TERRITORY

“The Etruscan Coast, an enchanted place where the beauties of Tuscany can be found and are enhanced”

On the Etruscan Coast, the colours and fragrances blend with the lights and aromas of the Mediterranean; clear blue waters, medieval hilltop villages surrounded by history, narrow cobble streets, tiny churches, towered palaces, abbeys and castles, preserving still today their ancient charm.
Below, that crystal clear sea, the soul of the Etruscan Coast and an integral part of the story of this territory, which colours its sunsets and landscapes.
A lively sea with its endless fine sandy beaches and cliffs caressed by the salty sea wind and waves and Mediterranean vegetation with beautiful shady pine forests and a rolling countryside rich in colours and aromas.

The natural Oasis of Bolgheri and Magona, the hill park of Leghorn of particular historic and naturalistic interest, the flora and fauna park of Rimigliano, the Oasis of Orti-Bottagone and the parks of Sterpaia and Montioni, are protected nature reserves which create not only the frame but the essence of the Etruscan Coast with its seasonal and remarkable beauty.
Amongst maritime pines, olive trees, lecci, cork and chestnuts, entwine roads which lead to Medieval villages, ancient monuments but also to towns of artistic interest like Pisa, Volterra, San Gimignano, Siena, Arezzo, Florence and to hamlets like Bolgheri, Bibbona, Donoratico, Massa Marittima and Calci.

The prestigious Wine Trail of the Etruscan Coast winds itself across the rolling countryside, amongst noble vineyards and silver olive trees.
Passing between sea and nature this magical Wine Trail takes a suggestive itinerary of architectural treasures, culture and art which constitute the heritage of this area.
It is at Bolgheri in 1970, that Sassicaia is born, not only a wine but one of the myths of world oenology.
There has been a real and significant boom of prestigious and excellent wine production in this area in only 20 years.
It was in that part of Tuscany, along the hills between Castiglioncello and Piombino that the Italian wine revolution had its beginnings and continued with other products of this area such as honey and olive oil.
In fact there are three stars of the Italian DOC wine zones in this territory: Montescudaio - Bolgheri - Val di Cornia.

Our culinary tradition is an ancient art, enhanced by the quality of the products of the land and the fantasy of the chef and the great variety of traditional recipes have attracted gourmets from all over the world.

Sea, nature, art and history blend uniquely in a harmonious whole.

The Etruscan civilisation has left an important heritage, amongst which Castiglioncello and its unique necropolis on the coast.
Castiglioncello originated as a fishermen's village at the extreme period of the of the Etruscan empire, and dominated a small promontory which is the farthest point of the Leghorn hills.
A testimonial of this period and the power of the Etruscans can be found in the funerary urn which dates back to the 2nd Century BC and which was discovered in the Necropolis of Castiglioncello.
For centuries Castiglioncello was a tranquil and isolated village.
In its privileged panoramic position and far from the main routes of communication, it remained unknown until modern times.
The Medici family constructed a beautiful tower there as part of the coastline fortifications against pirate attacks.
The Castiglioncello Medici Tower was the first building to be erected on the promontory.

The touristic success of Castiglioncello started in the second half of the 8th Century, when thanks to the mild climate and the beauty of the landscape, Diego Martello, art critic and patron, established his residence there in a villa that he had inherited.
Until the end of the century he hosted nearly all the artists of the Macchiaioli school, who subsequently became famous, giving origin to the famous artistic period called "The School of Castiglioncello".
But the indisputed pioneer remains the Baron Patrone, who after having bought Martelli's estate, tried for 33 years to create on this insignificant promontory, a new Portofino, with luxurious villas and high quality properties, and to a great extent succeeded.

Castiglioncello is today one of the most renowned resorts of the Tyrrhenian, famous in Italy and abroad for its beautiful landscapes, for the quality and refine service offered and for its cultural and artistic treasures.
This charming location has been renamed "The Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Coast".
The new tourist harbour Cala dei Medici and the numerous mooring facilities present in the Castiglioncello area represent for yachtsmen an ideal point of departure for excursions and cruises around the Tuscan archipelago.
Red hanging cliffs, crystal clear sea, sheltered coves and beautiful sandy beaches, many of which have private bathing establishments where umbrellas and chairs can be rented; a walk between the suggestive Punta Righini to the Tourist Marina of Rosignano through the splendid Marradi pinewood.
Artists and poets have been inspired by the beauty of Castiglioncello.
From the painters of the Macchiaoli school to the many cultural and entertainment protagonists, Castiglioncello represents an important centre of cultural and scientific events.
Every year the Pasquini Castle hosts cultural events, dance reviews, Literary and Philosophy events and International conventions.
The Art Centre 'Diego Martelli' and the Communication Centre also have a rich calendar of cultural events.
The Castiglioncello promontory, dotted with period style luxuriant villas, also homes the National Archeological Museium, with important Etruscan evidence coming from excavations done at the beginning of the 19th Century.
The Medici Tower rises close to the museum and from it a spectacular panorama of the Tuscan archipelago can be seen.
The view from the Medici Tower of the extensive coastline and the green hills of the Etruscan village, offer daily a scenery rich in colours and emotions.
Castiglioncello with its the Blue Flag of the European Union, the prestigious recognition of the quality of the sea water, offers all kinds of water sports, tennis and trekking and golf with four exclusive courses in the range of 30Km and 60km.
The dense pine forests with the fragrances of iodium and pine are inviting places for relaxing walks along the famous seafront promenades Alberto Sordi e Colombo.
An ancient tradition for hospitality offers numerous solutions and a multitude of restaurants where the finest dishes of local daily caught seafood can be found.