spot with room for just a few.
Access: by boat only.
Cala Violina
Where: about 12km northwest of Castiglione della Pescaia
Description: arguably the most scenic and paradisiacal beaches on Tuscany’s coast. Part of the verdant Bandite di Scarlino nature reserve, it combines golden sand and rocks, transparent, shallow waters, and views out towards Elba, all enclosed by a fragrant, emerald wood of pine and oak trees. There are no lidos and just a single beach bar, so it’s a good idea to take your own provisions.
Access: a 2km walk or bicycle ride from the parking area. Or by boat.
Spiaggia delle Rocchette
Where: near Castiglione della Pescaia
Description: part of a long, south-facing, 7km stretch of sand running northwest from Castiglione della Pescaia. Sheltered by the verdant Piombino promontory, it offers gorgeous views, soft sand, shallow waters and a few lidos and restaurants to choose from.
Access: easy, by car.
Principina a Mare
Where: Marina di Grosseto
Description: a less-crowded extension of Marina di Grosseto’s popular sandy beach, Principina a Mare is fringed by intense greenery and scattered with driftwood. Although there are a few lidos nearby, you can easily find your own spot far from others.
Access: easy, by car.
Marina di Alberese and Collelungo
Where: 8km south of Marina di Grosseto
Description: backed by the unspoilt, forested hills of the Regional Park of the Maremma and lapped by transparent seas, this 5km-long stretch of connected sandy beaches is a paradise for true nature lovers. There is one snack bar at Marina di Alberese, but nothing else, so we recommend you take provisions.
Access: easy, by car to Marina di Alberese (though parking is limited). To get to Collelungo, you’ll have to walk from Marina di Alberese along the beach for around 3km.
Cala di Forno
Where: just south of Collelungo beach (see above)
Description: immersed in the Regional Park of the Maremma, like its neighbours described above, this little, north-facing sandy beach is adorable. It’s an idyllic spot, seemingly closed off from the world, and you’ll really feel at one with nature, especially if you see deer venturing out of the park to paddle. There are no lidos or services, so take provisions.
Access: best by boat, otherwise it’s a long walk.
Feniglia
Where: between Ansedonia and Porto Ercole on Monte Argentario
Description: a curvaceous, 6km-long crescent of green on gold framed by deep blues, Feniglia beach is one of two isthmuses that connect the semi-island of Monte Argentario to the mainland. It’s a heavenly, south-facing spot that’s hard to resist. There are a few lidos dotted around, mainly at the eastern and western ends of the beach, but little in the central section.
Access: easy, by car to Ansedonia and Porto Pertuso, but then you’ll have to walk along the beach or the charming track through the pine woods.
Let us help craft your dream villa escape
Our Villa Specialists regularly visit each of our villas, so they’re perfectly placed to answer all your questions and help you find your perfect home from home.
