The Etruscan Coast of Tuscany, in Italian Costa degli Etruschi, is the long narrow coastline that goes from Livorno, the biggest city and port of the area, to Piombino, a small town set on a promontory in front of the Elba Island.

The Etruscan Coast of Tuscany is my birthland and I am happy to introduce you to this land not so very known but rich in history, full of nature and of things to do.

Sunset Bolgheri Etruscan Coast

Why you should visit the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany

A bit of History of the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany

The Etruscan Coast takes its name from the ancient Etruscans. They lived in this area since the eighth century BC, during the Iron Age. Today we find the rest of this ancient civilization especially in the Gulf of Baratti and in the village of Populonia.

Populonia was the unique Etruscan town in history to be built on the seacoast. The economy of the region was rich and intense thanks to the trade of minerals, handiworks, and agriculture products all over the Mediterranean Sea.

Lovely Hamlets of the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany

Largo Nonna Lucia Bolgheri Tuscany

Villages as Castiglioncello, Bibbona, Bolgheri, Castagneto Carducci, Populonia, Suvereto and Campiglia Marittima, are small gems that deserve a visit. Many foreigners, especially from Switzerland and Austria, are so in love with this land that decided to buy suggestive old farmhouses and make them their summer residence.

Enjoy the Mediterranean Sea

sunset Etruscan Coast Tuscany

The Etruscan Coast of Tuscany has different coastal sceneries. Many coastal towns received the blue flag as an award for the quality of tourist services and for the cleanliness of the water.

You find rocks from Livorno to Castiglioncello, then gold sandy beaches between Cecina and the gulf of Baratti. Here, the sand is surprisingly reddish due to the iron residuals of the extracting activities during the Etruscans Era.

Another distinctive beach is the white beach in Vada. We have got the Caribbean behind the corner. Read more about the beaches of the Etruscan Coast here.

From the ports of Livorno, Rosignano, and Piombino you can even sail to the beautiful islands of the Tuscan archipelago as the Elba, the biggest of them, Capraia, or the prison islands of Gorgona and Pianosa.

Traditional Food

Our culinary tradition is well known with fish as the main ingredient. We also have excellent meat for barbecue, many recipes with the game, and wild boar. Not to mention desserts like Castagnaccio with chestnut flour or the crunchy Schiaccia alla Campigliese.

Super Tuscan Wines

Sassicaia wines, an excellence of the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany

Bolgheri and its surroundings are one of the best regions in the whole world to produce wine. The famous Sassicaia DOC and Ornellaia Super Tuscan come from this part of Tuscany.

Archaeology

priestess tomb archaeological park of baratti and populonia

The archaeological park of Baratti and Populonia is one of the most important Etruscan sites. You have to visit the necropolis, the tiny hamlet of Populonia Alta, and the Archeomining Park in Campiglia Marittima.

For all information about the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia take a look here.

Etruscan Coast of Tuscany is Nature and Parks

A hill road in the countryside of Bibbona, Etruscan Coast of Tuscany

Nature is the essence of the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany. Pinewoods, forests, and rolling hills are rich in colors and aromas. Parks and natural oases, full of flora and fauna to admire, cover more than 20% of the territory.

Sport and outdoor activities

Windsurfing in Cecina Italy Etruscan Coast of Tuscany

You have many opportunities on the Etruscan Coast. Surf, kitesurf, windsurf, horse riding, and fishing. On the inland, there are lots of itineraries for bike and hiking lovers in the beautiful pinewoods or forests.

Hot Springs on the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany

If you wish to rest in hot waters, you can enjoy the thermal lake in Venturina and Sassetta. They are private establishments.

Strategic Position in the heart of Tuscany

San Gimignano view from the tower
View of San Gimignano – Photo Credits: Luca Biancani

Last but not least, in a short drive distance from the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany, there are many things to do and see, including some of the most famous attractions.

In my opinion, it is the perfect base to explore the region: you can enjoy the beaches and the Mediterranean sea and you have the opportunity to reach in less than one-hour hamlets like Volterra, San Gimignano or the Square of Miracles in Pisa. In a little over an hour instead, you can drive to Lucca or Siena.

4 thoughts on “Discover The Etruscan Coast of Tuscany

  1. William Ainsworth says:

    Hi
    Next year, we are going for holiday in Tuscany. We were going to stay in Florence but your site has convinced me to stay 9n the coast. It looks very beautiful.

  2. William Geronimo says:

    Salve Nicola,
    What would be the best towns on the Etruscan coast to use as a base fora 1 week stay. We will have a car
    Grazie, Bill

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