A vacation on the Tuscan Coast is ideal for those who want to pair the wonders of Tuscan culture with a sun holiday full of sea and sand and fun. Along the coast, you will discover some charming cities, pretty little resort towns, secluded coves, popular strands that attract droves, islands ringed by beaches, and more, leaving you with endless wonderful beaches to choose from in the area. However, one of the most picturesque little gems that also makes for an ideal spot to watch the sun go down on hot summer days is the lovely Quercetano Bay in the little town of Castiglioncello, located about 17km from the centre of Livorno. This spot is just pretty as a picture, full of character, and boasts some unique charms that make it rather special indeed. Once you find a villa on the Tuscan Coast or a vacation rental in Livorno, in particular, then be sure to mark it down as one of the must-see gems in this part of Tuscany!
Castiglioncello is a pretty seaside village that was made famous in the sixties when featured in the film, "Il Sorpasso," with Vittorio Gassman. Since then, this peaceful and relaxing coastal resort has been a spot well-known to Italians but is still not a place totally overrun with tourists. A relaxed coastal town, it isn’t necessarily the most glamorous seaside destination in Italy but has plenty to offer all the same and is an ideal place for those just looking to unwind. Located along a rocky stretch of the coast where the waters are especially crystal clear, it is ideal for swimming and snorkelling and boasts a large array of different beaches to choose from in the surrounding area, including Quercetano Bay and an additional 11 other beaches in a 5km radius of the bay.
Quercetano Bay is one of the few sandy beaches in the area around Castiglioncello and is framed prettily by beach clubs that back onto the sand, buildings perched in the cliffs and hillsides of the town, and the craggy cliffs and picturesque rock formations and lush greenery along the coast. The private sections of the beach have sun umbrellas and loungers in neat lines that can be rented for a few hours or the day in different shades of blue and white but there is also quite a large area without these that can be used for free. Deciding to pay for access to a club or not will depend on your own needs and tastes but they do also offer additional facilities such as showers, changing rooms, and bathrooms, that may make your time on the beach more comfortable. However, Quercetano Bay is charming as it is and time spent on the free section has plenty of appeal of its own – not least of all that it is a bargain! With parking right by the beach and access directly to it, Quercetano is pretty easy to get to but there is quite a steep flight of steps that goes down the cliffside in order reach the beach, making access difficult or impossible for those with mobility issues or those trying to lug a stroller, smaller children, or lots of equipment down to the beach. The return trek back up will only be even more difficult. If you have no such concerns, however, this sheltered position down the steps is actually quite a selling point.
With snacks, drinks, and light meals offered at the various beach clubs along the strand, one barely has to move to enjoy a whole day on Quercetano Bay, with all sorts of activities offered from swimming to snorkelling to surfing (in the right weather conditions) to going out on jet-skis or catamarans (rented by some of the clubs) to SUP and beyond. Once you’ve had your fill of the beach or you’ve watched the sun set and your stomach is starting to rumble, you can head to the pretty lungomare of Castiglioncello to stroll along before reaching La Baracchina, a local landmark and a restaurant and club that has one of the best views over the coast and is a popular dinner spot in town. If you’re lucky, and the timing is right, you might also be able to explore the beautiful park or attend one of the programme of music and theatrical events that takes place in the lovely 19th century Tuscan castle, the Castello Pasquini, each summer to fully round out your day.
A perfect gem, this town and beach are an absolute must for those who have found a holiday rental in Livorno and who are enjoying a holiday on the Tuscan Coast.