You read that right, Tuscan beaches. There’s way more to this gorgeous region than tasty food, beautiful countryside and Renaissance art, you know.
Tuscany’s beaches are almost as diverse as the landscapes of its renowned interior, ranging from the polished beach clubs of Forte dei Marmi to the wilder sands of Marina di Alberese. Families will find shallow water and easy facilities along the Versilia Coast, while walkers, cyclists, and wildlife lovers can explore the protected shores of the Maremma.
Looking for the best beaches in Tuscany for families, swimming, snorkelling, or escaping the crowds? These are seven of our favourites.
A Quick Guide to Tuscany’s Beaches and Coastline
In northern Tuscany, the coastline sits beneath the Apuan Alps. This is where you will find Forte dei Marmi, Viareggio, and the wider Versilia Coast, known for long sandy beaches, organised beach clubs, restaurants, and lively seaside towns.
The Pisan Coast has broad stretches of sand, dunes, pine woods, and family-friendly resorts. Further south, the Etruscan Coast combines long beaches with rocky coves and towns such as Castiglioncello and San Vincenzo.
The Maremma has some of the wildest beaches in Tuscany, Italy. Much of the coastline lies within protected nature reserves, where pine forests, dunes, wetlands, and quieter shores create a more secluded atmosphere.
Off the mainland, the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago offer rocky coves, clear water, snorkelling, and diving. Elba is the largest and best known, while Giglio has a quieter scale and several beautiful swimming spots.
The Best Beaches in Tuscany
Best for active families: Principina a Mare
Principina a Mare lies on the Maremma coast, close to Grosseto. A broad sandy beach runs alongside pine forest and Mediterranean vegetation, creating plenty of space for families who prefer a more natural setting.
The gently shelving shore makes Principina a Mare one of the best beaches in Tuscany for families, particularly those travelling with younger children. During summer, visitors can usually find sunbeds, refreshments, and watersports, while the surrounding area is good for cycling, horse riding, and walking.
The nearby pine woods provide useful shade and give the beach a less developed feel than the resorts farther north.
Best for beach clubs: Forte dei Marmi
Forte dei Marmi is one of the most famous seaside towns in Tuscany. Its broad sandy shore is divided into organised beach clubs, many of which provide loungers, umbrellas, changing facilities, restaurants, and play areas.
This is one of the best beaches in Tuscany for travellers who value comfort and convenience. The town behind the beach has designer shops, cafés, restaurants, and a lively summer atmosphere.
Although much of the shore is managed by private beach clubs, public access points are also available. Families should book beach facilities in advance during July and August, when Forte dei Marmi is at its busiest.
Best for a wild coastal escape: Marina di Alberese
If you want to escape the crowds and see a wilder side of the Tuscan coast, Marina di Alberese is a very good choice. Accessible via an 8km bike path, the beach’s relative isolation means it remains in pristine condition.
Marina di Alberese is one of the best beaches in Tuscany for nature lovers, cyclists, and travellers looking to avoid rows of beach clubs. Facilities are limited, so bring water, food, and plenty of sun protection.
Best for clear water: Cala Violina
Although reaching Cala Violina requires a short walk, the journey leads to one of the most beautiful coves in Tuscany. Pale sand curves around clear Mediterranean water, while the surrounding woodland keeps the bay feeling wonderfully natural.
The beach takes its name from the distinctive sound its quartz-rich sand makes underfoot. Visitors reach it by following a path through the Bandite di Scarlino nature reserve, which helps protect the coastline from overdevelopment.
During the busiest months, local authorities may limit visitor numbers and require advance booking, so check the latest access arrangements before setting out.
With its clear water, wooded setting, and soft sand, Cala Violina easily ranks among the best beaches in Tuscany, Italy.
Best for wildlife: Feniglia Beach
Feniglia Beach stretches along the narrow strip of land connecting Monte Argentario with the mainland near Orbetello. The sea borders one side of its long, sandy shore, while the Orbetello Lagoon and a protected nature reserve lie behind the dunes.
Pine forest shades walking and cycling routes through the reserve. Away from the busier entrances, visitors may also spot deer, migratory birds, and other wildlife.
Thanks to its long shoreline, generally shallow water, and several access points, Feniglia ranks among the best beaches in Tuscany for families. Some sections have beach clubs and refreshments, while quieter stretches retain their natural character.
Best for remoteness: Cala di Forno
Cala di Forno occupies a secluded corner of the Maremma Regional Park, where hills and Mediterranean scrub surround a rugged stretch of protected coastline.
Visitors usually reach the cove on a long walk, an organised excursion, or an authorised boat trip. At certain times, the park may also restrict access to protect local wildlife and reduce pressure on the landscape.
Because the beach has no conventional facilities, bring everything you need for the day. Cala di Forno particularly suits experienced walkers and travellers seeking genuine isolation rather than an easy family beach.
Best for an island escape: Isola Giglio
Isola del Giglio lies off Tuscany’s southern coast and forms part of the Tuscan Archipelago. Rocky inlets, small sandy bays, clear water, and colourful harbour villages give the island plenty of variety.
Campese and Cala delle Cannelle number among its best-known beaches. However, visitors who explore by boat can also reach smaller coves around the coast. Thanks to its transparent water and rocky seabed, Giglio is also one of the best places in Tuscany for snorkelling and diving.
Ferries leave Porto Santo Stefano regularly, making Giglio possible as a day trip. Nevertheless, an overnight stay gives you more time to discover its quieter shores.
Stay Near the Best Beaches in Tuscany
Fancy a coastal excursion to Tuscany after reading about this eclectic assortment of Tuscany beaches? We get you. Head on over to our website to check out our stylish collection of villas in the region, or get in contact with our concierge team who would be happy to help you out! If you loved delving in to another side of Tuscany, then you might be interested in reading our blog on all things hidden Tuscany…
