Mediterranean Tuscany

The coastline is scattered with renowned villages such as Castiglioncello, San Vincenzo, Quercianella, Marina di Castagneto, Donoratico, Vada, Bibbona, Cecina, Rosignano, Baratti: well-equipped sea locations immersed in ever green pine-woods. At Livorno, seat of the most important Naval Accademy on the Mediterranean Sea, at the end of the 19th century, the first sea bathings were opened to satisfy the increasing request for holidays on the seaside. The Coast of the Etruscans has you spend pleasant and interesting holidays chosing among lots of sports and any sort of entertainments.

The particularly rich underwater habitat invites those who go in for fishing, scuba diving or underwater photography.

The most important inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea can be visited also at the Aquarium of Livorno. In all seasons it is possible to do sailing or windsurfing. There are lots of possibilities for sailing and boating thanks to the numerous well-equipped marinas spread all along the coast and thanks to important commercial and touristic habours such as Livorno and Piombino. Famous art exhibitions and international dance contests, fairs, concerts and folkoristic festivals propose important and entertaining events. Cuisine on the Coast of the Etruscan is rich of seafood and dishes such as the fish soup and the red mullets of Livorno are famous all over the world.

The Etruscans

Mediterrean Tuscany - The Etruscans

his is the territory, between sea and nature, through which the itinerary unwinds leading to numerous architectural jewels. Gems of art and culture, preserved by this land beloved by the Etruscans who built on the Gulf of Baratti the only necropolis situated on the coast and who left also many other significant traces. The Etruscan Coast is just waiting to be discovered: nestling up against the hills and vaunting a thousand-year-old history, the medioeval villages feature paved lanes, quiet chapels, turreted palazzi, churches and castles, having us relive a past which seems so near.

Archeological site

Between the promontory of Piombino and the Gulf of Baratti emerge the remains of Populonia, the only Etruscan city built on the sea, which thrived on the mineral processing of the iron imported from Elba Island. Through documentation made up of panels and multimedia projections, the Park welcomes you in the San Cerbone Visit Centre.

The most suggestive itinerary is undoubtedly the one that unwinds through the wood to reach the Tombe delle Grotte. The paths lead over the slopes of the Promontory in the area of the ancient stone quarries and the tombs which have been carved out of them.

A guided tour of the lower area of the Park will enable you to admire the tumuli and the "edicola" tombs of Populonia (VII - VI century BC).

The Park archaeologists will introduce you to the ancient techniques of processing ceramic and stone, and the simulation of archaeological excavations, with special programmes for children and schools. Inside the Park, also the naturalist aspects are highlighted and marked all along the paths. There is a trekking itinerary for those who wish to explore the most inaccessible parts of the park.

VISIT:
Visit Centre – guided tours
archaeological/naturalistic trails
experimental archaeology centre

SERVICES:
manned car park – refreshment area
equipped stopping areas
book-shop
connections with Piombino and San Vincenzo guaranteed by ATM service

PARK OPENING HOURS:
High season:
from Tuesday to Sunday 9.00/20.00
August: also on Mondays and on bank holidays 9.00/20.00
From November to February:
from Tuesday to Friday 9.00/14.00
On Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10.00/17.00
October and March:
from Tuesday to Sunday and on bank holidays 10.00/18.00


INFORMATION: Parco Archeologico di Baratti e Populonia
Loc. Baratti - 57025 Piombino (LI)
Tel. +39 0565.49430 - Fax +39 0565.25107

The sea

Mediterrean Tuscany - The sea

The sea is the soul of the Coast of the Etruscans. It never leaves you during your journey. It has seen much history and lives through the landscape, it illuminates the sunset, it permeates the air, it can be admired from the ancient villages on the hills, it laps against the pinewood and the Mediterranean Macchia vegetation. Along the shore over 90 km of beaches and seabeds of fine white sand alternate with rocks carved by the wind. Inlets, coves and bays follow one another endlessly.

The sea - Populonia and the Gulf of Baratti

The Gulf of Baratti includes everything that a tourist could possibly wish for: beautiful beaches, unending stretches of sea, pine forests for picnicking and woods for walking. There is also the old hamlet of Populonia which offers visitors a stupendous view over the Val Di Cornia and the sea, across which it is possible to see the island of Elba and, in good weather conditions, Corsica.

