Welcome to the wonderful Tuscan coast – the perfect destination for a beach holiday

When you think of Tuscany, you imagine rolling vistas, ancient farmhouses, cities filled with culture and art, and amazing food. But Tuscany is also home to some of the best beaches in Italy, offering you sweeping sandy shorelines along the Tyrrhenian Sea.

From family-friendly beaches to hidden coves, Tuscany’s beaches are not to be missed. Stretching from the north to the south, you’ll find inlets, secret coves, and vast swathes of dunes, many of which have been used as holiday spots since Roman times. As well as rest and relaxation, Tuscany’s beaches also offer you the chance to try your hand at water sports, from sailing to kitesurfing, kayaking and diving.

At onefinestay, we have a selection of glorious villas across the Tuscan region, including some close to the beaches for that idyllic family holiday. If you want the perfect combination of a holiday with a beach on your doorstep, here is our review of the best beaches in Tuscany.

Exploring northern Tuscany: Sandy shores and charming towns

Let’s start our journey in the north with three of the best-known and most popular beaches in Tuscany. Each one of these has its own character and charm, as well as a selection of gorgeous onefinestay villas nearby.

With museums and galleries as well as those magnificent beaches, Viareggio has everything you could want and is one of the best coastal towns in Tuscany. To make the most of this region, we would recommend staying in one of our villas in Lucca, such as the charming Angeloni, a six-bedroom villa with space for up to ten guests.

Journey through Central Tuscany: Coastal towns and serene beaches

Our journey along the Tuscany coast takes us further down to the centre of the region, to a place where you’ll find quiet bays and inlets, bustling towns and tranquil islands. If you’re looking for crystal-clear waters, white sand and plenty of entertainment for all ages, central Tuscany is the place to be.

Island-hopping is on the menu, too, with the beautiful Elba Island just begging to be explored. Here are our top three choices for the best beaches in Tuscany’s central region.

Discovering southern Tuscany: Secluded beaches and scenic views

As we move down towards the south of the region, the beaches just keep getting better and better. With a more Mediterranean feel and sugar-soft white sand, the best beaches in southern Tuscany are also family-friendly and spotlessly clean. Here are our top three picks:

This expanse of soft sand is known for its safe, clean water and is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. It also has the added benefit of free parking and equipment rental for diving, kayaking and paddleboarding. Situated close to Cala Mar Morto and other beaches on the Peninsula, the charming Villa Santo is the perfect base for a beach holiday on the Tuscan Coast.

Planning your beach holiday in Tuscany: Tips and suggestions

Are beaches in Tuscany family-friendly?

The simple answer is yes. The sheer variety of Tuscany’s beaches gives you plenty of choice whether your children are just learning to paddle or are a little older and ready to try more exciting water sports like diving and kayaking.

Many beaches, particularly in the central region of Tuscany, are sandy with shallow slopes into the water, making them ideal for paddling and splashing about. Even many of the smaller coves that are pebbly or more rugged are just right for a spot of rockpool hunting.

The larger of the best beaches in Tuscany are geared more towards the traditional beach holiday, with plenty of loungers and sun parasols, beachfront restaurants and cafés, and equipment hire outlets.

With a fabulous selection of luxury Tuscany villas on offer, onefinestay has the perfect retreat for you and your family on the Tuscany coast.

How long should you stay?

Tuscany has so much to offer and you should plan plenty of time to enjoy it. Our top tip is to pick a central location if you want to explore the major cities such as Florence and Pisa, but choose a villa that also puts you within easy reach of the coast for those lazy days at the beach. Two weeks is ideal for a Tuscan holiday, especially for families with young children.

Talk to a onefinestay concierge to help you plan your trip

Our dedicated concierges know the region intimately. They can help you plan your beach holiday in Tuscany so that you get the most out of every moment.

Discover the food

Part of any holiday to Tuscany is discovering the wonderful flavours of the region. The children will love the homemade gelato that’s on offer in all of the best beach towns in Tuscany, while food lovers will adore the choice of fresh fish and seafood as well as the superb wines.

Don’t forget the sunscreen

Temperatures in the summer can climb into 30°C/86F and above, so it's wise to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats and sunglasses, especially if you're going to be spending a lot of time on the beach or in the water. If you are swimming, it's a good idea to look for sunscreen that is both long-lasting and marine-safe, as some parts of the coast are marine reserves with delicate ecosystems.

Rent a car

Ask your dedicated concierge to ensure that car hire is waiting for you when you arrive so you can make the most of the wide open roads and rolling countryside and explore a little further afield.