The Tuscan coast

Most people image the only the sandy beaches of Tuscany, however when you are finished lazing around on the sunny sands you can hop a ride only a few km in from Cecina and visit some charming little towns still steeped in tradition and Tuscany atmosphere.



Tucked in far enough away from the Costa degli Etruschi to not hear the lapping waves, these little towns are placed on high hills and command incredible views of the soft hills of the Maremma. The Maremma is known for is ample area of fields of grain ---sometimes even compared to the American wide west (and used in the so called Spaghetti Westerns.)




Some other places that merit a stop on your afternoon touring the countryside, and are all within a few km of Cecina include Suvereto. This small village in the Maremma experienced its golden age during the 13th century. Wars, skirmishes, and above all the high death toll caused by the unhealthy air almost completely wiped out village life in Suvereto during the 17th and 18th centuries.




Hop in you car and go a little further to visit the town of Bólgheri. Not only with you find the Rifugio Faunistico di Bólgheri and be able to see (but not eat) boar, roe-buck, martens, black and white porcupines and the occasional otter as well as a wide selection of bird life. There is also a long road of approx. 5 km lined with cypress tress both on the right and left.


Don't expect to find fish restaurants this far away from the ocean. Tuscany is still pretty divided about their food and the hills definitely stick to a more heartier and meatier menu. You will find the classical pasta's with home made meat sauce, sometimes even specializing in wild boar or leper. Meat on the grill and oven baked potatoes are another classical dish. However in the summer everybody loves a pizza and that is true in the mountains or by the seaside.





You will definitely want to participate in the never ending Italian debate on who produces the best olive oil. And of course this area is no different than all the others and they insist it is the best so test for yourself and order a classical bruschetta with olive oil and fresh tomatoes and then let us know.




The photos on this page are photos we took of the scenery that runs inland along the Tuscan coast, and most partain to the small quaint town of Casale only minutes away from Cecina. but you can reach all of the towns mentioned with a short drive and less than 40km.