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Photo © Enrico Caracciolo
Photo © Enrico Caracciolo

Pine groves on the Tuscan coast

A pine grove close to the sea is the best way to fight the summer heat

Have you ever longed for a bit of shade after a whole morning spent basking in the sun on one of Tuscany’s many beaches? There’s nothing like a pine grove near the coast to beat the summer heat. Tuscany is home to many of these oases of heaven – let’s discover them!

Contents
  • 1.
    Lucca
  • 2.
    Pisa
  • 3.
    Livorno
  • 4.
    Grosseto
  • 5.
    Massa Carrara

Lucca

Pineta di Ponente, Viareggio
Pineta di Ponente, Viareggio - Credit: Gerry Labrijn

The coastal area, around Marina di Pietrasanta, is known as the famous Versilia. In addition to boasting a large park, the area is also a major cultural centre. Every summer, there are concerts, operas and theatre performances, creative workshops for children and the historic Caffè della Versiliana. From Viareggio to Torre del Lago, you’ll find a rows and rows of pine groves: there’s the one in the town centre, which has stands, games for children, bicycles, and a picturesque pond with swans, as well as pubs and other small venues, and is crossed from the east by an avenue. There are paths leading to the sea, away from traffic, which can be travelled by bike or on foot. There is also the Villa Borbone, home to exhibitions and cultural activities. This pine grove leads to Torre del Lago Puccini.

Pisa

Marigliano's pinewood with Alpi Apuane on the background
Marigliano's pinewood with Alpi Apuane on the background - Credit: Averardi Rob

The Pisan coast stretching from Marina di Pisa, Tirrenia and up to Calambrone is full of pine groves behind the beaches. This is where you’ll find camping and many shaded areas to relax or have a picnic. There are also pine groves in Tombolo, Migliarino and Marina di Vecchiano. Plus, the area is home to the wonderful San Rossore Park, a definite must-see.

Livorno

Via del Lago, San Vincenzo
Via del Lago, San Vincenzo - Credit: Mare in Toscana

Beyond its beaches, Livorno boasts great and extensive coastal pine groves, in many cases the result of the work of man and centuries of reforestation. Similarly, the reforestation of Mediterranean maritime pine, domestic and Aleppo trees can be found on some the islands in the Tuscan Archipelago, like Elba, Capraia, Giglio, Gorgona, and Pianosa. The groves in this area are often delimited only by jagged cliffs. The ones in Bibbona, Donoratico and San Vincenzo are especially famous.

Grosseto

Grosseto's pinewood
Grosseto's pinewood - Credit: Comune di Grosseto

From Follonica to Talamone, the Maremma coast offers an uninterrupted succession of beautiful landscapes, like the wide and sandy beaches of Castiglione and the pine groves in Alberese and Principina. In the province of Grosseto, in particular, the coast is a protected area characterized by elegant, green landscapes and centuries-old pine forests near the sea. To the south, you’ll find pine groves in Castiglione della Pescaia and the beautiful Maremma Park, also known as Parco dell’Uccellina.

Massa Carrara

Maritime pines in Massa Carrara
Maritime pines in Massa Carrara - Credit: minimocomunemultiplo.lab

From Follonica to Talamone, the Maremma coast offers an uninterrupted succession of beautiful landscapes, like the wide and sandy beaches of Castiglione and the pine groves in Alberese and Principina. In the province of Grosseto, in particular, the coast is a protected area characterized by elegant, green landscapes and centuries-old pine forests near the sea. To the south, you’ll find pine groves in Castiglione della Pescaia and the beautiful Maremma Park, also known as Parco dell’Uccellina.

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