Tuscany is renowned for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Beautiful seaside sounds cover the coastline offering tasty food, lively bars, and rich history to explore.
But with so many coastal towns to choose from, how do you choose which to visit?
In this post, we’ll tell you about ten of the best Tuscany beach towns and what you can expect to find in each one.
Want to experience the real Tuscany? Our seven-day guided tour takes you to the very best spots Tuscany has to offer. You’ll taste traditional food, meet the locals, and see beautiful spots most tourists never get to see.
The Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Tuscany
There are dozens of beautiful Tuscan towns all along the coast. Here are the top ten favorites we think every tourist should see.
Viareggio
Found in northern Tuscany, Viareggio is a lively beach town year round. It has one of the biggest festivals in Italy as well as dozens of other events throughout the year.
The famous Viareggio Carnival started back in 1873, with floats parading through the streets in the weeks leading up to Easter. Today, locals still decorate the streets and houses for the occasion, making the entire city vibrant with color.
But the most beautiful attraction of Viareggio is the three kilometer promenade running along the shore. Known as “Passeggiata”, the pomade is home to gorgeous Art Nouveau buildings.
Along the beach you’ll find shops, cafes, hotels, and more historical buildings dating back to the 16th century.
Don’t forget to walk to the molo (pier), where you’ll have a stunning view of the marina, the lighthouse, and boats coming into the harbor.
Forte dei Marmi
Also in Northern Tuscany you’ll find the small coastal town of Forte dei Marmi. Known for its luxury tourism, this town is filled with high-fashion boutiques, exclusive beach clubs, and Michelin star restaurants.
But it wasn’t always this way. Forte dei Marmi is also rich in history, with quaint traditional markets and beautiful architecture.
Its history starts in the 16th century when the Florentine family of Medici was given the marble quarry near Monte Altissimo as a gift by locals. Development flourished after this and it’s now the glamorous town you see today.
If you’re looking for white sandy beaches and private beach cabanas, this is the best place for you.
Castiglioncello
Castiglioncello is an ancient Etruscan village set on the last spur of the Livornese mountains. Known as the “pearl of Tyrrhenian”, it’s a popular tourist destination.
With breath taking red cliffs and crystal clear water, it’s clear to see why it’s a renowned destination. The beaches have sheltered coves and pools, as well as stunning pine trees.
As well as the beautiful scenery, Castiglioncello has a range of water sports off its coast. Theresa diving center in Chioma as well as peaceful trekking opportunities through the pinewood forests.
Porto Santo Stefano
The largest seaport town of Monte Argentario, Porto Santo Stefano is in the northwest and houses a lively marina. Whenever you visit, you’ll see beautiful yachts docked from the restaurants, shops, and colorful houses on the promontory.
With such a significant location, Porto Santo Stefano has been inhabited for centuries. But it was the Romans who left the most significant mark. The well-preserved remains of the baths of Domitian are just one example.
After being dominated by France, Spain, and Austria, the port eventually became under the control of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The 16th-century Spanish Fort overlooking the historical center of the town was restored in the 19th century and now has a museum hosting many archeological artifacts.
There’s so much to explore in this small coastal town including the Argentario Aquarium, Lividonia lighthouse, and more. You can also take a ferry to Giglio Island to visit more of Tuscany’s most spectacular beaches.
Bibbona
Bibbona gives the perfect mix of a charming coastal town and stunning countryside scenery. The town dates back to the Villanovan era but was later inhabited by Etruscan people. The town still has a centuries-old fortress that was once the home of the ruling family.
From the winding streets to the 11th-century Parish Church of San Illario, it’s easy to get lost in the history of Tuscany in Bibbona.
When you walk down to the seafront, you’ll find the long sandy beaches littered with golden sand dunes. From the turquoise waters to the beautiful pine forest, Bibbona beaches are stunning with different spots for swimming. There’s even a dog-friendly stretch for those with furry friends.
The coast has a range of restaurants scattered along it offering some of the freshest seafood you’ll try which are well worth a visit.
