Rimigliano Beach: a guide to San Vincenzo’s coastal park
Free beach, dunes and pine woods between San Vincenzo and Baratti
Rimigliano Beach (Spiaggia di Rimigliano) is the great free public beach of San Vincenzo: some 6 kilometres of pale sand with no beach clubs, sheltered by a ridge of dunes and a pine wood that reaches almost to the water’s edge. It is the heart of the Parco costiero di Rimigliano (Rimigliano Coastal Park), established in 1973 to protect one of the most natural stretches of the Etruscan Coast.
If you’re looking for the Tuscan sea without rows of umbrellas, Rimigliano is a safe bet: you walk in through the pine woods, pick your own corner of beach and spend the day between the sea, the dunes and the shade of the pines.
Where is Rimigliano Beach
The park stretches along the coast south of San Vincenzo town centre, in the province of Livorno, almost as far as the Golfo di Baratti (Gulf of Baratti), on the borders of the municipalities of Piombino and Campiglia Marittima. The whole park is flanked by the Via della Principessa (SP 23), the road linking San Vincenzo to Baratti.
Approximate driving time: about 15–20 minutes from Campiglia Marittima and Venturina Terme.
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What Rimigliano Beach is like
Sand, seabed and sea
The beach is wide and sandy, with fine, pale sand and a gently sloping seabed. On calm days the water is clear, shading from turquoise to blue: that’s why Rimigliano is one of the most photographed beaches on the coast.
The dunes and the pine woods
Between the road and the sea lie the pine woods, with pines and oaks, and a ridge of dunes covered in wild vegetation that protects the beach from wind and erosion. Along the coast you’ll also come across two old watchtowers, the Torre Nuova and the Torraccia, handy landmarks for finding your way.
How to get to Rimigliano Beach
By car
From San Vincenzo, take the Via della Principessa towards Baratti and Piombino; if you’re coming from Campiglia Marittima or Venturina you can also join it from the Baratti end. The road runs alongside the whole park.
Beach access points
From the road, numbered footpath access points lead to the beach, numbered in ascending order from San Vincenzo towards Piombino. Access is on foot only: trails and wooden boardwalks cross the pine woods and dunes, bringing you to the sea in a few minutes.
Parking
Along the Via della Principessa there are parking areas near the access points, some free and some paid during the summer season. At weekends in July and August it’s best to arrive in the morning, while spaces near the access points are still available.
Tip: make a note of the number of the access point you used, so it’s easier to find your car on the way back.
Free beach and park facilities
At Rimigliano there are no beach clubs: the park’s entire coastline is free public beach. But there’s no shortage of facilities:
- Public toilets and showers at some of the access points, with facilities also accessible to people with disabilities.
- Wooden boardwalks that make it easier to reach the beach.
- Picnic areas in the pine woods, free to use, and a snack bar near the first access points.
- An 18-station fitness trail in the shade of pines and oaks.
Bring your own umbrella, chairs and water: in any case, the pine woods offer shade just a few steps from the sand.
Rimigliano with your dog: the dog beach
At the start of the park, on the San Vincenzo side, there’s a stretch of beach set aside for dogs, the dog beach, where dogs can run and swim, following the rules displayed on site.
On the other stretches of beach the municipality’s beach regulations apply, and these may change from year to year: before taking your dog onto the beach, check the signs at the access points. The pine woods remain a pleasant place to walk your dog during the hottest hours of the day.
Things to do at Rimigliano beyond the beach
- Walks along the shoreline: 6 kilometres of beach make for long, peaceful walks, especially out of season.
- Cycling and running in the pine woods: the shady trails are ideal for getting about in the heat, and the fitness trail suits all ages.
- Sunset over the sea: the beach faces west and treats you to spectacular sunsets, with the Populonia headland and the islands on the horizon.
- Picnics in the pine woods: the picnic areas let you stay all day without moving.
When to go to Rimigliano Beach
June to September for the sea. June and September are the best months: warm water, a less crowded beach and easier parking. In spring and autumn Rimigliano is perfect for walking, cycling and enjoying the sunsets almost on your own.
Practical tips
- Bring what you need: umbrella, water and food, as the facilities are concentrated in just a few spots.
- Move away from the first access points if you’re looking for more peace and quiet.
- Respect the dunes: always use the trails and boardwalks.
- Check the wind: when the mistral blows the sea gets rough and the beach is more exposed.
What to see near Rimigliano
San Vincenzo
Just a few minutes from the park, San Vincenzo offers its seafront promenade, the marina and plenty of places to go in the evening.
The Golfo di Baratti and Populonia
Continuing along the Via della Principessa you reach the Golfo di Baratti, with its Archaeological Park and the village of Populonia. This is also where the trails to the Buca delle Fate begin.
Campiglia Marittima and San Silvestro
Inland, a quarter of an hour’s drive away, are the village of Campiglia Marittima, its Rocca (fortress) and the Parco Archeominerario di San Silvestro (San Silvestro Archaeological Mining Park).
A perfect stop on your holiday
Rimigliano is the ideal free beach if you’re staying in the Val di Cornia. You can alternate it with beaches of a different character, such as the Parco della Sterpaia on the Gulf of Follonica or the rocky coves of the Piombino headland, and round off the day with a warm soak at the Venturina thermal baths.
You’ll find more seaside ideas on our beaches page.
Plan your stay
Plan your experience with Ama Campiglia Marittima
On the Ama Campiglia Marittima portal you can discover where to stay, where to eat and which experiences to enjoy among the sea, historic villages and nature, for a holiday just minutes from Rimigliano Beach.
Get a quoteFrequently asked questions about Rimigliano Beach
Where is Rimigliano Beach?
In San Vincenzo, in the province of Livorno, within the Parco costiero di Rimigliano, along the Via della Principessa between San Vincenzo town centre and the Golfo di Baratti.
Is Rimigliano Beach free?
Yes, there are no beach clubs: about 6 kilometres of free public beach, with toilets and showers at some points.
How do you get onto the beach?
Numbered footpath access points lead from the Via della Principessa through the pine woods and dunes. You reach the sea on foot in a few minutes.
Where can you park at Rimigliano?
Along the Via della Principessa, near the access points, there are parking areas, some free and some paid in summer. At summer weekends it’s best to arrive early.
Can you go to Rimigliano with your dog?
Yes, at the start of the park, on the San Vincenzo side, there is a dedicated dog beach. On the other stretches the municipal regulations displayed at the access points apply.
Is the beach suitable for children?
Yes, the fine sand and gently sloping seabed make it suitable for families. Remember to bring an umbrella and water.
Are there facilities for people with disabilities?
Yes, the park has wooden boardwalks and accessible toilets at some of the access points.
When is the best time to go?
June and September for the sea with fewer people; spring and autumn for walks and sunsets.
Photo credits (via Wikimedia Commons): Sailko: Rimigliano Beach with the Torre Nuova, San Vincenzo (CC BY-SA 4.0), Path through the dunes towards Rimigliano Beach (CC BY-SA 4.0); Stefano Benucci: View of the Rimigliano Coastal Park and the gulf towards San Vincenzo (CC BY-SA 4.0).
