Places to visit in Tuscany in summer, between seaside villages and secret beaches

Spending the summer in Tuscany is definitely a good idea. Among the scents of lavender, saltiness and freshly baked bread you can alternate tours of cities of art with inland villages where you can discover the flavors of the territory without ever forgetting the magic of the coast. What are the best places to visit in Tuscany in the summer ? Let's try to find out together by examining all the best opportunities.

Elba Island

If we think about summer in Tuscany , one of the first places to consider can only be the island of Elba . Wild, authentic and easy to reach, it surprises everyone. The beaches are many and different, reflecting the various souls of the territory of one of themost beautiful islands of Tuscany .

Among the most beautiful? Fetovaia , with its protected bay of clear sand, Sansone with its stony seabed and gravel beach, one of the first to be discovered as soon as you disembark. Don't miss the villages: Porto Azzurro with its small port and lively nightlife, Portoferraio practical for those staying a few days or the particular Capoliveri which boasts a suggestive view with one of the most beautiful balconies from which to take panoramic photos.

Giglio Island

Smaller than Elba but equally fascinating, Giglio Island is a gem still little visited by mass tourism. The sea here has shades that seem stolen from the Caribbean. Cala delle Cannelle and Cala dell'Arenella offer golden sand and transparent waters, perfect for those who love swimming or exploring the seabed with a mask.

Giglio Porto , with its colorful houses that are reflected in the water, is the arrival point of the ferries but also a small living room on the sea. Perched above, Giglio Castello offers an atmosphere of times gone by, with stone alleys and breathtaking views. It is an island to be experienced slowly, on foot or by bicycle, always with your gaze turned towards the horizon.

Port Hercules

In the heart of Argentario, Porto Ercole is an elegant and charming village. The port is full of boats, the alleys of the old town tell stories of fishermen and nobility. Beaches like Le Viste or La Feniglia offer crystal clear sea and fine sand, perfect for lazy and happy days. Here, the evening lights up with soft lights, dinners with a view and that touch of worldliness that never hurts.

San Vincenzo and the Gulf of Baratti

In the heart of the Etruscan Coast , San Vincenzo is a lively town, loved by those looking for equipped beaches, nightlife and excellent cuisine. Its seafront is a concentration of summer life.

A little further north, the Gulf of Baratti offers a completely different dimension: a quiet inlet, with shady pine forests and a dark beach of volcanic origin. Behind it, the Archaeological Park of Populonia tells a thousand-year-old story between Etruscan tombs and Roman remains. Here, between sea and archaeology, you can breathe a sense of eternity.

Alberese Marina

For those looking for a beach that still has a sense of nature and silence, Marina di Alberese is a destination not to be missed. Located in the Maremma Park, it can only be reached by shuttle or bike, and this is what keeps it so authentic. Fine sand, natural dunes, maritime pines and the possibility of encountering deer, foxes and sea birds. Here the sea is clear and the sky seems infinite.

Marble Fort

Forte dei Marmi is synonymous with seaside elegance. Its historic establishments, with their white and blue cabins, tell the story of decades of Italian dolce vita. The sea, always calm, is perfect for those who love to relax. The beach is wide, with fine sand, overlooking the Apuan Alps , which provide an almost surreal backdrop. The center is animated by high fashion boutiques, refined markets and starred restaurants. Here the sea is just one of the ingredients of the charm.

Talamone

A small wonder that few know about is Talamone , an enchanting village on the sea with a castle. The strong seafaring soul can be felt in every corner and the scene is dominated by the bay of the same name which, in case of wind, is chosen by those who practice water sports with the board. There are also quieter corners such as the coves in the area of ​​the Uccellina park where we recommend spending at least an afternoon.

Cala Violina

Among the most beautiful beaches in Tuscany is Cala Violina , a true gem kept in Maremma. What makes the difference is the thick vegetation that you can cycle through or walk through before reaching the bay with fine sand and an atmosphere so peaceful that it seems muffled. The water here is incredibly transparent, with shades that range from turquoise to emerald green.

Pitigliano

Not just the sea, among the places in Tuscany to visit in summer there is also Pitigliano, a village that dominates a spur of tuff. With a historic center of great respect and a unique atmosphere, in summer it comes alive with lights, scents of Mediterranean herbs and numerous restaurants and places where you can taste traditional dishes.

Volterra

Volterra slowly captures you with its austere and silent beauty. An Etruscan city, then Roman, today a refuge for artists and dreamers. The ancient walls protect a historic center full of workshops, where alabaster takes shape in expert hands.

In summer, the light here is special: it caresses the honey-yellow stones and creates reflections in the deserted alleys during the hottest hour. In the evening, everything comes alive with words, music and scents, especially during the International Roman Theatre Festival.

Castiglione of the Pescaia

Among the villages in Tuscany not to be missed in the summer is Castiglione della Pescaia : overlooking the sea with a castle, it offers postcard views. The waters, clear and calm, are perfect for a long swim or a boat trip. The historic center, on the other hand, offers corners of authentic enchantment: cobbled streets, flowered balconies and restaurants where you can taste real seafood cuisine, such as caciucco or bottarga.

San Gimignano

In summer, the towers of San Gimignano seem to touch the sky. The “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” preserves its Gothic beauty and elegant soul. Walking along the main street is a succession of perfect views, between award-winning ice cream shops and shady squares.

Montepulciano

Among the gentle curves of the Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana , Montepulciano is a Renaissance jewel immersed in a postcard landscape. Its streets rise and fall between noble palaces, historic cellars and views that will make you fall in love. In summer, sunsets paint the hills gold and copper, and the air smells of must and jasmine. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano accompanies every evening, making it special.