Castiglione della Pescaia
This seaside town is located in southern Tuscany in an area called Maremma. An ancient fishing village, this is the perfect place to taste traditional Tuscan food in the many cafes, restaurants, and gelaterie.
It’s a lively town with rocky and sandy beaches, and there’s a lovely pier you can walk down to enjoy the stunning sunset over the ocean.
To immerse yourself in the history of the town, you can take an ancient staircase down to the city walls where you’ll find the well-preserved entrance gates called San Giovanni, Madonna del Giglio and del Castello Gates. There’s also a 10th-century castle that is worth a visit.
If you’d love to get a feel for the rich history Tuscany has while sampling the fresh, traditional seafood, Castiglione della Pescaia is a must-visit.
Camaiore
Nestled in a valley at the foot of the Apuan Alps, this is a historic city with origins from Roman times. Camaiore was originally an outpost Roman soldiers set up on the slopes of Monte Pana. The name comes from the toponym Campus Major which is the large plain that linked Lucca to Port Luni.
Camaiore became well-known after the Second World War thanks to Lido, a beautiful seaside resort that overlooks the beautiful beach of Versilia.
Since the beginning of this century, this spot has attracted tourists and celebrities from all over the world for its breathtaking views.
Now, it’s a bustling holiday spot with restaurants, hotels, and beautiful spots to sit and enjoy the sun.
Porto Ercole
Sitting in the Monte Argentario peninsula that hangs from the southern coast of Tuscan is one of the prettiest harbors the region has to offer. Porto Ercole has a photo-worthy waterfront that is buzzing with life all summer long.
Before Romans conquered the area, Greek fishermen would use this port to hunt the local coves and inlets. Then, after Spain helped Florentines defeat Siena, the port fell to Spanish rule and was fortified by the early 1700s.
As result there are around twenty forts and look-out towers dotted across the promontory, giving the area a rich history.
Now, the port is renowned for its beauty. The Tombolo di Fenigilia is probably one of the best beaches to visit – a south-facing arc of white sand that traps a stunning lagoon behind it.
You’ll find parasol pines lining the front for shade, as well as enough restaurants and cafes to keep you happy for your visit.
San Vincenzo
Right in the heart of the Etruscan Coast, the golden beaches of San Vincenzo hug bright turquoise waters. With the nearby pine forest, this is an ideal area for those who love the outdoors. There are great opportunities for hiking, cycling, and even horseriding through the shady trees.
This pretty spot has been inhabited for centuries. Originally, Etruscans saw the strategic advantage of the area because of its proximity to Populonia and its abundance of mineral deposits.
As early as the 9th century, San Vincenzo was able to become a commercial hotspot because of mining, and the medieval town quickly built up around the trade.
Now, the ocean and beaches are the town’s best attraction, not to mention the friendly locals. The long stretches of beach have bathing spots and blue points where you’ll find services and assistance.
Giglio Porto
Very much a hidden treasure of Tuscany, Giglio Porto is found on Giglio Island, a wonderful spot of land surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s an ancient Roman port, and there are still traces of the original one there today.
Around 11 miles from the Argentario Cape, the island is 21 square kilometers and is a paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Animals and rare plants live on the island, as well as small seaside villages of locals who will make you feel welcome with tasty dishes at the local bars and restaurants.
Only two ferry companies transport tourists to and from Giglio Port: Toremar (toremar.it) and Maregiglio (maregiglio.it)
Cannelle, Caldane, and Arenella are Giglio’s best beaches, all of which are perfect to sit on and watch the beautiful sunset.
If you’re looking for a romantic spot to celebrate with your partner, this is a great spot. Make sure to check out our seven-day luxury Tuscany tour for more perfect spots for couples!
Visit Tuscany’s Best Beach Towns
When you’re planning to visit a beach in Tuscany, there really isn’t a wrong choice. The Tuscan coast is full of beautiful towns that sit along stunning stretches of charming beaches and crystal clear waters.
If you are struggling to put an itinerary together for your visit, we’re here to help. We offer local-run, small tours of the best spots in Tuscany that most tourists never see.
Visit the best beaches in Tuscany with your very own customized tour plan. Contact us today and let’s set up a unique Tuscany experience for you.