Even though Florence - the Medici city - is located deep inland, there is no shortage of beaches that can be easily reached either by car or train.
A bathing suit and beach towel are probably not among the first things that come to mind to pack before leaving for Florence. However, especially after a trip to Florence in the summer, you might feel the desire to seek some refreshment in one of the many beaches that dot the Tuscan coast. The closest, a favorite destination for chic Florentines, is Forte dei Marmi, located in northwestern Tuscany, in the heart of Versilia. With its long, well-equipped beaches, dotted with restaurants overlooking the sea and clubs frequented by VIPs, fashion boutiques and exclusive nightclubs, it is the favorite destination for a weekend of fun. A valid alternative is the lively Viareggio, land of the homonymous carnival. Located a short distance from Forte dei Marmi, it boasts over 10 km of sandy beaches and a picturesque center full of Art Nouveau architecture and intimate places where you can enjoy fish specialties. If, on the other hand, you are on a tight budget but don’t want to miss a break in the vitality of Versilia, you can plan a break at Lido di Camaiore or Marina di Pietrasanta, halfway between Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio. Noteworthy, in the heart of Pietrasanta is the historic Villa la Versiliana, former vacation residence of famous people of the caliber of Gabriele d’Annunzio.
Further south along the area known as the Costa degli Etruschi (Etruscan Coast), in the province of Livorno, there is a completely different and more relaxed atmosphere. Vada, for example, is perfect for nature lovers with its free beaches enclosed between the blue sea and the intense green of the surrounding vegetation. Here the coast is reminiscent of the most emblazoned Caribbean destinations thanks to the low and transparent water and the clear and fine sand.
The nearby Castiglioncello, however, is known as “the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea” for its breathtaking landscapes, characterized by sheer cliffs, coves and pine forests. Very easy to reach by train directly from Florence, the beach of Quercianella, also in the province of Livorno, is great for lovers of the Mediterranean and perfect for diving and snorkeling.
If, on the other hand, you are a lover of almost uncontaminated nature, the area near Grosseto is just right for you. Places like Follonica, Punta Ala, Castiglione della Pescaia are among the most popular among travelers of all ages. Not to mention the beauty of the landscape and nature near the beach of Cala Violina, reachable only on foot along a dirt path or by sea.
