Fine sandy beaches, sheer cliffs, hidden coves, but that's not all: the Tuscan coast is also home to picturesque villages rich in art and culture.
Places where time seems to pass slowly, small towns that enchant thanks to small squares with a view, flowering windows and ancient stores.
An immortal charm that also bewitched many artists and men of letters in the past and still makes this stretch of Tuscany one of the most beautiful to experience.
An ancient seaside village surrounded by greenery: Castiglione della Pescaia is one of the most popular seaside resorts.
Long sandy beaches and cool pine forests characterize this stretch of coastline which, precisely because of these peculiarities, is suitable for sports - both aquatic and non-aquatic - and family vacations.
In the town's historic center stands the 15th-century Rocca (or Castle), from which there is a beautiful view of the Tuscan archipelago.
There is no shortage of clubs, restaurants and stores for every need.
Perched atop a hill, Scarlino has always had a defensive role, from the earliest times.
The name comes from the Gothic scherlin or "torchlight procession" to indicate the lighthouse function the place had for the nearby Roman port of Scabris (what is now called the Puntone (Strut)).
Recent archaeological excavations have unearthed an important Etruscan necropolis with burial mounds, bearing witness to settlements dating from the 7th and 6th centuries B.C.
Today Scarlino is an oasis of tranquility with bays surrounded by green Mediterranean scrub and a historic center with interwoven alleys that climb up to the majestic Rocca Aldobrandesca - also known as Rocca Pisana or Castello di Scarlino.
Nearby, in the Scarlino Nature Reserve, is one of the most beautiful beaches on the entire Tuscan coast: Cala Violina, where the sand sounds like the strings of many violins.
Capalbio is located in southern Tuscany in the green Maremma scrubland and is a village that still retains the traits of its medieval origin.
From the ancient defensive walls you can admire a unique view of the surrounding countryside and, following the walls, you can walk along the ancient patrol path in its entirety.
Capalbio has over the years become a prestigious vacation destination that welcomes tourists through picturesque streets and pristine beaches.
Also near the village is the famous Tarot Garden, a magical, fairy-tale place created from the mind of sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle.
One of the most picturesque villages in the Val di Cornia on the Etruscan Coast, Campiglia Marittima is an ancient medieval castle towering on a hill.
The village is all gathered within the city walls and in the summer it comes alive with tourists, artisan workshops, and eateries overlooking the characteristic little squares.
The view opens to the sea and the hills giving a view that, on a clear day, reaches as far as the coast of northern Corsica.
It is well worth to visit the Rocca di Campiglia (Campiglia Fortress), which occupies a semicircular area on the highest hill: an open-air museum that includes the keep building, the ancient cistern, the imposing crenellated wall, and the 1930s aqueduct.
Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Suvereto is surrounded by nature and still retains its medieval appearance: its walls, paved streets, stone houses and historic buildings.
Dominating this ancient jewel is the Rocca Aldobrandesca, which stands on the highest part of the hill and overlooks the historic center.
Inside the walls, instead, is the Museo di Arte Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art), with paintings and furnishings from local parishes and handicrafts.
Also in town is the Museo della Bambola (Doll Museum), with a rich collection spanning years and costumes.
Driving along the wine road that crosses the Etruscan Coast, you arrive in Castagneto Carducci, a village that lies between the sea, hills and green pine forests.
The historic center is built around the Della Gherardesca Castle - dating back to the year 1000 - and is characterized by paved alleys, natural terraces, small squares and old artisan workshops.
The Palazzo Pretorio and the churches of San Lorenzo and Santissimo Crocifisso are
worth visiting.
Originally the village was called Castagneto Marittimo, but in the early 20th century its name was changed in honor of the great poet Giosué Carducci, who spent part of his life here.
An ancient Etruscan village on a small promontory, a prestigious tourist resort, Castiglioncello has the charm of elegant and elite places.
Cliffs overlooking the sea, crystal clear water, and beaches surrounded by green pine forest are just some of the features of this village.
In the center stands the Pasquini Castle - thought to be in the image of Florence's Palazzo Vecchio -that replaced in 1889 Diego Martelli's old farmhouse, made famous by numerous paintings by Macchiaioli.
An ancient Etruscan town overlooking the sea, Populonia is a fascinating village that still amazes with the precious ruins of what was the only Etruscan garrison overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The Archaeological Park is an open-air museum that includes the remains of the Etruscan and Roman city- renowned for its intense metallurgical activity related to iron production - the necropolis and acropolis.
Surrounded by wilderness, Populonia offers the possibility of a cultural and at the same time relaxing vacation, in fact, in addition to the rich historical proposal, the center of the village is home to numerous artisan workshops and clubs.
A seaside village in the heart of Argentario, a famous marina and a historic center dominated by the Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower), a monument that reminds us that it was in Porto Ercole that Caravaggio lived the last period of his life as a fugitive.
The strategic importance of the past is evidenced by the Spanish fortresses dating back to the 16th century that dot the surrounding hills.
Crystal-clear sea and coves surrounded by bursting nature, small cobblestone streets and a lively waterfront make this place an enchanting retreat away from everyday life.
Nestled among the marble quarries of the Apuan Alps, Pietrasanta is a city of medieval origin and is considered the capital of artistic marble working.
Its squares, streets and galleries have over the years become the perfect setting to host contemporary art and sculpture exhibitions by artists from all over the world.
The fervent cultural activity has always attracted a large audience, but it is also worth
visiting this village for the enchanting architectural works: the Duomo di San Martino (Cathedral of San Martino) - a marble masterpiece that preserves precious works of art inside - the Bell Tower - a 36-meter-high unfinished work where a very special helicoidal staircase is preserved from the bottom to the top of the building - and Piazza Duomo where modern and past art blend together. A
few kilometers away is Marina di Pietrasanta, a Versilia seaside resort very close to Forte dei Marmi.
