Etruscan Coast: the best beaches and what to see in Tuscany
Ninety kilometres of sea, pine woods and villages between Livorno and Piombino
The Etruscan Coast (Costa degli Etruschi) is the stretch of Tuscan coastline running from south of Livorno to the Piombino headland: around 90 kilometres of sandy beaches, cliffs, pine woods and coves, backed by hills of vineyards and olive groves and medieval villages. It takes its name from the Etruscans, who founded Populonia here, their only city on the sea, and worked the metals of the hills and of Elba Island.
It is one of the most highly rated seaside areas in Italy: in 2026 the province of Livorno has more Blue Flag municipalities than any other in Tuscany.
Where is the Etruscan Coast?
The coast covers the entire mainland shoreline of the province of Livorno, from Rosignano Marittimo to Piombino, taking in Cecina, Bibbona, Castagneto Carducci and San Vincenzo. Its southern stretch is home to the Val di Cornia, with Campiglia Marittima, Venturina Terme, Suvereto and Piombino.
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The best beaches on the Etruscan Coast
The coast is mostly low and sandy, with golden beaches backed by pine woods, and turns rocky around Castiglioncello and on the Piombino headland.
The 2026 Blue Flags
In 2026 the Blue Flag was awarded to, among others, Castiglioncello, Marina di Cecina, Marina di Bibbona, Marina di Castagneto Carducci, San Vincenzo and the Parco della Sterpaia in Piombino, as well as Quercianella, south of Livorno.
Southern beaches, between San Vincenzo and Piombino
Spiaggia di Rimigliano
About 6 kilometres of free public beach in San Vincenzo, between dunes and pine woods, with no beach clubs.
Golfo di Baratti
The crescent-shaped bay below Populonia, with dark sand, pine woods and calm water: one of the iconic images of Tuscany. See our guide to Baratti.
Buca delle Fate and Cala San Quirico
Two rocky coves on the Piombino headland, reachable only on foot: the Buca delle Fate in 20 minutes along the trail, and Cala San Quirico further along the coast.
Parco della Sterpaia
On the Golfo di Follonica (Gulf of Follonica), the Parco della Sterpaia offers 8 kilometres of fine Blue Flag sand, with pine woods, forest and facilities.
Northern beaches, between Rosignano and Castagneto
The Spiagge Bianche
Between Rosignano Solvay and Vada stretch the famous Spiagge Bianche (White Beaches), with snow-white sand and turquoise-tinted water.
Castiglioncello
Cliffs, small bays and pine woods make Castiglioncello, nicknamed the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian”, one of the most elegant resorts on the coast.
Marina di Cecina and Marina di Bibbona
Long beaches with plenty of facilities, backed by one of the most beautiful coastal pine woods in Tuscany, ideal for families.
Marina di Castagneto
Sand, pine woods and a Blue Flag just a few minutes from Bolgheri and the village of Castagneto Carducci.
Things to do on the Etruscan Coast
- Sea and relaxation on free beaches, at beach clubs and in the pine woods.
- Etruscan archaeology at the Parco Archeologico di Baratti e Populonia (Baratti and Populonia Archaeological Park) and in the mines of the San Silvestro Park.
- Hiking and cycling on the Piombino headland, in the woods of Montioni and across the wine hills.
- Wine and wineries along the Strada del Vino della Costa degli Etruschi (Etruscan Coast Wine Route), from Bolgheri to Suvereto.
- Thermal baths at Venturina, with warm waters all year round.
- Islands: ferries to Elba Island depart from Piombino.
Villages of the Etruscan Coast
Bolgheri
The village of the Viale dei Cipressi (Cypress Avenue) and great red wines, celebrated in verse by Carducci.
Castagneto Carducci
The poet’s village, with its castle and panoramic terrace overlooking the sea.
Campiglia Marittima
The medieval village with its Rocca (fortress), the Palazzo Pretorio and the Pieve di San Giovanni.
Suvereto and Populonia
Suvereto, one of the Borghi più belli d’Italia (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy), and Populonia, the walled village above the Etruscan city.
Why is it called the Etruscan Coast?
The name recalls the civilisation that dominated this coast for centuries. The Etruscans founded Populonia, the only one of their great cities facing the sea, and turned it into a centre for working the iron mined on Elba Island. In the hills of Campiglia they mined copper, lead and silver.
Today you can explore the traces of that world in the necropolises of San Cerbone and Le Grotte at Baratti, on the Acropolis of Populonia and in the tunnels of the San Silvestro Park.
A 3-day Etruscan Coast itinerary
Day 1 – Etruscans and the sea. Morning at the Gulf of Baratti, afternoon among the necropolises and sunset at Populonia.
Day 2 – Villages and wine. Bolgheri and the Viale dei Cipressi, lunch in Castagneto Carducci, a winery tasting and a swim at Marina di Castagneto.
Day 3 – Mines, beach and thermal baths. Morning at the San Silvestro Park and in Campiglia Marittima, afternoon at the Spiaggia di Rimigliano, evening at the Venturina thermal baths.
When to visit the Etruscan Coast
- Summer: beach season, with events in the villages.
- June and September: warm sea and fewer crowds.
- Spring and autumn: ideal for hiking, villages, the grape harvest and new-season olive oil.
- Winter: mild climate, thermal baths and quiet villages.
How to get there
The coast is served by the Variante Aurelia (SS1) road and the Tyrrhenian railway line, with stations at Cecina, San Vincenzo and Campiglia Marittima, from where trains run to Piombino.
Where to stay on the Etruscan Coast
To discover the most varied part of the coast, base yourself in the southern stretch. Campiglia Marittima and Venturina Terme sit in the heart of the Val di Cornia: in 10–30 minutes you can reach the beaches of San Vincenzo, Baratti and the Sterpaia, as well as Bolgheri, Populonia and the archaeological parks.
You will find hotels, B&Bs, apartments and farm stays in our where to stay section.
Plan your stay
Plan your experience with Ama Campiglia Marittima
On the Ama Campiglia Marittima portal you can find where to stay, where to eat and which experiences to enjoy on the Etruscan Coast. For more seaside ideas, see our beaches page.
Get a quoteFrequently asked questions about the Etruscan Coast
Where is the Etruscan Coast?
In Tuscany, along the coastline of the province of Livorno, stretching for about 90 kilometres from south of Livorno to the Piombino headland.
What are the best beaches on the Etruscan Coast?
Among the most popular: the Gulf of Baratti, the Spiaggia di Rimigliano, the Parco della Sterpaia, the Buca delle Fate, the Spiagge Bianche of Rosignano and the bays of Castiglioncello.
Which beaches have a Blue Flag in 2026?
Among others, Castiglioncello, Marina di Cecina, Marina di Bibbona, Marina di Castagneto Carducci, San Vincenzo and the Parco della Sterpaia.
Where are the free beaches?
The largest are at Rimigliano, about 6 km with no beach clubs, and at the Sterpaia, where 6 of the 8 km of beach are free.
What should you see on the Etruscan Coast in 3 days?
Baratti and Populonia, Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci, and Campiglia Marittima with the San Silvestro Park, alternating with time on the beach.
Why is it called the Etruscan Coast?
Because the Etruscans founded Populonia here, their only great city on the sea, and exploited the mines of the hills and of Elba Island.
Is it a good destination for families?
Yes, thanks to its sandy beaches with shallow water, pine woods, parks and outdoor activities.
Photo credits (via Wikimedia Commons): Alerove: Aerial view of the Spiagge Bianche of Rosignano, Etruscan Coast (CC BY-SA 4.0); Mongolo1984: View of the village of Campiglia Marittima (CC BY-SA 4.0).
