10 Best Beaches in Tuscany To Visit
Are you looking for beaches in Tuscany? This Italian region is so well known to the world for its natural beauty, history, culture, and all the interest it arouses in people that we often forget that it is also a land bathed by the sea, which numbers so many beaches and places to experience and visit. Generally, the coast of Tuscany has not been touched by the processes of industrialization, and a careful government of the territory has allowed over the years to safeguard a good part of the flora and fauna that have inhabited this territory for millennia.
The most famous parks are those of the Tuscan archipelago, which includes all the islands, such as Elba, Capraia, and Giglio, the Maremma Park in Grosseto; places such as Monte Argentario but also cities such as Livorno and Pisa, which although it has no access to the sea today was one of Italy’s major maritime republics. If you are a beach lover, these are 10 of the most beautiful beaches and places not to be missed in Tuscany.
10 Best Beaches in Tuscany To Visit: Our Guide
Isola d’Elba (Elba Island) and Spiaggia di Sansone
Elba Island. The beaches on this incredible island are fantastic. The island is famous for its calm, crystal clear sea, and it is the largest remaining portion of the ancient stretch of land that connected the Italian peninsula to Corsica, after the other islands of the Tuscan Archipelago.
There are numerous beaches you can visit, and the most famous is probably “Spiaggia di Sansone“, located in Portoferraio, the first municipality on Elba Island by population. Other well-known ones are “Spiaggia di Cotoncello (Marciana)”, “Spiaggia di Punta Polveraia (Patresi)”, “Spiaggia di Fetovaia”, “Spiaggia della Biodola (Portoferraio)”, “Spiaggia dell’Enfola (Portoferraio)”.
Cala del Gesso (Argentario)
“Cala del Gesso” is one of the most enchanting beaches on the Argentario in Tuscany, characterized by an emerald sea speckled with blue and a golden cove of small pebbles. The name comes from the chalk quarries that were once active in this area. To reach it by land, it is necessary to walk a path through nature, but if you have a boat, you can reach it by sea.
The wild and completely unspoiled beach requires you to bring along supplies of water, food, and an umbrella. But its natural beauty and breathtaking views definitely make it a must-see. The seabed is inhabited by various species of colorful fish, and the ultra-white beach invites you to dive into the turquoise-blue sea.
Just a few steps from the beach is “Argentarola“, a large rock in the sea that can be reached either by swimming or by boat or canoe. Inside, there is the “Grotta delle Pumadorine“, so named because of the lobsters that once stood on its rock and looked like cherry tomatoes from a distance. In conclusion, Chalk Cove is a true hidden paradise that will make you fall in love at first sight.
Cala Violina (Scarlino, Grosseto)
To reach the wonderful “Cala Violina“, you can choose from several routes on foot or by bicycle through the enchanting “Bandite di Scarlino Nature Reserve“, or by car following the signs on the state road. It is advisable to avoid the high season months to enjoy greater tranquility and privacy during your visit.
The beach is characterized by fine, clear sand and a crystal-clear sea with inviting waters. The view is complemented by the dense and lush Mediterranean maquis that reaches all the way to the beach. The singular name of the beach comes from the sound produced by the sand when you walk on it, which is reminiscent of the sound of a violin.
In summary, Cala Violina is a true jewel of the Maremma, where the beauty of nature blends harmoniously with the charm of the beach.
Isola del Giglio (Giglio Island) and Spiagge dell’Arenella e dello Smeraldo
Giglio Island is a true gem in the heart of Tuscany, with an area of 28 square kilometers, surrounded by crystal clear sea and dotted with fine sandy beaches, secluded coves, and scenic cliffs. Giglio’s transparent sea has always been one of the island’s main attractions, thanks to its striking seabed and rugged coastline, which conceals a series of dreamy bays and coves.
Two of these are “Spiaggia dell’Arenella” and the “Spiaggia dello Smeraldo“, beautiful coves that offer a unique experience to visitors who wish to enjoy a vacation of relaxation and natural beauty.
