Seven-Day Itinerary for "Beach Italy"

  1. Day 1: Cinque Terre
    1 hour and 30 minutes (76 km) from Pisa

    Visit the five picturesque coastal villages, hike through scenic trails, and try Ligurian cuisine (seafood and pesto).

  2. Day 2: Forte dei Marmi
    1 hour and 30 minutes (77 km) from Cinque Terre

    This fashionable seaside town is known for its designer boutiques, seafood restaurants, and beaches lined with colorful cabanas.

  3. Day 3: Viareggio
    30 minutes (28 km) from Forte dei Marmi

    A long promenade, sandy beaches, and Art Nouveau architecture make this town a popular destination. Check out the carnival-themed Amedeo Modigliani Art Centre.

  4. Day 4: Elba Island
    1 hour and 35 minutes (62 km) from Viareggio to Piombino port, then a 1 hour and 15 minute ferry ride to Elba

    Where Napoleon was exiled in 1814, this island boasts crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and hilltop towns overlooking the Mediterranean sea.

  5. Day 5: Cala Violina
    40 minutes (35 km) from Piombino port

    A secluded white-sand beach with turquoise waters. Accessible only by foot (20-minute hike) or by boat.

  6. Day 6: Castiglione della Pescaia
    30 minutes (20 km) from Cala Violina

    A charming seaside town with a medieval castle and long stretches of golden sand beaches. Try some of the best seafood in Tuscany.

  7. Day 7: Argentario
    1 hour (85 km) from Castiglione della Pescaia

    Take a boat tour around the rugged coast, visit the fortresses of Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano, and savor fresh seafood.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Cinque Terre (6 hours, free entry)
  • Forte dei Marmi (5 hours, $$)
  • Viareggio (4 hours, free entry; Amedeo Modigliani Art Centre: 10 euros)
  • Elba Island (8 hours, $$ for ferry; some beaches may require a fee)
  • Cala Violina (4 hours, free entry)
  • Castiglione della Pescaia (5 hours, $$)
  • Argentario (6 hours, $$ for boat tours and seafood)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $$$$-$$$$$

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you may explore other great beaches in Tuscany such as Maremma Regional Park, Baratti Gulf, or Marina di Grosseto. If you have less time, you may cut down a day trip or opt for a shorter visit to Elba Island.

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