Hotels near the sea

Those exploring the Tuscan coast by car can easily combine their trip with stays at different hotels along the seaside. Our suggested tour takes you from Pisa, along the Etruscan Coast and Elba, to Grosseto in the Maremma in about a week – with four accommodations located directly on the beach or just a few minutes from the sea.

Stage 1: Pisa and Livorno

The ideal starting point is Pisa , with its Galileo Galilei Airport, which is served by several German airports. Plan two to three days for Pisa and Livorno . In Pisa, the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery on the Piazza dei Miracoli are must-sees, as are the Piazza dei Cavalieri and the Botanical Garden, founded by Luca Ghini in 1544 – one of the first university gardens in Europe.

The port city of Livorno beckons with its fortresses, the Fortezza Vecchia and Fortezza Nuova, the canal district of Venezia Nuova, the Mercato Centrale market hall, and the fish stew Cacciucco. Nearby seaside resorts include Marina di Pisa, Tirrenia, and Calambrone to the north, and Quercianella and Castiglioncello to the south. Details about this route can be found in the coastal tours Carrara – Pisa and Livorno – Cecina.

Stage 2: Etruscan Coast and Elba

From Pisa, the route leads via Cecina to the Etruscan Coast towards Piombino (just over an hour's drive). You should also allow three days for this leg of the journey. A must-see is the Etruscan town of Populonia, perched on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Baratti, whose beach is among the most beautiful on the coast. Inland lies the mountain village of Campiglia Marittima, offering views stretching to the sea. One of the largest weekly markets in the area is the Tuesday market in Cecina. Ferries depart from Piombino to Elba in about an hour.

Tombolo Talasso Resort, Marina di Castagneto Carducci

This five-star resort is located directly on the seafront in Marina di Castagneto Carducci and has its own private beach area with sun loungers and parasols. The centerpiece is the wellness center with a seawater pool and thalassotherapy facilities. For prices and availability, see Tombolo Talasso Resort on Booking.com.

Resort Le Picchiaie, Elba

Those wishing to spend more time on Elba will find tranquil accommodation in the hills at the Le Picchiaie Resort near Portoferraio, complete with a pool, spa, and views over the gulf. The beaches of Lacona and Golfo Stella are just a short drive away. For prices and availability, visit Le Picchiaie Resort on Booking.com . The island's most beautiful beaches are featured in the guide "The Most Beautiful Beaches of Elba ."

Images courtesy of escapio

Stage 3: Grosseto and the Maremma

Finally, we head to the Maremma. The provincial capital, Grosseto , is surrounded by a completely preserved Medici city wall; the cathedral and the neo-Gothic Palazzo Aldobrandeschi stand in Piazza Dante. On the coast are Marina di Grosseto with its marina and Principina a Mare; to the south begins the Maremma Natural Park. Why not add a few days to your trip to enjoy the beach?

Hotel Terme Marine Leopoldo II, Marina di Grosseto

The hotel is located in the pine forest of Marina di Grosseto; the hotel's private beach is about a five-minute walk away. It features a spa area with a whirlpool, steam room, and sauna, as well as an indoor pool open year-round and outdoor pools during the season. For rates and availability, see Hotel Terme Marine Leopoldo II on Booking.com.

Fattoria San Lorenzo near Grosseto

Fattoria San Lorenzo offers holiday apartments with two to four bedrooms on a large farm by the Ombrone River, a few kilometers from Marina di Grosseto and Principina a Mare. Each building has its own private pool; the Maremma Natural Park is easily accessible by bike path. For prices and availability, see Fattoria San Lorenzo on Booking.com.

Images courtesy of escapio

Tips for choosing a hotel by the sea

• Book early: In July and August, hotels by the sea are quickly booked up and significantly more expensive than in May, June or September.
• Beach included? Many hotels have agreements with a beach resort (Bagno); ask if sun loungers and parasols are included in the price.
• Tourist tax: Many coastal towns levy a tax (Imposta di soggiorno) per person per night, which is usually paid on site.
• Alternatives: Campsites right by the sea and vacation on the farmAn overview of all beaches is available. Tuscany: Sea and beach.

Frequently asked questions about hotels by the sea in Tuscany