“Spiaggia dell’Arenella“, located on the east coast of the island, is one of the largest after Campese and Cannelle. From the paved road leading to Giglio Porto, you can easily reach the beach by car. In contrast, to reach “Spiaggia dello Smeraldo“, one must follow a boat path and immerse oneself in unspoiled and isolated scenery.
This small bay to the south of the island, close to the Cannelle beach, is perfect for those seeking tranquility and snorkeling enthusiasts thanks to the evocative seabed and the transparency of the waters. Either way, the island of Giglio is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Torre Mozza (Follonica, Grosseto)
“Torre Mozza” beach, located about 3 kilometers from the center of Follonica, is a beautiful seaside destination within the Sterpaia Nature Park. The beach’s name derives from the ancient coastal tower dating back to the 1500s, which is located close to the sea and was used to spot possible pirate raids. Torre Mozza was part of a coastal control and defense system that stretched along the entire Maremma coast, with a dense series of towers, of which Torre Mozza is one of the most striking and best preserved.
The beach is guarded by this ancient tower and offers both bathing establishments and stretches of free beach, in a wild environment of sand dunes and reeds. In the area near the beach, there are ample paid parking spaces for cars and campers. About thirty meters from the shore, there is a rocky outcropping that creates a natural pool effect, where waves and currents are stopped, resulting in an area of calm, safe waters where you can spot bream, mullet, and other fish typical of this stretch of sea.
In addition, a meter below the water’s surface, a cliff can be glimpsed running parallel to the coast for hundreds of meters, which some identify with a section of the ancient Via Aurelia. We do not know if this is just a legend, but by arming yourself with a mask and snorkel, above this submerged reef you can catch a glimpse of octopus, bream, sea bass, bream, and salps.
Alberese (Grosseto)
“Marina di Alberese“, located in the Maremma Park, is one of the most popular and easily accessible beaches in the area. The entrance road to the beach is located at the Park Visitor Center, but only a very limited number of cars are allowed access. However, there is also an 8-kilometer bike path from the Visitor Center to the beach. Along the way to the beach, herds of Chianina and wild horses can be seen.
This unspoiled beach is composed of fine sand and protected by dense Mediterranean scrub, which offers numerous natural shady spots. The crystal clear sea and the presence of logs and branches bleached by the sun and sea create a primitive and natural atmosphere.
There are a wide range of facilities within Maremma Park, including restrooms, a food court, a local produce outlet, and a seasonal information area. With a boardwalk equipped with three shade stations and a job chair, the beach is also accessible to people with mobility disabilities, with a dedicated rest area. All in all, Marina di Alberese is the ideal beach for those who love unspoiled nature and want to spend a day at the beach away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Baia del Quercetano (Livorno)
La “Baia del Quercetano“, located on a small promontory a few kilometers after Livorno called Castiglioncello, is known as the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea thanks to its beauty that has inspired actors and poets since the 1950s.
This small bay, squeezed between the pine forest and the sea, offers coves with crystal-clear waters, a few cliffs, and small sandy beaches, and is crowded in summer, but is at its best on winter days. The bay is characterized by being the final stretch of the so-called Leghorn Mountains and offers a beautiful amber-sand beach set between two relatively man-made cliffs and equipped during the summer months.
As mentioned, the water is crystal clear and there are both lidos and establishments and some areas of free beach. In addition, the bay lies between two cliffs that are home to two villas that are famous and valuable to the area: villa Godilonda, the former hotel beloved by the poet D’Annunzio, and the yellow villa that belonged to the unforgettable Marcello Mastroianni.
The beach overlooks Capraia, and on clear days it is possible to make out the outline of the island in the distance. Baia del Quercetano is one of the most frequented shorelines in the area, thanks to the wealth of amenities present and the natural beauty of the beach.
Spiaggia di Baratti (Piombino)
“Spiaggia di Baratti“, located in the small town of Piombino, is one of the most beautiful seaside destinations in Tuscany. The gulf stretches for about three kilometers in a north-south direction, offering a crystal clear sea surrounded by unspoiled nature. The beach is sandy and slopes gently into the seabed, with a lush pine forest and Mediterranean scrub behind it.
