Insider tips for quiet beaches in Tuscany

You'll find quiet beaches in Tuscany, especially outside of peak season and where nature reserves have protected the coast from development: in the Maremma, at Feniglia near Ansedonia, in the Parco di Rimigliano near San Vincenzo, or at Lecciona between Viareggio and Torre del Lago. Those willing to walk or cycle a bit will also have a good chance of finding plenty of space, even in summer.

When the beaches of Tuscany are quiet

Versilia boasts Tuscany's most famous seaside resorts. The white pier of Forte dei Marmi and the Art Nouveau-lined promenade in Viareggio demonstrate the long-standing popularity of these places. Thomas Mann set his novella "Mario and the Magician" (1930) in a fictional resort modeled on Forte dei Marmi – complete with a beach so packed in the 1920s that finding a free spot was nearly impossible. Aldous Huxley also spent summers there during that era.

Little has changed: In July and August, when all of Italy is on holiday, most beaches are crowded. Spring and autumn are therefore particularly worthwhile for independent travelers – for many, the best time to visit the Tuscan coast is June or September. Outside of peak season, many beach clubs are closed, but you can still enjoy the same fine sandy beaches for free – with pine trees at your back and the Apuan Alps on the horizon.

Quiet beaches and insider tips from north to south

This section focuses exclusively on quiet, unspoiled stretches of coastline, far from the hustle and bustle of typical beach resorts. The well-known seaside towns with promenades and lidos – from Forte dei Marmi to Castiglione della Pescaia – are presented in our overview of Tuscan beaches: the most beautiful beaches from north to south.

Lecciona between Viareggio and Torre del Lago

Approximately seven kilometers of unspoiled sandy beach with dunes, located in the heart of the Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli Regional Park. It can be reached from Via dei Tigli via wooden boardwalks through the pine forest; the boardwalks are also easily accessible with strollers. There are no buildings or beach clubs here. One section has been officially designated as a nudist beach since 2022.

Parco di Rimigliano near San Vincenzo

South of San Vincenzo , along the Via della Principessa, stretches the Rimigliano Coastal Park, offering approximately 6 kilometers of beach, dunes, and pine forest. Numerous footpaths lead to the sea, and there are free and paid parking areas, as well as a cycle path from San Vincenzo (about 20 minutes). The further you get from the main entrances, the more space you'll find.

Buca delle Fate near Populonia

Near the Gulf of Baratti and the Etruscan town of Populonia lies Buca delle Fate, a wild, rocky cove with crystal-clear water. It can only be reached via a path through the maquis shrubland, which requires a sure foot – sturdy shoes are recommended. There's no kiosk, so bring your own water and provisions. The cove is ideal for snorkeling and watching the sunset.

Maremma Natural Park: Marina di Alberese, Collelungo, Cala di Forno

The Maremma Park protects approximately 25 kilometers of coastline. Marina di Alberese, south of the Ombrone estuary, is accessible by car (parking is paid in summer) and stretches for several kilometers. The beaches inland within the park are considerably more secluded: Collelungo, with its tower, can only be reached on foot or by bicycle (bicycle access is limited to 150 per day), while the Cala di Forno cove can be accessed via hiking trail A4 from Marina di Alberese. In summer, some areas are only accessible with a guide – current regulations can be found on the park's website. More about the region: Sandy beaches of the Maremma.

Cala del Gesso on Monte Argentario

The pebble beach is one of the most beautiful swimming spots on the peninsula. From the panoramic road starting in Porto Santo Stefano, the Via dei Pionieri branches off at kilometer 5,9; after about 1 km of asphalt, you'll reach a gate with a pedestrian passage, followed by a 700 m path ending with a set of steps. At the bottom, you'll find smooth pebbles and crystal-clear water, and in summer, perhaps a small selection of sun loungers for rent. Bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water.

Feniglia between Ansedonia and Porto Ercole

In the far south of Tuscany, the Feniglia isthmus connects Ansedonia with Monte Argentario: roughly 6-7 kilometers of fine, light-colored sandy beach, backed by a protected pine forest inhabited by fallow deer. Cars are not allowed – there are paid parking lots at the entrances near Ansedonia and Porto Ercole, and a path through the forest is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. The water deepens gradually, making it ideal for families. It only gets crowded around the entrances.

Cala Violina: beautiful, but no longer a hidden gem

Die Bucht bei Scarlino ist so bekannt geworden, dass sie im Sommer kontingentiert wird: Vom 1. Juni bis 30. September 2026 dürfen täglich höchstens 700 Personen an den Strand, nur mit Online-Reservierung (Stand 2026: 1 € ab 12 Jahren). Vom Parkplatz Val Martina sind es rund 1,8 Kilometer zu Fuß. Außerhalb dieser Zeit ist die Bucht frei zugänglich und deutlich ruhiger. Weitere bekannte Strände wie den Golf von Baratti oder die Giannella finden Sie in unserer Übersicht der schönsten Strände der Toskana.

Tips for a relaxing day at the beach

• Come early: It's less crowded everywhere before 10 a.m. and after 17 p.m. – and the light is nicer.
• Use weekdays: Many Italians from the hinterland come to the seaside on weekends.
• Ferragosto meiden: Rund um den 15. August sind auch abgelegene Strände gut besucht.
• Running is worthwhile: Even a 10-minute walk from the parking lot often separates crowded sections from empty ones.
• Self-catering: Natural beaches usually have neither shade nor bars or toilets.
• Dogs: Dogs are prohibited in nature reserves and on many beaches – tips for holidays with your four-legged friend can be found at [link to tips]. Camping with a dog in Tuscany.

For an overview of all the coastal resorts, see Beaches of Tuscany: the most beautiful beaches from north to south ; for island beaches, see the most beautiful beaches of Elba . Those who want to stay close to the water will find suitable pitches at campsites directly on the sea . And for those who prefer to explore on their own: Hiking along the coast in Tuscany.

Frequently asked questions about quiet beaches in Tuscany