10 Best Beaches in Tuscany

Marina di Pietrasanta has everything you need to get away from the everyday routine and spend some days by the sea. Besides the numerous and well-equipped bathing establishments, you can also set yourself up on the sand at the Spiaggia Libera di Motrone (Motrone Free Beach), which also has amenities such as showers and bars.

Once you're tired of the waves, why not go for a stroll along the jetty that stretches for over 200 metres into the sea? It's the perfect spot for watching beautiful sunsets, walking to the large circular piazza at the end of the pier, before going off to continue your evening in one of the many local nightspots.

Cala del Gesso is a remote beach, but your effort will be rewarded with heavenly views and crystalline waters rich in sea life, ideal for fans of snorkelling. This beach, one of the most beautiful in the region, is free of charge and has no amenities, so remember to bring your umbrella and enough food and water.

You can reach this bay by boat, taking in the stunning profile of the Argentario promontory, or via a beautiful panoramic road, first by car and then a stretch on foot. One last tip: if you're thinking of spending the day at Cala del Gesso, heading back at sunset is a truly unforgettable experience.

Spiaggia della Feniglia (La Feniglia Beach) is one of two sandy spits that connect the mainland to the Argentario promontory, easily reached by car, bike or on foot. Although there are some establishments here, the long beach is mostly free, with shallow water that makes it safe and nice even for little ones to have a swim.

Much of the beach is deserted and wild, just like the beautiful Riserva Naturale Duna Feniglia (Duna Feniglia Nature Reserve) behind it, where you can do sport or find a spot to observe the fallow deer and the typical birds of the Maremma coastal area.

Spiaggia di Sansone (Sansone Beach) is in the north of the Island of Elba and one of the most popular areas on this largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago. The small bay with a white pebble bed is easily accessible and has a bathing establishment where you can catch some rays, while also offering lots of options for those who want to be more active.

Delineated by a large sea stack and a boulder, often used as a natural diving board for doing acrobatic jumps, this beach is a great starting point for exploring with a mask, fins and snorkel, or spending some time canoeing or kayaking.

Spiaggia di Cavoli (Cavoli Beach) is a must-visit destination for young locals, also attracting holidaymakers of all ages looking to relax by the sea. The lido is on a bay with clear, shallow waters, sheltered from the wind and surrounded by Mediterranean scrub, just a few kilometres from Marina di Campo.

A small area of rocks divides the expanse of light, grainy sand into two parts: one to the west that's smaller, but free and peaceful, and the eastern one, with establishments that often turn into the setting of wild beach parties with hot DJ sets under the stars.

Spiaggia delle Cannelle (Cannelle Beach) is a remote beach that's so beautiful it will take your breath away. After hiring an umbrella and sunbed, you can relax on its fine sand or take a dip in a clean, shallow sea that's perfect for kids to play in as well.

Leaving from Giglio Porto, you can reach the beach by sea, with convenient taxi boats, or by car, although it's so close you can also reach it on foot without too much trouble. On your way there or back, don't forget to stop to check out Cala dello Smeraldo, one of the most beautiful views offered by the panoramic road that skirts the island.

Cala Violina in the Riserva Naturale delle Bandite di Scarlino (Bandite di Scarlino Nature Reserve) is a beach with bits of quartz that sound like a violin when walked on. The beach gets its name from this peculiar trait, which is particularly noticeable at the most quiet times.

You can reach it on foot, by bike or car, although the car park isn't very big so we recommend arriving early in the morning, especially in high season. Protected by a pine grove and lush vegetation, there are no amenities at this beach, so bring everything you need with you to spend a day in one of the most authentic places in the Maremma region.

Spiaggia del Gombo (Gombo Beach) is a little area with amenities and limited capacity that you can only access after booking through the club responsible for protecting it. Guided tours, on foot or by cart, depart from Cascina Vecchia.

Even though you're not allowed to swim in the protected area of Parco Naturale di Migliarino, San Rossore e Massaciuccoli (Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli Nature Park) where the beach is found, we're sure you won't get bored. Besides relaxing on the sunbed reserved for you, with the murmuring of the sea in the background, you can also visit some of the park's natural wonders, including stunning dunes, majestic pines and even an amazing petrified forest.

Spiaggia di Torre Mozza (Torre Mozza Beach) is dominated by an old defensive tower whose profile unmistakably marks this stretch of the Maremma coastline. Here, you have the choice between the comfort of the bathing establishments or relaxing in the free-access area.

The seabed here is so beautiful that we recommended bringing a mask and snorkel with you, even if you're not a fan of diving. There's a reef a few dozen metres from the shore that's densely populated with fish and other marine animals. Some say it might even be part of the Via Aurelia, an ancient Roman road.