A scenic road runs along the entire beach and in some parts is separated from the beach by beautiful thick pine forest. The sand is quite large and in some parts reflects a blue-silver colouring. This phenomenon is clearly visible in the small stretch underneath the church of San Cerbone.

On the opposite side of the Gulf is a small touristic harbour. Simply, unspoilt natural surroundings in which the natural and archaeological park of Baratti and Populonia is set.

Tuscany Arcipelago

The sea - Tuscany Arcipelago
Comprised of seven islands: Elba, Capraia, Gorgona, Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri. These are islands of differing geological formation: Capraia is volcanic, Giglio and Elba are mainly granite. There is a wide variety of geological phenomena which determine the shape and landscape of each island. The age old presence of man, as evidenced by archaeological findings and the long tradition of working of minerals, has produced profound changes in the original vegetation, and larch forests remain only on parts of Elba, while Mediterranean scrub is now the dominant vegetation.

The Tuscan Archipelago has been an important refuge and connection between Sardinia and Corsica and the mainland. This has determined the presence of very localised species of animals and plants, formed during the formation of the islands, together with species only found in Corsica and Sardinia.

There are colonies of seabirds, shearwaters and gulls, among them the rare Corsican gull, a species unique to the Mediterranean and only found in very few parts of Italy. Monk seals are occasionally sighted, and it is possible to see Cetacea.

Marine biology and ecology
The underwater world and its flora and fauna in the Gulf of Baratti and along the coast of Populonia are of unique richness and beauty. Even in shallow water, an explosion of colours and shapes will impress the diver-visitor: yellow parazoanthus, big, orange sponges and green grasslands of seagrass. Numerous molluscs, fish and crustaceans seem like playing on the original rocky seaground. The coral reef, at last, affascinate with its big red gorgonia and their sinuous movements and with the traces of ancient civilations. Even in open sea, it is possible to encounter sunfish, sea eagles, big shoal and – for the luckier ones – cetacea on their sanctuary through the Mediterranean Sea.

The Marine Biological Institute of Piombino has its premises in an ancient palazzo, now thoroughly modernised and fully equipped, which in the early fifteenth century was the residence of Gherardo Appiani. In a highly suggestive natural context, in the centre of a piazza extending over the sea facing the island of Elba, the structure boasts fully equipped laboratories and classrooms for the study of the marine environment: the flora and fauna of the Tyrrhenian Coast.

Groups of 25 students can use, even at the same time, scientific instruments such as microscopes, stereoscopes, instruments for water analysis, etc. The course includes theoretical lessons and the utilisation of audiovisual aids, flipcharts, biographical aids and the direct study of living creatures taken from the surrounding sea. Live observations are possible in the nearby aquarium and on excursions along the coast. The Acquario Mediterraneo, with 15 tanks (3 large ones), located just a few metres from the Institute and supplied directly with sea water, is open to the public.

Visit the animal exhibits: collections of shells, skeleton parts, sets of teeth etc. For information call 0565/225196.

The Blue Flags awarded by the European Community indicate an unpolluted sea and high quality services in all the villages of this area. The sea is rich in rare fish species and particularly suitable for playing all kinds of aquatic sports. There are lots of possibilities for sailing and boating thanks to the numerous well-equipped marinas spread all along the coast. Livorno is a "sea town". At the end of the 19th century it was the cradle of the first bathing establishments in Europe and home to the hundred-year-old Naval Academy, a highly-esteemed training school for officers of the Italian Navy. Thanks to APT Costa degli Etruschi. Text by Monica Felli.

Mediterrean Tuscany- Natural parks and reserves

Natural parks and reserves

he sanctuaries of Bolgheri, Orti Bottagone, La Magona; areas of outstanding natural beauty on the hills of Livorno and Val di Cornia; the botanical gardens; the fauna shelters rich in rare animal species, the thick dark pinewoods; the countryside rich in colours and scents all make up the natural heritage of the Coast of the Etruscans.
Protected and preserved, it is not only a background but the very heart of this land.
The scent of pinetrees, tamarisks and limes spreads all over and blends with the salty air.
The Mediterranean Macchia vegetation and the characteristic necks stretch out to the beaches almost joining the crystal-clear sea. Woods of olive-trees, holm-oaks, cork-trees and chestnut trees are crossed by a network of paths leading to ancient monuments and villages. In the fertile countryside which extends from the sea to the slanting hills, the sun-beams filter through the branches of the trees, making the vineyards shine and lighting up the Wine Road, an itinerary for the senses and the soul.
The ancient springs of Venturina, dating back to the time of the Etruscans and the Romans, refresh visitors and give them new energy.

