local accommodation  
ospitalita

The Coast of the Etruscans, a land of ancient tourist tradition which was once visited by famous writers, poets and artists, gives the visitor a warm welcome and provides all kinds of comfort.

Hotels, camping-sites, residences, apartments to rent, whether at a short distance from the sea, in the town centres or deep in the green countryside all meet the tourist's greatest expectations and needs. Holiday-farms are very much in fashion. The Coast of the Etruscans offers unique opportunities both for stays and for shopping trips.

The Acquapark (Waterpark) in Cecina, the numerous playgrounds, the Caprilli racecourse in Livorno where important horse racing seasons are set throughout the year, all provide great entertainment and fun.

Antiques, wine, products of the local gastronomy, knickknacks characteristic of small markets such as the American market in Livorno all lead the visitor shopping.

Gastronomy is an ancient art supported and favoured by products of high quality and cooks of great talent. Visitors can taste the local cooking in highly refined restaurants, popular places for gourmets from all over the world, and in welcoming characteristic trattorie. Inns and wine shops are the right place to discover almost forgotten flavours.

events  
eventi

Sporting events connected with the sea, gastronomic events such as "dining at castagneto", historical re-enactments, painting exhibitions with particular reference to the macchiaioli school, an excellent bill of dance performances at Castello Pasquini, Castiglioncello or of opera in Livorno are just some of the main attractions held year round on the Costa degli Etruschi.

Among the most interesting sea-going events are the rowing races held in livorno, particularly the traditional "Palio marinaro", "Barontini cup" and the "Coppa risi'atori".

Yachts from all over the world take part in the naval academy sailing trophy, held every year in spring.

"Effetto venezia" enlivens livorno's historic venice quarter every summer with cultural, gastronomic and folkloristic events.

 

sea  
mare e spiagge

For over 90 uninterrupted kilometres, clear water shading from emerald green to deepest blue washes the coast, the water quality and services provided by the coastal resorts have been awarded the European Union's Blue Flag.

A line of splendid resorts stretches from Livorno to Piombino - Castiglioncello, Quercianella, Rosignano, Vada, Cecina, Bibbona, Marina di Castagneto and San Vincenzo.

Beaches of pale sand, like those at San Vincenzo and Baratti, alternate with the darker sands of Marina di Castagneto, Bibbona and Cecina, and wind-sculpted rocky shores where the water is deep and teeming with fish. Well-equipped marinas provide plenty of opportunities for yachting.

 

nature  
natura e parchi

Over 20% of the Costa degli Etruschi comprises Parks, protected areas, nature oases, and fauna reserves. Nature is not just a setting, but the very essence of this land with its dense stands of pine trees, woods and countryside rich with colours and scents.

Of particular note are the Bolgheri WWF Oasis, a wet zone of international importance, the Magona Park and its biogenetic oasis, the Livorno Hills Park, which is of considerable historical-naturalistic interest, the Rimigliano Park flora and fauna oasis, the Orti-Bottagone oasis and the Sterpaia and Montioni parks.

 

archaeology  
archeologia

Etruscan settlements by the sea, like the Baratti-Populonia Archaeological Park, museums full of Etruscan, Roman and Villanovan artefacts, such as those at Rosignano Marittimo, Cecina and Piombino, exhibitions and shows of international significance on the history of these places all bear witness to the historical importance of the Costa degli Etruschi.

The San Silvestro Archaeo-mineral Park at Venturina is a real open-air museum where organized routes allow visitors to follow the various stages of metalworking in Etruscan and medieval times.

 

flavours and wines  
sapori e vini

The gastronomic specialities of the Costa degli Etruschi are known all over the world for their richness and variety. Fresh-caught fish is the main ingredient of hundreds of delicious recipes, from the famous cacciucco (fish stew), to black rice with squid ink, dentex, gilthead, calamari, shellfish and blue fish (like mackerel) now enjoying a revival, all cooked with flair and skill.

Inland, dishes feature meat, such as beef from prized "Chianina" cattle, and game, particularly wild boar, All dishes are accompanied by vegetables. Local specialities include cheeses, honey, bread, cakes, chickpea "cake" and Livorno punch.

The DOC wines of Bolgheri, Val di Cornia and Bibbona are produced along the Wine Route, as are world-renowned wines such as Sassicaia and Ornellaia. Olive oil is also a product of excellence.

 

Wellbeing  
terme e benessere

Costa degli Etruschi thermal spas provide a double opportunity: health treatments and holidays based on wellbeing and relaxation.

At Venturina in Val di Cornia, a stone's throw from the sea and medieval villages, the Valle del Sole (sulphur-calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate bearing waters) and Calidario thermal spas offer treatments for health and psycho/physical wellbeing.

The Valle del Sole thermal spa, already known in Etruscan/Roman times, is a fully equipped fitness centre with 36°C natural spring waters.

 

sport and recreation  
sport e svaghi
The Costa degli Etruschi offers many opportunities for sport.

Over 90km of coast and beaches, that have been awarded the European Union's Blue Flag for water quality and services, offer the chance to practice all kinds of water sport, from underwater fishing to sailing and windsurfing.

Well-organized harbours and marinas provide berthing facilities for boats. Both amateur and professional cycling is practised.

Marked routes for the former wind through the hills or the pinewoods next to the sea, while professional cycling teams train in specially equipped structures with efficient services. Trails for hiking or horse riding can be found in Livorno and all along the Costa degli Etruschi.