Visiting Florence in the summer has its perks because it rains very little, allowing for outdoor activities without unpleasant surprises. However, the temperatures are quite high, and a bit of refreshment is very welcome.
Tuscany has a beautiful coastline, and you can take advantage of your visit to the capital of the Renaissance to escape and enjoy a day of sun and sea nearby. Where? Here is a list of 5 beaches near Florence to cool off on summer days.
VIAREGGIO
You have certainly heard of the Viareggio Carnival, which attracts thousands of visitors every year with its sumptuous floats and masked parades. But the city offers much more than that! Nestled between gentle hills and the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this seaside town represents a perfect fusion of history, natural beauty—with long golden sandy beaches—and a vibrant atmosphere. It offers long golden sandy beaches, restaurants, and shops for beautiful seaside strolls and a lot of history.
Viareggio emerged during the Roman period when the area was known for its saltworks and as an important stop along the coast. In the 19th century, the city began to attract the attention of the nobility and bourgeoisie, rapidly developing into the seaside resort we know today.
During the period between the two world wars, Viareggio became a meeting point for famous artists, writers, and musicians who sought refuge on its beaches and in its cafes, contributing to the creation of a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
FORTE DEI MARMI
A luxury coastal destination, home to an 18th-century fortress and filled with beautiful beaches and high-end boutiques, Forte dei Marmi gets its name from the nearby quarries where Michelangelo used to source his marble slabs.
The municipality in the province of Lucca overlooks the wonderful Ligurian Sea and attracts thousands of tourists each year with its coastline, beaches, and enchanting landscapes. But it’s not just about that. It is also very popular for its vibrant nightlife, which comes alive especially during the summer season.
When the sun sets and the beaches empty out, Forte dei Marmi’s promenade comes alive with trendy spots to choose from, whether for an aperitif, an elegant dinner, or a party that lasts until dawn.
In this part of the coast, you’ll find some of the most famous nightclubs on the entire peninsula: from the historic Capannina di Franceschi, a beachside pavilion renovated in 1929 and since then a landmark for the nightlife of Forte dei Marmi; to the Twiga Beach Club, an elegant venue with an ethnic style that functions as a beach club during the day and transforms into a lounge bar for cocktails and a beach nightclub in the evening.
In addition to these iconic entertainment spots, you’ll have a wide range of options: the promenade is dotted with many places where you can enjoy the sunset while sipping a cocktail.
CASTIGLIONCELLO
Elegant and renowned tourist destination, repeatedly awarded the Blue Flag, Castiglioncello is surrounded by greenery and bathed by the Tyrrhenian Sea.
An important military center during the Etruscan era due to its strategic seaside position, it already hosted luxurious leisure villas in Roman times.
Its current layout emerged at the beginning of the 20th century with the construction of refined Art Nouveau villas facing the sea.
Characterized by small streets, gardens, a large pine forest, and small coves and harbors, Castiglioncello is certainly a destination worth visiting.
PUNTA ALA
Located in the Maremma, Punta Ala is a tourist harbor amidst wild nature. With a lively marina and a beautiful seaside promenade, it is situated at the edge of the Gulf of Follonica, on a promontory jutting out into the water.
The tourist port of Punta Ala, where luxury yachts are anchored, is a key spot for sailing regatta enthusiasts but also for those who simply want to enjoy a drink at sunset. Around it shines the magnificent nature of the Maremma grossetana.
The main beach lies to the north of the promontory and stretches for almost 6 kilometers. The small beach at the Port of Punta Ala is smaller, with a sandy bottom and gently sloping, also suitable for children. In front, there is the islet of Sparviero, watched over from above by the Castle of Punta Ala, built in the 16th century.
Other beaches to discover include Cala Barbiere, Cala Tartana, and Cala Tartanella, as well as the Poggettone beach, accessible by a steep trail, reserved for a few, making this last spot generally quiet.
ELBA ISLAND
Crystal clear sea, beautiful beaches, and natural wealth. The Island of Elba is a paradise on the Tuscan coast that must be visited. Famous for its scenic beauty, with white sandy beaches, seaside cliffs, and picturesque small villages, Elba offers a huge variety of activities both on and off the sand.
But, of course, the beach is the main attraction. In fact, you can enjoy a different beach every day, given the wide range of options. If you are passionate about snorkeling, Sant’Andrea is the ideal beach. For families, the perfect choice is Marina di Campo. But these are just two options; there are countless others.
There are also some must-do experiences, such as whale watching on a sailing boat; practicing various sports, both in and out of the water; searching for Caretta turtle tracks and helping to protect them; descending into the earth to visit the Ginevro iron mines; and many other unforgettable activities.