Cala Violina, Fetovaia, Feniglia: Tuscany is home to some of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Italy. Sheltered coves with pale pebbles, long sweeps of golden sand and untamed bays protected by nature reserves.
In the north lies Versilia, with its well-organised beach clubs, and further south, the Grosseto area of Maremma, where clear waters brush against parks and untouched headlands. In between sits the treasure of the Tuscan Archipelago: the Island of Elba and the Island of Giglio, both with remarkably clear seas.
Explore the most beautiful beaches in Tuscany and plan your next trip there.
Cala Violina
Cala Violina is a crescent of fine sand mixed with quartz set within the Bandite di Scarlino Nature Reserve, between Follonica and Punta Ala. Its name comes from a curious detail: when dry, the sand “sings” beneath your feet, producing a sound similar to a violin.
Between June and September, access is limited and advance booking is required through the official website of the Municipality of Scarlino. There is a symbolic fee of €1 per person and a daily cap on visitor numbers.
You cannot drive directly to the beach: cars are left at the Val Martina car park, which must also be reserved, followed by a walk of around 1.5 km along a woodland path.
Fetovaia Beach
On the south-west coast of Elba Island, along the striking Costa del Sole, lies one of the most photographed bays in the Mediterranean.
Fetovaia Beach is a strip of pale granite sand roughly 200 metres long, sheltered by a headland covered in vegetation that stretches nearly 800 metres into the sea. Considered one of the finest beaches on Elba, its gently sloping seabed that makes it especially suitable for families with children.
After arriving in Portoferraio, follow the SP25 provincial road, the island’s western ring road, towards Marina di Campo. Fetovaia is about 9 km away, and the descent to the sea is clearly signposted.
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Sansone Beach
Emerald water and brilliant white pebbles: Sansone Beach is one of the highlights of northern Elba, just west of Portoferraio. Its pale cliffs and smooth stones create a colour contrast reminiscent of the Caribbean, with water so clear it draws snorkellers in within the first few metres.
It can be reached by taking the provincial road from Portoferraio towards Capo d’Enfola. Along the way, there are spaces to park, followed by a short downhill path leading to the sea.
Feniglia Beach
Six kilometres of golden sand, pine forest behind and open sea ahead. Feniglia Beach is more than just a beach; it is a tombolo, a narrow strip of land linking Monte Argentario to the mainland, set within a state nature reserve.
Parking is available at the entrances to the reserve, either on the Ansedonia side or the Argentario side. Access continues on foot or by bicycle along paths that run through the pine forest.
Marina di Alberese
Marina di Alberese is the wild beach of Maremma. It lies in the heart of the Maremma Regional Park, at the foot of the Uccellina Mountains. Access is regulated to preserve its natural balance.
In high season, car access close to the beach is limited. Vehicles are left near the Alberese visitor centre, and the sea is reached by park shuttle bus or by bicycle, cycling through pine woods and open countryside.
Cala del Gesso
Cala del Gesso is a small bay of smooth pebbles overlooking emerald waters, often considered the most beautiful on the Argentario headland. In front lies the small Argentarola islet, and on clear days the Island of Giglio can be seen on the horizon.
From the panoramic road of Porto Santo Stefano, take Via dei Pionieri, beyond the Cala Moresca area, and leave your car in a small paid car park. A downhill path of roughly 700 metres to 1 km leads to the bay, steep towards the end. Proper footwear and enough water are essential, especially for the climb back up.
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Baratti Beach
An arc-shaped gulf, a pine forest stretching almost to the shoreline and a gently sloping seabed: Baratti Beach combines relaxation with archaeological interest in a way few places in Tuscany do. The sand, dark and slightly shimmering due to tiny iron particles, tells an ancient story. The Etruscans once worked iron here, and today the bay forms part of the Baratti and Populonia Archaeological Park.
After a swim, it is easy to continue with a walk among Etruscan tombs and the village of Populonia, perched just above the gulf. The beach is easily reached by car via the Via Aurelia, taking the exit for San Vincenzo or Piombino and following signs to the Gulf of Baratti.
La Lecciona Beach
Just minutes away from the polished resorts of Versilia lies a different setting of dunes, juniper bushes and quiet stretches of sand. La Lecciona is a free and untamed beach between Viareggio and Torre del Lago, within the Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli Natural Park. Here there is only sand, sea and pine forest, in sharp contrast with the surrounding equipped beach clubs.
Cars are left in the car parks along Viale dei Tigli or near Torre del Lago, followed by a walk through the pine woods and dunes to reach the shore.
Lido di Camaiore
For a classic seaside day in Versilia, simple and comfortable, Lido di Camaiore fits the bill. Fine golden sand, shallow waters safe for children, a long line of well-organised beach establishments and a lively promenade behind it define the setting.
Unlike more secluded coves, Lido di Camaiore is easy to reach. By car, take the A11 motorway (Versilia exit) or the Via Aurelia. By train, Viareggio is the nearest station, with direct buses running to the coast.
Le Caldane Beach
Small, secluded and striking in colour, Le Caldane is the most tucked-away beach on the Island of Giglio and, for many, the most beautiful. It is a cove of golden granite sand facing turquoise water with emerald reflections, framed by Mediterranean scrub and pine trees.
There are two ways to reach it: on foot, via a panoramic path of about 20 minutes starting at Cannelle Beach, south of Giglio Porto, which runs along the coastline; or by sea, using the taxi boat service departing from Giglio Porto.
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