Medieval villages

Mediterrean Tuscany - Medieval villages

Nestling between the sea and the hills or immersed in the wideness of the countryside, the villages of the Costa degli Etruschi are capable to have us relive past times.

The villages of Campiglia Marittima, Suvereto, Populonia, the Forts and Towers of San Vincenzo, Donoratico and Cecina build an almost fabulous itinerary that reveals also castles, churches, small historic theatres, cloisters and villas hidden within the verdant landscape.

The small villages on the surrounding Tuscan hills testify the history and the culture of this area and invite the explorer to discover those routes that famous poets covered before us.

Excursions

1) Castagneto Carducci – by bycicle
Length: 37 km - Gradient: negligible - Time: 2 - 2.30 hours
Note: the trail is very attractive and easy, and does not demand any special training
We start off from San Giusto nearby the hotel-restaurant "Zì Martino", taking Via Bolgherese in the direction of Bolgheri. After about 1 km we turn right, following the signs for the Le Pianacce campsite; arriving at a crucifix we turn left on the Lamentano road; after 2 km, before the unmade road, we turn left again onto the Via Bolgherese following it till it joins the cypress avenue, where we turn left descending towards San Guido(3.4 km). Having reached the Aurelia State Road no. 1, we turn right, and after a couple of kilometres turn right again towards Bibbona (5.1 km). From here we continue towards Bolgheri and the cypress avenue. After a visit to the village we descend along the avenue to reach the junction on the left for Castagneto Carducci where we take Via Bolgherese again back to the starting-point.

2) The Rifugio Palustre di Bolgheri is a protected natural oasis set up in 1962 on the initiative of the owner, Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta: it is made up of approximately 600 hectares of marshland which can be visited from November to April on Tuesdays, Fridays and the third Saturday of every month. In the winter period it is a veritable paradise for thousands of birds: nesting here, we can find the black-winged stilt, the little grebe, the purple heron, the mallard and the coot, while it is a stopping-place for migratory birds such as snipe, white egrets, lapwings, black storks and others. Visits must be booked at the Donoratico Police Station (Comando dei Vigili Urbani) (0565/777125).

3) Marina di Castagneto Carducci - Donoratico. A really nice walk (3 km round trip) along the beach from the ancient Forte di Castagneto to the Villas Emilia and Margherita, set in a magnificent position 20 metres from the sea.

he flavours

Mediterrean Tuscany - The flavours

From the reefs of Calafuria and Quercianella to the peaceful beaches of Vada, from the sands of Marina di Castagneto to the opulence of Castiglioncello, moving from the boutiques of Cecina to the archaeological marvels of Populonia and the wonderful underwater world of Baratti, through a refrain of pinewoods and a tourism which is still of human dimensions, it is the original flavour of the Tuscan Maremma to attract the visitor with its wine trail and typical dishes. The genuineness of the cuisine is the result of a long tradition of fishing and the richness of the surrounding maquis. Its offer of game and poultry is in perfect harmony with the famous and excellent wines, one of the best Olive Oils of Italy and the harvest of this original Tuscan land.

On the coast fish holds sway, admirably supported by the white wines from the hinterland which urge their accompaniment to gilt-head sea bream and dentex, shrimps and cuttlefish. A combination of excellent quality raw materials which has proved decisive in scattering the territory with restaurants and trattorias specialised in seafood cuisine. Traditional fare, such as riso alla scogliera (rice with baby squid, clams, cuttlefish and shrimps), clam soup, fried anchovies, squid marinara style, prawns in fish stock and the ubiquitous grills of noble fish.

