Sailing in Tuscany

A look at the main ports along the coast and what you can do once you dock.

Along with relaxing on the seaside and hiking excursions through natural oases, like Lake Massaciuccoli and the Antro del Corchia grottos, the north coast of Tuscany and its hinterland are also perfect spots for shopping enthusiasts and art lovers, with an impressive open-air museum of contemporary artworks (Pietrasanta).
Viareggio, the main city in Versilia, created as Lucca’s sea port, has it all: the sea on one side and the peaks of the Apuan Alps on the other. This is the perfect place to spend a day relaxing on the beach, stolling and shopping along the "Passeggiata" (Viareggio Boardwalk) and eating fish in one of the typical trattorias.
Cinquale in Montignoso is a seaside spot with a fortified tower built in 1565 to defend against raids by the Sarcen pirates; the town is also synonymous with rest and relaxation thanks to the presence of the Versilia Thermal Baths.

Sailing south you reach the coastal area of Pisa. Marina di Pisa is a popular seaside destination with both sandy and pebble beaches, a promenade, a picturesque bike path and delightful restaurants. Particularly noteworthy is "Bocca d'Arno", the fascinating area at the mouth of the Arno river, characterized by the presence of fishing nets called "Retoni".

Castiglioncello is about 15km south of Livorno and it is one of the most charming seaside destinations in Tuscany. Celebrated by the famous Macchiaioli painters, it contains the splendid Pasquini Castle, built in the late 1800s.
Cecina, with its fascinating archaeological museum and fun-filled water parks is another coastal location worth a trip, as is the historic San Vincenzo with its high-quality wines and the tower that was once a lookout point used to defend the coast from pirates.
Piombino is a popular and well-equipped tourist spot in a convenient position to explore the famous islands of the Tuscan archipelago.
Another pearl of the Etruscan Coast is Baratti with its enchanting gulf: the marina is right next to the beach and this is also an ideal starting point to explore the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia.

Scarlino boasts a beautiful stretch of coastline that is also a Protected Coastal Area. Here are some of the most beautiful beaches in Tuscany (Cala Violina and Cala Martina), the nearly 9,000 hectares of perfumed Mediterranean scrub of the Natural Reserve of Bandite, and the necropolis of Poggio Tondo, an important archaeological site.
Punta Ala is a famous seaside resort on the south end of the Gulf of Follonica, renowned for a well-equipped marina and popular sailing regattas.
Talamone also contains many important archaeological sites and finds, as well as holding the southern end of the Natural Park of Maremma, stretching down to Monte Argentario.
On Monte Argentario, Porto Ercole is an old, charming little town on a hill with a natural harbour; it contains two forts and a tower, and it hosts a famous rowing competition every June. Cala Galera with its exquisite beach and modern tourist port is another idyllic spot for a trip on land while you’re sailing these seas.

Between the Ligurian Sea and Tyrrhenian Sea, the Tuscan Archipelago is a chain of 7 enchanting islands: crystal-clear sea and Mediterranean scrub, pine groves sitting atop steep cliffs, hidden bays and large beaches of soft sand. A sailing heaven!
Each island has its own unique character, all are protected by the Arcipelago Toscano National Park, not all of them are reachable: Gorgona, the smallest one, is home of a farming penal colony; Montecristo is a true natural paradise with special protection measures in place covering a mile around the island to preserve the marine life.

To reach Elba, depart from San Vincenzo on the mainland and sail towards the pebble coves and lush landscape of the largest island of the Archipelago. Head towards Portoferraio, the main seaport of Elba, located in an idyllic bay with a well-equipped marina that is open all year round. Fortifications line the coast giving historic architecture to admire as well as a dramatic panorama.

Lovers of sea won’t want to miss a trip to this spectacular volcanic island. Capraia is home to lovely coves, endless hiking trails and crystal-clear waters for dips in the Tyrrhenian. Don't miss Cala Rossa, on the soputh end, illuminated by the sunset light.

Perfect for nature-lovers, Isola del Giglio is a fascinating getaway characterized by a pristine, colorful landscape. Almost entirely in granite, the island is full of jutting pink rocks that extend along the coastline. Depart from Port Ercole from the Tuscan coast and make the most of the reefs and lush Mediterranean flora and fauna where you’ll find olive groves as well as the heavily perfumed vines used to produce Ansonica, the local white wine. Don’t miss the vast sandy Campese beach along the island’s western coast, with an imposing tower built by Ferdinando I de’ Medici. 

With its half-moon shape, Giannutri is the southernmost island in the Tuscan Archipelago, and can be reached from Porto Santo Stefano (Argentario) or from Giglio. The island is home to stunning ruins of an ancient Roman villa, enchanting coves, delightful beaches: a world that once belonged to mythological sailors.

For weather alerts and all the important and useful information necessary for your sailing adventure, check the Lamma website.