Etruscan coast

Etruscan coast is the name of the coastal belt which encloses the natural oasis of Bolgheri, the splendid pine-wood of Cecina, the rolling countryside of Bibbona, Bolgheri and Monte Calvi.

Etruscan coast is the name of the coastal belt which encloses the natural oasis of Bolgheri, the splendid pine-wood of Cecina, the rolling countryside of Bibbona, Bolgheri and Monte Calvi, where the typical Mediterranean vegetation alternates with fantastic chestnuts.
The medieval towns of Castagneto Carducci, Suvereto and Campiglia Marittima are a must for art and history lovers, who can admire the authentic walls and the wonderful fortified buildings.
In Etruscan time, one of the most important activities in the area (above all in Monte Calvi), was mining.
In the Etruscan coast there are a lot of interesting places to visit and to discover:  Piombino, the nearby Gulf of Baratti and the zone of Populonia, an ancient Etruscan town where metals mined from the island of Elba were subjected to manufacturing. Moreover, there is the natural park of Rimigliano in San Vincenzo, a must for those who want to admire the landscape and to be close to nature at the same time. It's a Mediterranean live view.

Populonia
Populonia was an Etruscan city, famous in the ancient world for working and trading in iron. The village, situated on top of a hill and surrounded by the sea, has a fascination all its own.
Inside medieval walls built to defend against pirate attacks, and a fortress which dates to the beginning of the XV century, are paved streets, little shops and a private museum of Etruscan and Roman artefacts found in the surrounding area and the sea.
A panoramic road offering wonderful views connects Populonia with the Gulf of Baratti where there are numerous reminders of Etruscan times. The 80 hectare archaeological park, which can be visited along organised routes, combines history and archaeology in a beautiful, unspoilt natural setting.
The San Cerbone monumental necropolis, the only one built near the sea, the remains of metalworking sites, the Cave necropolis and ancient stone quarries are of great interest.

The beaches of the Etruscan Coast
Baratti
The Gulf of Baratti, Buca delle Fate, Spiaggia Lunga and the Cala Moresca beach, Perelli and Torre Mozza are just some of the places famous for their unspoilt beauty along this stretch of coast.
Sandy beaches and rocky inlets alternate for over 30 kilometres, bordered by dense, scented vegetation, and beautiful underwater flora and fauna attract enthusiasts from all over the world.
All kinds of water sport can be enjoyed here at the numerous sailing, surfing and scuba diving clubs. Boats can be hired, or boat and sea-taxi trips booked even at night.
Piombino is a well-equipped port for yachtsmen and for those heading for the islands.
A newly built marina, which is an ideal shelter for all kinds of boats, gives onto the wonderful Gulf of Salivoli. The Marine Biology Centre organises interesting events and also contains a Mediterranean aquarium.

Archaeological park of Baratti and Populonia
Populonia was an Etruscan city, famous in the ancient world for working and trading in iron. The village, situated on top of a hill and surrounded by the sea, has a fascination all its own. Inside medieval walls built to defend against pirate attacks, and a fortress which dates to the beginning of the XV century, are paved streets, little shops and a private museum of Etruscan and Roman artefacts found in the surrounding area and the sea.
A panoramic road offering wonderful views connects Populonia with the Gulf of Baratti where there are numerous reminders of Etruscan times. The 80 hectare archaeological park, which can be visited along organised routes, combines history and archaeology in a beautiful, unspoilt natural setting.
The San Cerbone monumental necropolis, the only one built near the sea, the remains of metalworking sites, the Cave necropolis and ancient stone quarries are of great interest.

Riva degli Etruschi
Riva of Etrurian, a kilometer and over of thin sand in a beach where you can find all the types of comfort, the warm and transparent waters of the Tyrrhenian and the green charm of the Maremma with the wild Mediterranean stain. The all to the center of an important archaeological zone, where numerous, excavations testify the history of an ancient civilization. Luxuriant and perfumed, the pineta that is developed on 320.000 m2s of park that are extended up to the sea, and it is an authentic reserve of surprises. Flora and vegetation are those typical and unmistakable of this type of stain. Among maritime pines, lecci, will find all the presuppositions for a stay indimenticabil.
San Vincenzo
Is a modern town, with a wide range of accommodations and sports facilities and a pleasure boat harbor. The sand beach possesses beach concessions and stretches for many kilometers dotted with old watchtowers once used to defend against pirate raids. San Vincenzo also has a pleasure boat harbor with space for one hundred boats.

San Vincenzo
The sea at San Vincenzo is crystal-clear and bordered by dense pinewoods and thick Mediterranean scrub. The splendid beach, with its fine, gold sand, stretches for many kilometres, alternating fully-equipped bathing establishments with public beaches. Beach umbrellas and sun-beds can be hired at the nearest "Punto Azzurro".
Dotted along the coast are a number of lookouts and old fortifications, including the 14th century San Vincenzo’s Tower, which gave its name to the town and was once used to defend the coast against attacks by pirates.
The limpid air and light sea breezes make aquatic sports even more enjoyable. Once a busy port of call for trade, the spacious, well-equipped harbour of San Vincenzo now has moorings for hundreds of leisure craft.

Bibbona
Situated in the beautiful Cecina River valley, Bibbona retains all the fascination of a medieval village surrounded by green woods and countryside. Its modern, well-equipped marina attracts tourists from all over the world, looking for relaxing holidays with plenty of opportunities for sport and fun.
At Marina di Bibbona, the dense pinewood stretching down to the beach and the clear sea is an inviting spot for walking, cycling or horse riding at any time of the year. All kinds of Mediterranean vegetation, as well as a biogenetic oasis, are to be found in the “Macchia della Magona”, a splendid protected area that can be explored by following a network of marked paths and trails.
Many holiday farms in the countryside full of olive trees, vineyards and fruit trees offer hospitality and comfortable accommodation. The fruits of nature and advanced agricultural practices provide the ingredients for the flavourful cooking of this area. Following the Costa degli Etruschi Wine Route, which passes through Bibbona, is a delightful way to discover the fine DOC wines of the area.

Cecina
Set between the blue sea of the Costa degli Etruschi and the green Tuscan countryside, Cecina and its marina are popular with tourists from all over the world. A dense pinewood borders 15 kilometres of sandy beach. At Marina di Cecina, where the sea is limpid and easily accessible, numerous sports, walks in the pinewood and relaxing, fun-filled days can be enjoyed in all seasons.
But Cecina is more than just the sea, it is also history and culture as witnessed by the Etruscan and Roman artefacts on display in the Guerrazzi Museum and the settlements at Villa di San Vincenzino.
A tradition for hospitality – not by chance the annual BETA - Associated Tour Operators Market - is held in Cecina - ensures quality accommodation and facilities. Good food is important here, and a rich calendar of cultural events runs throughout the year.