San Vincenzo: sea, beaches and things to do on the Etruscan Coast
The Val di Cornia’s seaside town, with its promenade and free beaches
San Vincenzo is one of the best-loved seaside resorts on the Tuscan stretch of the Tyrrhenian coast: a lively town with a seafront promenade to stroll along, a marina, long beaches of fine sand and, just south of the centre, the kilometres of free beach in the Rimigliano Park. Its sea has been awarded the Blue Flag for years.
It’s the right destination if you want an easy seaside holiday with every service close at hand, while also having natural beaches, pine woods and medieval villages just minutes away.
Where is San Vincenzo
San Vincenzo lies in the province of Livorno, on the Etruscan Coast, between Castagneto Carducci to the north and the Golfo di Baratti (Gulf of Baratti) to the south. It has a railway station on the Tyrrhenian line and can be reached by car from the Variante Aurelia highway.
Approximate driving time: about 10–15 minutes from Campiglia Marittima and Venturina Terme.
Request a quote
The sea at San Vincenzo
The sea is the main reason to choose San Vincenzo. The beaches are of fine, golden sand, the seabed slopes gradually and on calm days the water is clear and transparent: perfect conditions for families with children.
The quality of the water and services is certified by the Blue Flag, which San Vincenzo has held for many years. When the mistral blows the sea picks up and it’s time for windsurfers, while on windless days it’s ideal for long swims.
San Vincenzo’s beaches
The town beach and the promenade
In front of the town stretches the urban beach, well equipped and convenient: beach clubs with umbrellas and sunloungers, children’s play areas, water sports, and bars and restaurants right on the sand. It’s within walking distance of the centre and the promenade.
La Conchiglia and La Principessa
Along the shoreline you’ll also find the Conchiglia and Principessa beaches, with fine sand, shallow water and a mix of equipped and free stretches.
Rimigliano, the free beach
Just south of the town begins the Parco costiero di Rimigliano (Rimigliano Coastal Park): some 6 kilometres of free beach between dunes and pine woods, with no beach clubs and footpath access from the Via della Principessa.
The dog beach
At the start of the Rimigliano Park, on the town side, there’s a beach set aside for dogs, for anyone travelling with their four-legged friend.
Free beaches in San Vincenzo
If you’re looking for a free beach in San Vincenzo, you have two options. In town, between the beach clubs, there are stretches of free beach that are handy if you want to stay close to the centre, the bars and the car parks.
For really spacious beaches, the choice is the Rimigliano Park: kilometres of free public beach, toilets and showers at some points, picnic areas in the pine woods and natural shade just steps from the sand. Here it’s best to bring an umbrella, water and everything you need for the day.
Tip: in July and August, to find a spot near the sea and a parking space, get to the beach by mid-morning.
What to see in San Vincenzo
The Torre di San Vincenzo
The symbol of the town, the Torre (tower) was built in medieval times by the Pisans to watch over and defend the coast. Today it hosts exhibitions and cultural events and is the ideal starting point for discovering the town’s history.
The marina and the Marinaio
The marina, which began life as an old commercial landing place, is the heart of summer life. At its entrance, on the pier, stands Il Marinaio (The Sailor), Giampaolo Talani’s large bronze statue, about seven metres tall, which has been gazing out to sea since 2010.
The centre and Corso Vittorio Emanuele
The main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, is the town’s living room: shops, cafés and gelato parlours, perfect for an evening stroll.
San Carlo
About 5 kilometres inland, on the hills of Monte Calvi, the village of San Carlo, which began as a mining village, offers one of the finest views over the coast.
Things to do in San Vincenzo
- Stroll along the promenade to the marina and the Marinaio, especially at sunset.
- Water sports: sailing, windsurfing, diving and sport fishing.
- Cycling and walking in the Rimigliano pine woods, shady even in the heat of the day.
- Evenings in town among seafood restaurants, gelato parlours and summer events in the square.
- Trips inland to the medieval villages and the wineries of the Strada del Vino della Costa degli Etruschi (Etruscan Coast Wine Route).
When to go to San Vincenzo
The beach season runs from June to September. July and August are the liveliest and busiest months; June and September are the best choice if you want warm sea, quieter beaches and lower prices. In spring and autumn the town is ideal for walks, cycling and excursions between the coast and the countryside.
Getting there and getting around
- By car: from the Variante Aurelia (SS1), taking the San Vincenzo exits.
- By train: San Vincenzo station is on the Tyrrhenian Rome–Pisa line, a short walk from the centre.
- Parking: the town has both free and paid car parks; in summer those near the promenade fill up early.
- By bike: the town and the Rimigliano pine woods are easy to explore by bicycle.
A perfect stop on your holiday
San Vincenzo is a convenient base for exploring the whole area. Within a quarter of an hour you can reach the medieval village of Campiglia Marittima and its Rocca (fortress), the thermal baths of Venturina and the Parco Archeominerario di San Silvestro (San Silvestro Archaeological Mining Park).
To the north lie Castagneto Carducci and Bolgheri, with its famous Viale dei Cipressi (cypress avenue); to the south, the Golfo di Baratti, Populonia and the Buca delle Fate. Inland, the village of Suvereto.
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 of the Val di Cornia, just minutes from the sea at San Vincenzo.
Get a quoteFrequently asked questions about San Vincenzo
Where is San Vincenzo?
In the province of Livorno, on the Etruscan Coast, between Castagneto Carducci and the Golfo di Baratti, about 10–15 minutes from Campiglia Marittima.
What is the sea like in San Vincenzo?
Clear, with fine sandy beaches and a gently sloping seabed, suitable for children too. San Vincenzo has held the Blue Flag for many years.
Are there free beaches in San Vincenzo?
Yes. In town there are free stretches between the beach clubs, but the largest free beach is in the Rimigliano Park, about 6 kilometres with no beach clubs.
What is the most beautiful beach in San Vincenzo?
For nature and space, Rimigliano Beach, between dunes and pine woods. For convenience and facilities, the town beach near the promenade.
Can you take your dog to the beach?
Yes, at the start of the Rimigliano Park there is a beach set aside for dogs.
What is there to see in San Vincenzo?
The Torre di San Vincenzo, the marina with the Marinaio statue, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and, inland, the village of San Carlo.
What is there to do in San Vincenzo besides the beach?
Walks along the promenade, water sports, cycling in the Rimigliano pine woods and trips to Campiglia Marittima, Suvereto, Bolgheri and Populonia.
Can you get to San Vincenzo by train?
Yes, San Vincenzo station is on the Tyrrhenian Rome–Pisa line, a short walk from the centre.
Photo credits (via Wikimedia Commons): Sailko: The Torre di San Vincenzo in the town centre (CC BY-SA 4.0), Giampaolo Talani’s Marinaio on the pier at San Vincenzo (CC BY-SA 4.0); Stefano Benucci: View of the Rimigliano Coastal Park and the gulf towards San Vincenzo (CC BY-SA 4.0).
