The Etruscan coast
The Etruscan coast stretches from Leghorn up to the promontory of Piombino. It is rocky as far as
Castiglioncello, then turns in Cecina
and
Marina di Bibbona into a bay with sandy beaches (roughly 45 km long) until it reaches Baratti, where the hills of Piombino start.
This coast is particularly popular for its mild climate, the clean sea, the bathing establishments separated by
vast stretches of natural coast.
As soon as you leave the coast, you immediately come across a series of gentle rolling hills.
The numerous nature parks are the ideal places for itineraries that bring you into contact with a
wide range of animal species. These parks include Poggetti, Contessa, the faunal Refuge Padule di
Bolgheri.
To the south the promontory of Piombino juts out into the sea and creates the charming gulf of Baratti.
The scenery is dominated by a massive tower situated at the end of the gulf, Populonia that appears on the
horizon.
Going up to the small village you can admire one of the most eye-catching views of the Tuscan coast.
The villages along the Etruscan coast, whether located right on the sea or further inland on the hills
follow the slow pace of the countryside and all have a story to tell.
Typical local dishes are "cacciucco alla livornese (fish soup)" and "cinghiale dolce forte (sweet-and-sour boar)".
The most renowned wines in the world come from the area around
Bolgheri.