Nevertheless, echoes of the flavours of the hinterland also penetrate this far, thanks to the numerous enoteche or wine bars which have sprung up, bringing the great red wines of this area, with a worthy accompaniment of cheeses, preserved meats and extra-virgin olive oil, within easy reach of the beach umbrellas. In such a way that even the most seaside of holidays can be transformed into a complete gastronomic experience. Another great help is the presence of famous and much-decorated venues, which continue to be essential landmarks for the gourmet. But this does not mean that they have the prerogative of good food. On the contrary: beyond the sphere of celebrity, there are lots of restaurants along the coast fully equipped to serve highly memorable dishes, and the beauty of a holiday lies partly in exploring these, one by one, following the hints and suggestions of friends or of the locals.


The Wine trail

Welcome to one of the most beautiful trails of our peninsula! The fascination of medioeval hamlets, unspoilt green countryside, the cocoon-like atmosphere suggesting old cantinas and genuine flavours follow you on this magical trail which winds through the heart of the Costa degli Etruschi. Vineyards already covered this area in the fifteenth century, but the real wine culture only started in the 1960s when the Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta created SASSICAIA, one of the world's most sought after Cabernets.

The other Cabernet originating from this noble land is ORNELLAIA, produced by Lodovico Antinori. On the gently sloping Bolgheri hills, Sassicaia and Ornellaia represent the peak of top quality production which incorporates three DOC areas: Montescudaio, Bolgheri and Val di Cornia.

These are called the "wine road", but they could also be called the "oil trail" or, more generally, the "trail of genuine flavours", full of Mediterranean essences: from honey to cheese, from bread cooked in a wood-burning oven to home-made liqueurs, organic fruit and vegetables. the wineyards

AZIENDA AGRICOLA BANTI JACOPO E C.
Loc. Citerna, 24 - 57021 Campiglia M.ma (LI)
Tel./Fax 0565.838802

BULICHELLA
Loc. Bulichella, 131 - 57028 Suvereto (LI)
Tel. 0565.829892 - email: bulichella@etruscan.li.it

INCONTRI
Loc. Fossoni, 38 - 57028 Suvereto (LI)
Tel. 0565.829401 - email: blocloko@hotmail.com

MONTE RICO
Loc. Poggio Cerro - 57028 Suvereto (LI)
Tel. 0565.829550

PETRICCI DEL PIANTA
Loc. S.Lorenzo, 20 - 57028 Suvereto (LI)
Tel. 0565.845140 - email: petricci@etruscan.li.it

PODERE SAN MICHELE
Via della Caduta, 3/A - 57027 San Vincenzo (LI)
Tel. 0565.798038

IL VIGNALE
Loc. Vignale Riotorto - 57025 Piombino (LI)
Tel. 0565.20812

SAN GIUSTO
Loc. Salivoli - 57025 Piombino (LI)
Tel. 0565.41198

PODERE SAN LUIGI
Via dell'Arsenale, 16 - 57025 Piombino (LI)
Tel. 0565.220578 - 0565.30380

TUA RITA
Loc. Notri, 81 - 57025 Suvereto (LI)
Tel. 0565.829237

GUALDO DEL RE
Loc. Notri, 77 - 57028 Suvereto (LI)
Tel. 0565.829888 - 0565.829361 - email: gualdo@infol.it

MICHELE SATTA
Loc. Vigna al Cavaliere, 61 - 57022 Castagneto Carducci (LI)
Tel. 0565.773041 - email: satta@infol.it

TENUTA SAN GUIDO
Loc. Capanne, 27 - 57020 Bolgheri (LI)
Tel. 0565.762003 - email: citaispa@infol.it

TENUTA DELL'ORNELLAIA
Via Bolgherese, 191 - 57020 Bolgheri (LI) Tel. 0565.71811 - email: info@ornellaia.it

TENUTA GUADO AL TASSO
Loc. Belvedere, 140 - 57020 Bolgheri (LI)
Tel. 0565.749735

In gita all'Elba

ACQUABONA
Loc. Acquabona, 1 - 57037 Portoferraio (LI)
Tel. 0565.933013 - email: acquabona.elba@tiscalinet.it

TENUTA LA CHIUSA
Loc. Magazzini, 93 - 57037 Portoferraio (LI)
Tel. 0565.933046


Traditional dishes

The cuisine in this area is very traditional, based on dishes made with local products, and can be divided into two categories: one based on sea food and the other on products from the hinterland. Fish cooking uses top quality fish, abundant in the channels, with original recipes for mackerel, sardines and anchovies. There are many specific methods of preparation and numerous roast dishes. Boiled octopus is a typical dish, as are stuffed mussels, steamed wedge shells, cuttlefish and beet, dried salt cod with potatoes, cacciucco (spiced fish soup) and stuffed fish pasta, to name but a few. The country cuisine is based on roast and steamed dishes using farmyard animals and game (hare and wild boar).

