The Arno River winds through the heart of Florence, gliding past Renaissance palaces and sun-drenched piazzas on its way to the sea. It’s the perfect backdrop for a golden-hour stroll—but when summer heat kicks in, locals know it’s time to escape the city. That’s where the beaches near Florence come in. From sandy stretches to rocky coves, Tuscany’s coastline is packed with perfect spots to cool off, dig into fresh seafood, and soak up la dolce vita—no long road trip required.
When most people think of Tuscany, they probably think of historic jewels like Florence, Pisa’s tilted tower, or perhaps rolling hills dotted with cypress trees. What they don’t usually think of is the beach. But Tuscany has a long coastline touching both the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian seas. This means that there are plenty of beachside resort towns just waiting to welcome locals and visitors alike when it’s time to escape the summer heat.
Best Beaches near Florence
Here are some of the beaches near Florence you might want to add to your next trip. The beaches we recommend are all reachable by train, but make sure to check the train schedule for specific times.
Our top picks for beaches near Florence are listed in order from the shortest to the longest train trips, so you can pick one that suits your schedule when planning day trips from Florence. We’ve also noted whether the beaches are public (free) or private (paid).
Livorno: Best Beach Town for Foodies
Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by train, direct from Florence
Perched on the northern edge of Tuscany’s coast, Livorno is the region’s bustling port city—and a seriously underrated detour on your way to the beaches near Florence. Beyond its salty seafaring vibe, you’ll find two timeworn forts, a breezy waterfront promenade tiled in black and white, and plenty of spots to grab a seafood lunch with a view.
Lunch in Livorno
Livorno has some standout local dishes that are 100% worth seeking out, especially if you love seafood. Here are a few specialties to try:
- Cacciucco
This is the iconic Livornese dish: a bold, spicy seafood stew made with a mix of fish and shellfish (think octopus, squid, mussels, clams, and whatever’s fresh that day), simmered in a rich tomato broth and served over toasted garlic bread. It’s hearty, rustic, and packed with flavor.
- Triglie alla Livornese
Red mullet (triglie) cooked in a simple tomato and garlic sauce—a beautiful example of Livorno’s love for unfussy, ingredient-driven cooking. It’s usually pan-fried or gently simmered until tender.
- Baccalà alla Livornese
Salt cod stewed in tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. A classic comfort dish that highlights the city’s maritime roots.
- Torta di Ceci
A flat, savory chickpea pancake (also known as cecina)—often served inside a sandwich with focaccia or eaten on its own with a dash of black pepper. Not seafood, but a beloved street food you’ll find all along the Tuscan coast.
Local Pairing Tip: Wash it all down with a crisp white wine like Vermentino or a local rosé—perfect for cutting through the richness of the seafood.
Viareggio: Best Beach for Families
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by train, direct from Florence
The town of Viareggio sits on the Tyrrhenian Sea, about 30 miles north of Livorno. It’s home to one of Italy’s most colorful Carnevale celebrations (there’s a parade of huge papier-mâché figures) and a broad promenade near the beach lined with shops and little restaurants. Viareggio’s wide, sandy beach (mostly private) is popular with families, and it’s only one kilometer from the train station.
Pietrasanta: Best Beach Escape for Culture Buffs
Approximately 1 hour 35 minutes by train, one transfer from Florence
Just north of Viareggio is the town of Pietrasanta. This town sits just under two miles (and a 10-minute bus ride or six-minute taxi ride) from its beach. The medieval town is certainly worth some of your time before (or after) the beach. In fact, Pietrasanta is called “little Athens”!
In addition to the beach, there are art galleries aplenty to browse, as well as a 13th-century cathedral. The (mostly private) beach is similar to Viareggio’s—sandy and wide—so it’s another favorite with families.
Forte dei Marmi: Best Beach for VIP Experiences
Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes by train, one transfer from Florence
If you’re looking for a “see and be seen” kind of beach crowd, Forte dei Marmi is as good as it gets in the area near Florence. It’s been a beach resort for the well-to-do since the 18th century and still caters to a wealthier crowd, with high-end shopping and dining as well as nightclubs. As you might expect, the beaches (mostly private) in Forte dei Marmi are particularly well-equipped and maintained, if on the expensive side.
Castiglioncello: Best Beach for Snorkeling
Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes by train, one transfer from Florence
Further south on the Tuscan coast is Castiglioncello, a historic town with Etruscan archaeological sites and a medieval fort. The beaches (public and private) are more rocky than the sandy ones further north, but this part of the coast is considered especially beautiful—it’s called the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian.
Snorkeling is popular here, as is biking or hiking through the large pine forest surrounding the town. The beach is less than one kilometer from the train station, but note that access to the sandy beach at Quercetano is down a long staircase.
San Vincenzo: Best Beach for Water Sports
Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes by train, one transfer from Florence
The town of San Vincenzo is also on what’s known as the “Etruscan Coast,” about 30 miles south of Castiglioncello. San Vicenzo has both public and private soft-sand beaches that are inviting. And the water near the beach tends to be a little bit shallower than most, making it another popular family beach. San Vincenzo is also known as a favorite with people who like beach and water sports.
Insider tip: Don’t miss the Rimigliano nature reserve, which offers a scenic combination of sandy dunes and green forests.
A Note about Italy’s Blue Flag Program
The Programma Bandiera Blu (Blue Flag Program) releases a list every year of beaches in the country that meet certain standards for environmental quality. They consider things like cleanliness of the water and the beach, among other things. Find the latest list of Blue Flag beaches by selecting the current year under the heading for “Toscana.”
Looking for other sporty ideas for your trip? Check out our guide to renting bikes in Florence!
Update notice: This post was updated on April 14, 2025.