Despite its length, the beach offers tranquility even in high season. The southern end of the gulf hosts a small marina, where excursions to explore the surroundings and the Tuscan Archipelago can be organized, while to the north is the beach proper, which is largely free. The northern tip of the gulf coincides with the pristine San Leonardo knoll, while the Ricchi Baratti cove is a small, isolated pebble beach that can be reached in about a 15-minute walk from the main road.
The Gulf of Baratti is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, thanks to its horseshoe shape and dark, shiny sand. Baratti’s uniqueness lies in the beautiful and characteristic nature that surrounds it, such as the large meadow called “il pratone“, frequented by young people who organize picnics and outdoor walks here, and the pine forest that reaches almost to the beach, offering natural shade. Baratti’s history is rooted in antiquity: the Etruscans were the first to settle in this area, where they practiced the art of working. It is now possible to visit the ancient industrial area and the Etruscan necropolis.
Baratti and nearby Populonia make up the Archaeological Nature Park, one of the parks of the Val di Cornia. In addition, for lovers of water sports, Baratti also offers a specialized diving center. Finally, given its proximity to important landmarks such as San Vincenzo and Piombino, Baratti can also be the perfect destination for a day trip from either of these two seaside resorts.
Spiaggia della Feniglia (Grosseto)
“Spiaggia della Feniglia” has unique characteristics among local beaches. It is located reduced to the “Riserva di Protezione della Duna“, a protected area of the Maremma that separates the Orbetello Lagoon from the sea. Within the reserve, you can find very variable areas, with the tomboli sand dunes, but also and especially the pine forest and the “Laguna di Orbetello“.
Talking about the beach, if you are especially fond of walks on the sand this is the right place for you: there are 7 kilometers of fine sand away from bathing establishments, which in this area are present in a very small number. Moving a few kilometers away you will get to the less crowded spots and can enjoy the sea and its beauty in peace. It is also an ideal place if you have children: the water level is in fact very low and easily accessible.
The area is characterized by varied vegetation with a wide range of typical Mediterranean shrubs. As for the flora, the absolute protagonists are the numerous fallow deer that live in total freedom, but also some wild boars, badgers, and skunks. If you are lucky, as well as for the entire beaches of Maremma, you can come across beautiful red foxes that are used to walking on the beach.
Cala Rossa and Cala della Mortola (Capraia)
“Isola di Capraia” (Capraia Island) is a volcanic island with a very ancient history. As early as 1000 B.C., the Greeks gave it the name “Aegylon“, and over the centuries it has seen the arrival of numerous conquerors who have left their mark on the territory. With an area of 19 sq. km, it is the third largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago. You can reach Capraia from the port of Livorno throughout the year. Also in summer, there are departures from San Vincenzo and Elba Island (Portoferraio and Marciana Marina), and excursions are also organized every week.
“Cala della Mortola“, located on the northeast coast, is definitely one of the island’s main beaches. Its name means “place of myrtles,” and it can only be reached by boat. But if you go to Capraia, you cannot miss going there. The water is clear and the seabed is sandy. If you love swimming in the sea, it is the right place for you. The name comes from Myrtle, a plant that is characteristic of the area. Also in spring, you can observe the blooming of the “Giglio Stella“, a plant that is found in Sardinia and a few Tuscan islands.
“Cala Rossa“ is another beautiful destination in the south of the island where the volcanic origin is even more visible: this beach is what remains of a volcano that fell over 4 million years ago now, and it is possible to notice it from some of the red walls. Towering over this area is the “Torre di Zenobito“, a lava stone structure built in 1545 by the Banco di San Giorgio of Genoa in order to defend the island. Not to be confused with Cala Rossa on the island of Favignana.
Thank you for reading our guide. We invite you to explore our travel section to discover new must-see destinations in Tuscany.
