There is no sea in Florence, but it is not far form the city. Many beaches and seaside resorts are just a couple of hours’ drive away from Florence and not to forget that many of them can also be reached by train, So you can easily think about completely disconnecting and going even just for a day to to bask in the Tuscan coast’s sunshine!

So here is my list of the most beautiful beaches near Florence.

Let’s start from the Lucca coast, namely Versilia because it’s the closest sea to Florence. Versilia is the favorite destination for holidaymakers who love convenience. Here there are mainly beach clubs, they are all very well organized with sun loungers, tents, sofas, excellent restaurants where you can enjoy seafood dishes while naturally enjoying the sea view.

So Versilia is not meant for those who are looking for the free beach, In Versilia, there’s practically no free beach. The most renowned Versilia beaches are Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi.

Viareggio

When one thinks of Viareggio, the Carnival in winter and the beach in summer with its many beach clubs come to mind. These places, real clubs, offer the possibility of renting sunbeds and umbrellas to spend pleasant relaxing days at the seaside. The atmosphere is perfect for those who love a lively and fun seaside environment.
Viareggio also boasts a splendid promenade along the sea which extends for approximately 3 kilometres. Here you can admire Art Nouveau buildings and enjoy spectacular views of the port, the lighthouse and the moored boats. Among the most significant buildings along the route are the Savoy Cinema, the Duilio 48 shop and the Gran Caffè Margherita, symbol of the city. In short, Viareggio is much more than just a seaside resort: it is a place rich in history, culture and charm, perfect for an unforgettable experience on the Tuscan coast.
From Florence to Viareggio by train it takes about an hour and a half and the station is about ten minutes walk from the coast. The two cities are well connected.

Forte dei Marmi

It doesn’t need any introduction: Forte dei Marmi is the most famous Tuscan resort when you think of beach holidays. The historic venue “La Capannina” has made at least 3 generations of romantics dream thanks to the many films shot here in the 1960s. Il Forte, with its always cutting-edge establishments, very well-equipped hotels, high-fashion boutiques, and renowned restaurants where you can enjoy the freshest fish, remains one of the most sought-after tourist destinations. It’s a place where people come to the sea but above all, they come to be seen, and to check who else is there! Besides being the place where you can have some great shopping! From Florence to Il Forte by train takes about two hours, and the train station is about ten minutes’ walk from the coast. The two cities are well connected.

Moving south, we enter the province of Livorno.

The Livorno cliffs: Calafuria 

For those who prefer cliffs this is the right place. The coast is completely visible from the road. The Aurelia – the road that the Romans built to connect Rome to Spain) gives suggestive views of the sea, with natural panoramas, ancient towers and castles.
Livorno can be easily reached by train while Calafuria is better reached by car (from Florence about an hour and a half by car using the FI-PI-LI).
Once you arrive in Calafuria you go you descend from the road to the cliffs. The coves are few and very small, but there are many cliffs. Advice: be careful, you might get burned!

Castiglioncello

Castiglioncello is instead easily reachable by train from Florence and it is a hidden gem along the Tuscan coast, with its own charm thanks to its small beaches, rocky coves, and crystalline waters. This picturesque seaside resort has a long history as a favorite destination for artists and intellectuals, offering breathtaking landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere. With a rich offer of seafood restaurants and boutiques along the promenade, Castiglioncello is perfect for a relaxing and authentic vacation in the charming region of Tuscany.

White beaches in Rosignano

On the Livorno coast, you can’t miss a visit, at least once in your life, to the WHITE BEACHES of ROSIGNANO.
Rosignano is also about 1 hour by car from Florence and is well connected with the sea, but if you want to go to the white beaches, then a car is necessary. The beaches are so white that they seem tropical beaches because the sand has been whitened by the limestone and calcium carbonate discharges from a plant located about 1 km from the beach. Today the industry has been converted, and the White Beaches have repeatedly received the Blue Flag recognition. It’s a unique place, I’d say!

Marina di Bibbona

This is the sea for those who want to abandon the confusion and be in true contact with nature. Marina di Bibbona offers beach establishments (much less sophisticated than those in Versilia) but above all it offers a lot of free beaches, especially towards the south, where the WWF OASIS begins. Kilometers and kilometers of just beach and sea!

So if you want a place of super relaxation and nothing else, then this is the place for you!

Finally, for those who cannot leave Florence, a valid alternative is the beach on the Arno in Florence

The Arno beach 

It is a one-of-a-kind urban oasis, offering a summer retreat in the heart of the city. Located along the Arno River, in Lungarno Serristori, this temporary beach offers sun loungers, umbrellas and a variety of recreational activities. It is the ideal place to relax, sunbathe and enjoy a break from the hot Florentine summer days, offering a peaceful and refreshing environment right in the historic center of the city.

So Florence is not by the sea, but the beaches are close and the Tuscan beaches offer a relaxing and accessible refuge for those who want to escape the heat of Florence.