Marina di Cecina & Marina di Bibbona: Beaches, pine forest and tips

Marina di Cecina and Marina di Bibbona are two seaside resorts on the Etruscan Coast in the province of Livorno . Both boast long sandy beaches and will be awarded the Blue Flag in 2026. Between them stretches the pine forest of the Tomboli di Cecina, extending for approximately 15 kilometers – ideal for cycling, walking, and finding a shady spot on hot days. Here you'll find information on what distinguishes the two resorts, how to get there, and worthwhile excursions.

Location and arrival

Cecina, with around 28.000 inhabitants, is the largest town on this stretch of coast. The town itself lies slightly inland on the river of the same name; its seaside resort is Marina di Cecina. About 14 kilometers further south lies Marina di Bibbona, the beach resort of the small municipality of Bibbona, whose old town sits atop a hill in the hinterland.

From Marina di Cecina to	Route	Travel time approx.
Bibbona	14 km	25 Min
Bolgheri	20 km	30 Min
Livorno	40 km	50 Min
Volterra	44 km	55 Min
Pisa	64 km	55 Min
Florence	116 km	1 hrs 45 mins

By car

From Genoa, Pisa, and Livorno, take the A12 motorway, the toll section of which ends at San Pietro in Palazzi (Cecina). Continue south on the four-lane, toll-free SS1 Aurelia, from which exits lead to Cecina and Bibbona. Current toll information can be found under Tolls in Italy.

By train

Cecina train station is located on the Pisa–Livorno–Rome coastal railway line. Regional trains, as well as some InterCity and Frecciabianca trains, stop here; the branch line to Volterra also begins in Cecina. The beach of Marina di Cecina is a few kilometers from the station.

Marina di Cecina

The seaside resort grew up around the Villa Ginori, which Marchese Carlo Ginori had built in 1738, and expanded significantly after the Second World War. A long avenue connects it to the center of Cecina. Beach clubs, bars, and restaurants line the coast; there is also a small harbor for pleasure boats.

Beach and Blue Flag

Marina di Cecina boasts a wide sandy beach, perfect for long walks. In addition to managed beach clubs with sun loungers and parasols, there are also freely accessible sections. In 2026, Marina di Cecina once again received the Blue Flag award from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). For an overview of other seaside resorts, please see our Tuscany Beaches page.

Pine forest Tomboli di Cecina

Behind the beach begins the Tomboli di Cecina nature reserve . Grand Duke Leopold II had the pine forest planted on the dunes (the "Tomboli") starting in 1839: it was intended to protect the hinterland from salt and sea winds and to provide pine nuts. Today, marked, easy trails for hikers, joggers, and cyclists lead for about 15 kilometers through the forest from Marina di Cecina to Marina di Bibbona, with picnic areas and exercise equipment along the way. Among the animals living in the forest are wild rabbits, foxes, porcupines, badgers, and deer; birds include green woodpeckers and hoopoes.

Taking the dog to the beach

According to the Tuscany region's tourism portal, Cecina offers several dog-friendly beach areas along both the northern and southern coastlines. The rules (times, leash requirements, beach fees) can vary from season to season – please inquire locally or at your accommodation. For tips on holidays with your four-legged friend, see Camping with Dogs in Tuscany.

Cecina: Market, museums and Roman villa

The weekly market in Cecina takes place on Tuesday mornings; further market days along the coast are listed in our overview Markets in Tuscany by day of the week. For a rainy day, the Archaeological Museum in the Villa La Cinquantina from the 18th century, with Etruscan and Roman finds, as well as the Archaeological Park of the Roman villa of San Vincenzino (1th century BC to 5rd century AD), with mosaics and an underground cistern, are good options. Families with children will enjoy the Parco Gallorose animal park.

Bibbona

Marina di Bibbona is smaller and quieter than Marina di Cecina. Its several-kilometer-long, golden sandy beach with dunes lies in front of a dense pine forest interspersed with juniper bushes; beach clubs alternate with freely accessible sections. Marina di Bibbona also received the Blue Flag award in 2026.

The Forte di Marina di Bibbona

The landmark of the town is the fort from the 18th century, which the Grand Dukes of Tuscany had built to protect the coast. It is why Marina di Bibbona is also called "Marina del Forte".

Beach, pine forest and dogs

To the north lies the Tomboli nature reserve – you can cycle along the paths in the pine forest all the way to Marina di Cecina. Some sections of the beach in Marina di Bibbona are also dog-friendly; you can find out which ones locally.

Bibbona in the hinterland

The old town of Bibbona, perched on its hill with narrow stone streets and archways, is well worth a visit. The Pieve di Sant'Ilario, with its Romanesque elements, and the Renaissance church of Santa Maria della Pietà are also worth seeing.

Camping, accommodation and excursions

Camping in the Pineta

Between Marina di Cecina and Marina di Bibbona lie numerous campsites and holiday villages, many of them nestled in the pine forest directly behind the beach. They range from simple sites to large resorts with pools and entertainment. For July and August, you should book well in advance. A selection, including seasonal dates and dog-friendly policies, can be found in our article about the most beautiful campsites in Tuscany right by the sea.

Hotels and holiday apartments

Compare hotels, holiday apartments and residences at Booking.com: Accommodation in Marina di Cecina and accommodation in Marina di Bibbona.

Excursions in the area

• Bolgheri and the cypress avenue (approx. 20 km): The roughly 5 km long avenue lined with 2.540 cypress trees leads from the Oratory of San Guido to the village of Bolgheri – the poet Giosuè Carducci immortalized it in "Davanti San Guido". Famous red wines are produced around Bolgheri; more information can be found at [link to relevant information]. Tuscany wines.
• Castagneto Carducci: the hilltop village south of Bolgheri with the seaside resort of Marina di Castagneto – described in our Coastal tour Bibbona – Follonica.
• Volterra (approx. 44 km): the Etruscan city with alabaster workshops, see Volterra.
• Heading north: Vada, the white beaches of Rosignano, Castiglioncello and Livorno – all stops on the Livorno – Cecina coastal tour.

Frequently asked questions about Marina di Cecina and Marina di Bibbona