Tuscany´s coast
Diverse landscapes, variety and numerous cultural and architectural highlights in the immediate vicinity: This is what characterises the Tuscan coast, which stretches for a total of almost 400 kilometres along the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is divided into four sections, from north to south: the Apuan Coast, Versilia, the Etruscan Coast and the Maremma Coast.
The Apuan Coast – beach holidays and more
The Apuan Coast or Apuan Riviera lies between the mouths of the Magra and Versilia rivers. It is flat throughout and offers many large and beautiful beaches over a length of around 13 kilometres. Only a small part of these are freely accessible. Most of them are public lidos (bagni) and charge an entrance fee. Many of the hotels along the Apuan Riviera also have their own private beaches. The Apuan coast is perfect for a beach holiday with the whole family, but there are also numerous water sports centres offering windsurfing and sailing, for example. Beautiful hiking trails and mountain bike routes in the nearby Apuan Alps invite you to enjoy sporting activities on land. There are also a number of interesting towns nearby, such as Carrara, home of the famous marble, Pisa and Lucca, which are always worth a visit.
Versilia – where the moon is at home
Versilia, the 30 kilometre stretch of coast to the south, is also diverse. The region became a popular holiday destination as early as the 19th century and is characterised by sophisticated seaside resorts such as Forte dei Marmi, Marina di Pietrasanta, Lido di Camaoire and Viareggio. Chic hotels and villas from the Belle Epoque, as well as smaller guesthouses and holiday flats – something for every budget – are available for sun-seekers and beach holiday lovers from Italy and all over the world who ‘flood’ Versilia in summer. But night owls and culture lovers also get their money’s worth here. For the latter, a visit to the small town of Viareggio, which is famous for its carnival celebrations, is a good idea. A carnival museum offers the opportunity to view replicas of the most beautiful allegorical floats all year round. Musical instruments from different eras and countries are also on display at the Musei civici.
The Etruscan Coast – a varied and charming landscape
At around 100 kilometres, the Etruscan Coast, which stretches between Livorno in the north and Piombino in the south, is somewhat longer and has a very varied landscape. Rocky sections and cliffs alternate with long sandy and pebble beaches. Hidden little bays can only be reached on foot or by sea. The beaches are often surrounded by fragrant pine forests, which were planted around 200 years ago as protection against the sometimes very strong winds. This coast got its name because numerous historical relics from the Etruscan era have been found here. Swimming, surfing, cycling, hiking – you can do all this and much more on the Etruscan Coast, which has a mild climate all year round. Historic towns such as Livorno with one of Italy’s most important harbours and San Vincenzo are perfect for sightseeing.
The Maremma – a natural paradise
The Maremma coast forms the southern end of the Tuscan coast. This section begins at Follonica and extends to the mouth of the River Chiarone on the border with the Lazio region. In terms of landscape, the Maremma is just as varied and attractive as the Etruscan Coast. Castiliogne della Pescaia with its inhabited castle, from which you have a fantastic view of the offshore islands, is considered one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Tuscany. The underwater world of the Maremma is also a true paradise with its extremely rich fauna and flora. As a result, several marine protected areas have been designated here. Nature conservation is also very important on land. The best example of this is the Maremma National Park, which has existed since 1975. The Parco Regionale della Maremma, as it is called in the local language, offers an incredibly diverse, unspoilt, intact ecosystem with rare animals (stone martens, wild cats, numerous bird species) over an area of around 100 square kilometres.
Conclusion: The Tuscan coast is not only beautiful, but also has an incredible amount to offer in terms of tourism. This certainly includes the excellent water quality in the entire Tuscan coastal area. Proof of this is the annual award of the ‘Blue Flag’ environmental seal to many beaches, which not only takes into account the water quality, but also the cleanliness of the beach and sanitary facilities.
