10 things to see along the Etruscan Coast

The Etruscan Coast in Tuscany is a vast stretch of coastline stretching from Livorno to Piombino. As you can imagine, it is so called because it was once inhabited by the Etruscans. It is capable of satisfying the most diverse needs in terms of travel experiences. In fact, its territory is rich in nature and explosive colours, dream beaches washed by a magnificent crystal-clear sea, and many medieval villages just waiting to be discovered.

But what to see along the Costa degli Etruschi? We have selected 10 things that you cannot miss for any reason in the world!

GULF OF BARATTI

Among the most evocative places on the Costa degli Etruschi is undoubtedly the Gulf of Baratti, an enchanting inlet with a long beach bordered by a centuries-old, fragrant pine forest. Its uniqueness lies in the wonderful nature in which it is immersed. Famous for its characteristic horseshoe shape, it is located halfway between the towns of Piombino and San Vincenzo. The shallow, sandy seabed makes it an ideal destination for families with children. It is also a paradise for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. There is also a small harbour, where some boats are moored and can be hired for interesting excursions along the coast.

POPULONIA

On the promontory overlooking the Gulf of Baratti stands Populonia, one of the largest and most important Etruscan cities. Even today, the signs of this glorious past are clearly visible in the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia, a unique place where history, archaeology and nature come together in an extraordinary landscape. The park is divided into two visiting areas: the lower part, where one can admire the two Etruscan necropolises, the limestone quarries and the industrial quarters; and the upper part, with the acropolis and the remains of the huts of the first Etruscan settlement. In addition to the archaeological area, the small Church of Santa Croce and the fascinating Populonia Etruscan Museum – Gasparri Collection are also worth a visit.

BAY OF QUERCETANO

Along the Costa degli Etruschi are some of the most beautiful beaches in Tuscany and beyond. One of these is the Baia del Quercetano in Castiglioncello, a small hamlet of Rosignano Marittimo lying directly on the sea. Also known as the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea for its beauty, over time it has inspired actors and poets: in fact, it was here that Il Sorpasso, a 1962 masterpiece film starring Vittorio Gassman, was filmed. Located at the base of a steep rocky ridge, the beach is characterised by medium-grained amber-coloured sand and is often sheltered from the winds, making it perfect for families with children. Free stretches, bathing establishments, bars and restaurants alternate along its length.

STERPAIA COASTAL PARK

In the wide gulf between Piombino and Follonica, on the northern border of the Maremma, lies the Sterpaia Coastal Park, a magical and fascinating place that is home to a surprising variety of flora and fauna. The area covers a total surface area of 296 hectares, characterised as follows: 17 hectares of sandy shores, 124 hectares of dune and retrodune areas, 155 hectares of woods and agricultural clearings. The park is famous above all for its enchanting beaches, repeatedly awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, the coveted recognition assigned by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) for the excellence of its bathing waters and services. Also worth mentioning are historical landmarks such as the 16th-century Torre Mozza.

RIMIGLIANO COASTAL PARK

Another destination not to be missed along the Costa degli Etruschi is the Rimigliano Coastal Park, a lush green area, rich in typical Mediterranean vegetation, stretching for kilometres along the coast in the municipality of San Vincenzo. The park’s main attraction is certainly its enchanting beaches of soft golden sand, characterised by a protected system of dunes. For sports enthusiasts, there is a fitness trail, consisting of 18 stations, each offering exercises with different levels of difficulty, making it suitable for all ages. As the park is protected from the winds by a continuous dune system, it enjoys an optimal climate all year round.

SAN SILVESTRO ARCHAEO-MINERAL PARK

Another place capable of enchantment and emotion is the San Silvestro Archaeo-mineral Park, which covers an area of about 450 hectares behind Campiglia Marittima and the promontory of Piombino. It preserves extraordinary evidence of the mining and metallurgical cycle, from the Etruscan period to the present day. In the heart of the park are the remains of Rocca San Silvestro, a medieval village of smelters and miners founded during the 10th century, which dominates the valleys below for kilometres. Other points of interest include the Museum of Archaeology and Minerals, the Temperino Mine galleries, the Mining Machinery Museum, the Miners’ Museum and the Lanzi-Temperino gallery.

SUVERETO

Immersed in the Val di Cornia, Suvereto is a suggestive village of medieval origin located just a few minutes from the beaches and the sea of the Costa Etrusca. Rightfully included among ‘The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy’ and awarded the Orange Flag, it is a veritable treasure trove to be discovered. The symbol of Suvereto is its Rocca Aldobrandesca, located at the highest point of the village, from which it dominates the entire town. Other places of interest include the Romanesque Pieve di San Giusto, the 18th-century Church of S. Maria, the 13th-century Palazzo Comunale and the beautiful Cloister of the former Convent of San Francesco. For wine lovers, the Val di Cornia Suvereto DOC is produced here.

CASTAGNETO CARDUCCI

Another very characteristic village along the Costa degli Etruschi is Castagneto Carducci. Perched on a hill a few kilometres from the sea, it is so named in honour of one of the greatest poets ever, Giosuè Carducci, who spent the years of his early youth there. In the village, which developed around the Castle of the Counts della Gherardesca, there are important historical testimonies such as the Propositura di San Lorenzo, the Church of the Santissimo Crocifisso and the Palazzo Pretorio. Also belonging to the municipality of Castagneto Carducci is Bolgheri, a small jewel located in the middle of a lush green forest. Famous is its Viale dei Cipressi, which runs for about 5 km from the historic centre to the Oratorio di San Guido.

CAMPIGLIA MARITTIMA

Among the things to see along the Costa degli Etruschi, one could not miss Campiglia Marittima, one of the most beautiful and fascinating villages in this part of Tuscany. Suspended between sky and sea, it is enclosed by a stone wall with three gates that are still intact: Porta Ribellino, Porta Pisana and Porta Fiorentina. Among its attractions is the beautiful Palazzo Pretorio, built in the 13th century but modified several times over time. Today it houses the Historical Archive, the Children’s Library ‘The Palace of Tales’, the Carlo Guarnieri Museum and the Mineral Museum. Also worth a visit are the Fortress, the Parish Church of San Giovanni and the Museum of Sacred Art set up in the rooms below the Church of San Lorenzo.

THE WINE AND OIL ROAD

Finally, if you enjoy wine tasting or cycling among the olive groves, in the heart of the Costa degli Etruschi runs the Strada del Vino e dell’Olio (Wine and Oil Road), a tourist itinerary of about 150 kilometres that stretches along the entire province of Livorno, including the Island of Elba and part of the province of Pisa. We are in that part of Tuscany known for the production of internationally renowned wines such as Ornellaia and Sassicaia, excellent and fine quality extra virgin olive oil and other delicious local products. Along the route there are wineries, wineries and farms where you can taste and buy. The area crossed by the road will literally leave you speechless. The consortium’s visitor centre is located just outside Bolgheri.