First courses which enhance natural aromas are particularly flavoursome: soups and hand made pasta. There is a good range of side dishes, soufflés and simple, tasty desserts. Vegetables and fruit are exceptional. The olive oil is some of the best in Italy. Wines, always well produced, have reached excellent levels of quality in recent years which have enabled them to be labelled Denominazione di Origine Controllata (D.O.C.).

The mystery of cacciucco
Cooking experts say that cacciucco is not simply the result of mixing different ingredients, but also mixing different recipes. It is a mix of all the methods imported from all over the world, as normally happens in sea ports, of preparing what is in essence a universal dish: fish soup. Important arguments support this theory. The first comes from Devoto-Oli, which traces the origins of the word cacciucco to the Turkish Kuzuk, which means small or, literally, finely chopped: hence the meaning of cacciucco as finely chopped soup (fish, of course). This is countered by the opinion of an expert on the cuisine of this area, Aldo Santini. He maintains that the dish has its origins on sixteenth century galleys, where it was prepared to feed the slaves. These origins recall the most ancient maritime traditions, including the Phoenicians. Whatever the case, one thing is certain. Compared to ancient times, the method of preparing cacciucco has changed over the last few generations. The ingredients are less varied and of better quality: less fish, but more flavoursome. In other words, less fish bones. Overall, it is better this way.

Festivals, Historical Reconstructions, Fairs

Mediterrean Tuscany - Festivals, Historical Reconstructions, Fairs

The Coast of the Etruscans offers a serene and amusing atmosphere for your holidays. You can play your favourite sports, attend the best shows and choose all kinds of entertainment. It is a land of painters and musicians. International painting exhibitions, lyrical and classical music festivals as well as dance contests of great prestige, light up this area throughout the year.

The recollections of ancient history, country festivals and events of folklore are highly atmospheric. At Livorno some important traditional events dating back from an ancient past take place on the seaside: Crews from all over the world compete for the Sailing Trophy. During the Palio Marinaro and other rowing boat races the local neighbourhoods challenge eachother according to a tradition that has been handed down unaltered since the origins of the town. The crystal-clear sea is suitable for fishing, photography and scuba diving. For complete and updated information on the events' schedule please visit:

www.costadeglietruschi.it

Useful informations

Mediterrean Tuscany - Useful informations

TOURIST OFFICES

Apt Costa degli Etruschi
Piazza Cavour, 6 - Livorno
Tel +39 0586 204611 - Fax +39 0586 896173
info@costadeglietruschi.it
www.costadeglietruschi.it

SAN VINCENZO
Via B. Alliata
Tel. +39 0565 701533 - Fax +39 0565 706914
aptsvincenzo@infol.it
Comune di San Vincenzo
www.comune.san-vincenzo.li.it

TOURIST OFFICES IN THE PROVINCE OF LIVORNO

LIVORNO
Piazza del Municipio, 4
Tel. +39 0586 257441

MUSEUMS

LIVORNO
Museo civico G. Fattori Villa Mimbelli
Via S. Jacopo in Acquaviva, 65
Info +39 0586 808001

CECINA
Museo Archeologico Villa Guerrazzi
Loc. La Cinquantina
Info +39 0586 669111

ROSIGNANO MARITTIMO
Museo Archeologico Palazzo Bombardieri
Via del Castello, 24
Info +39 0586 724287/8

CASTAGNETO CARDUCCI
Casa del Carducci
Via Carducci
Info +39 0565 765032

PIOMBINO
Parco Archologico di Baratti e Populonia
Info +39 0565 29002
CAMPIGLIA MARITTIMA
Museo di Palazzo Pretorio
Info +39 0565 838497

VENTURINA
Museo della Civiltà del lavoro
Info +39 0565 855913

For travelling:
:: Italian Railways
:: Airport of Pisa
:: Airport of Florence