If you are staying in or around Florence, then you’ll be pleased to know that there is an abundance of beautiful beaches that are easy to get to by car, or via train station, depending on what is the best way of travel for your family.

An Abundance of Choice

Whether you are after beach clubs, sandy beaches with golden sands, or the crystal clear waters of blue flag beaches, there are Italian beaches that are perfect for you and your family! Whether you are in search of lazy days on a public beach, or water sports in a lively beach town, the beaches near Florence have got you covered! If you're looking for a quick getaway, you can also consider taking a scenic drive from Florence to Lake Como, where the breathtaking alpine lake views and charming lakeside towns will make your beach holiday truly unforgettable.

Here are some of the best places and most popular beaches to explore and enjoy a beach holiday just a short drive Florence City.

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1. Viareggio

Viareggio is arguably the perfect place to head to the beach from Florence, and is just a train ride away. When it comes to beach options, Viareggio has long been a popular destination for Italian families, and it is one of the closest beaches to Florence Italy.

Viareggio is a seaside town located on the west coast of Tuscany in central Italy. It is situated in the province of Lucca, and is known for its beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere, and colorful Carnival celebrations.

Sandy beaches to enjoy all-year-round

At Viareggio, there is a long sandy beach of 10km which is popular all year round, not just in the summer months, unlike some other Tuscan beaches. There are clean waters to paddle in, beach chairs to relax in, and fine sand to feel under foot – this beach really has it all, making it a popular spot for the whole family, from small children to grandparents.

After playing on the beach, and enjoying the resort town, there are pine forests to take walks in where the whole family can take a stroll among groves of pine trees before finding an ideal spot to settle down for the evening and enjoy the Viareggio nightlife.

Come to Florence during carnival season

In addition to its beaches, Viareggio is also famous for its Carnival celebrations, which take place in February and March each year. The Carnival is one of the largest and most colorful in Italy, featuring elaborate parades of floats and costumes, as well as street performances, music, and dancing.

Viareggio is also home to many beautiful Art Nouveau and Liberty-style buildings, which reflect the town's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the town's museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks, or simply stroll around and enjoy the atmosphere.

2. Castiglioncello

Castiglioncello takes under two hours to reach via train from Florence, and is one of the greatest seaside destinations if you are in search of deeper waters that are perfect for water sports such as surfing, snorkeling, and diving. There are rocky shores along the Castiglioncello beach, making this a good choice for anyone who isn’t a big fan of sandy beaches! 

Castiglioncello is a charming seaside town located in the province of Livorno, in the Tuscany region of central Italy. It is situated on a promontory that juts out into the Tyrrhenian Sea, offering stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding hills.

Brilliant for water sports and exploring the sandy coves

Castiglioncello is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rocky cliffs. The town's main beach is called Spiaggia del Castello, and it is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. There are also several smaller coves and bays nearby that are worth exploring.

Dive into the local heritage

In addition to its natural beauty, Castiglioncello is also famous for its cultural heritage. The town has been a popular destination for artists and intellectuals since the 19th century, and it has a vibrant arts scene to this day. Visitors can explore the town's museums, galleries, and cultural events, or simply stroll through the picturesque streets and admire the architecture and scenery.

3. Follonica

Follonica is a well kept secret with delightful beaches to visit while on holiday in Florence. Visiting Follonica might prove to be one of the best beach trips available to take with the whole family. The water quality is impeccable, and there are sand dunes and shallow waters that are perfect for children and toddlers to explore. 

Taste the local delicacies

Follonica offers wonderful views of the Tyrrhenian Sea as you play, explore, and relax. These views are the perfect backdrop while you stop and try the local delicacies from one of the good seafood restaurants on offer overlooking the Tyrrhenian Coast. 

One of the main attractions in Follonica is its long, sandy beach, which stretches for several kilometers along the coast. The beach is well-maintained and offers a range of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as windsurfing and kiteboarding.

It’s not just all beaches

In addition to its beautiful beach, Follonica also has a charming historic center with narrow streets, medieval buildings, and picturesque squares. Visitors can explore the town's museums, art galleries, and cultural events, or simply stroll around and enjoy the ambiance.

Follonica is also known for its excellent seafood restaurants, which serve fresh fish and seafood caught locally. The town is located in the heart of the Maremma region, which is famous for its culinary traditions, including delicious meats, cheeses, and wines.

4. Livorno

Livorno is a port city located on the western coast of Tuscany in central Italy. It is the capital of the province of Livorno and is one of the largest cities in the region. The city has a rich history and a unique cultural identity, influenced by its long-standing maritime connections and the diverse communities that have lived there over the centuries.

Livorno is a town on the Island of Elba, and one of the numerous beaches to visit. When visiting the Island of Elba, which is under an hour and a half from Florence, Livorno is probably the first place you will come to, as it’s where the harbour is. Generally, Livorno is considered to be the most important port in this coastal area on the Tuscan coast, and as well as a beach, it boasts an interesting town centre in the old town which is worth exploring if you have time!

Visit the historical centre

One of the main attractions in Livorno is its historic center, which is known as "Venezia Nuova" or "New Venice". This area features a network of canals and bridges, reminiscent of Venice, and is home to many beautiful buildings and historic landmarks. Visitors can explore the city's museums, art galleries, and cultural events, or simply stroll around and enjoy the atmosphere.

Stroll along the seafront

Another popular attraction in Livorno is its beautiful seafront promenade, which offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding hills. The promenade is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, and is a great place to relax and soak up the sun.

Livorno is also famous for its excellent cuisine, which is heavily influenced by its maritime heritage. The city is known for its seafood dishes, such as cacciucco, a traditional fish soup, and its delicious "fritto misto" or mixed fried fish. Livorno is also home to some of the best gelato shops in Tuscany.

5. Calambrone

Calambrone is a seaside resort town located on the west coast of Tuscany in central Italy. It is situated in the province of Pisa, between the cities of Livorno and Pisa, and is known for its long sandy beach and tranquil atmosphere.

The longest beach in Tuscany

The beach at Calambrone is one of the longest and widest in Tuscany, and is backed by a pine forest that offers shade and a pleasant scent of pine needles. The beach is well-maintained and offers a range of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as windsurfing and kiteboarding.

Delicious seafood

In addition to its beautiful beach, Calambrone also has a few restaurants and bars where visitors can enjoy delicious seafood and refreshing drinks while taking in the sea views. The town is located in a quiet area and is a great destination for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful beach vacation.

Nearby, visitors can explore the cities of Livorno and Pisa, both of which offer a wealth of historic and cultural attractions. Livorno is known for its charming canals and historic center, while Pisa is famous for its iconic leaning tower and beautiful cathedral.

The perfect destination for everyone

Overall, Calambrone is a great destination for anyone looking for a quiet and relaxing beach vacation in Tuscany. With its beautiful beach, pine forest, and nearby attractions, it offers a perfect balance of relaxation and exploration.

6. Marina di Pisa

Finally, if you're looking for an alternative to a traditional beach, then you could consider exploring Marina di Pisa, which is located on the coast in the province of Pisa. This beach is less crowded than Viareggio and offers a quieter atmosphere. It is also known for its fresh seafood restaurants and scenic views of the sunset.

We hope you enjoyed this quick run down of the best beaches near Florence. The perfect way to combine a summer holiday with a city break!