Castiglioncello

Castiglioncello​

Latest page update: 1 April 2025
By: Dion Protani
​​The beach resort of Castiglioncello is situated within the Province of Livorno, on the Ligurian Sea in Tuscany. It's officially part of the Comune of Rosignano Marittimo, which is 8 kilometres away.

Places of interest nearby include Quercianella, Calafuria Nature Reserve and Marina di Cecina while Pisa Airport is 43 kilometres away and reachable by car in 41 minutes.
Castiglioncello received the annual Blue Flag Beach award in 2021 for the quality of its water. Its lovely, sandy beach makes it a popular spot during the summer and there are also some interesting sights to explore such as the 19th century Castello Pasquini.

The Lungomare del Quercetano is a promenade which runs behind the main beach while a series of smaller bays can be found to the south, towards the main town of Rosignano. Quercetano Bay has a train line running behind it but no road which makes it safe for children to play there. Behind the beaches there are pine woods which are ideal for keeping cool in the warmer months, 

What People Ask About Castiglioncello

Where is Castiglioncello located?
Castiglioncello is a coastal town in Tuscany, in the province of Livorno. It lies on the Etruscan Coast, about 20 km south of Livorno and 35 km north of Piombino, facing the Ligurian Sea.
What is Castiglioncello known for?
Castiglioncello is known for its rocky coastline, clear waters, and pine-covered headlands. It became popular in the 20th century as a seaside resort and has attracted writers, artists, and filmmakers over the years.
Does Castiglioncello have a train station?
Yes, Castiglioncello has its own train station with regional services to Pisa, Livorno, and Grosseto. The station is located within walking distance of the beach and town centre.
What kind of beaches are in Castiglioncello?
Castiglioncello has a mix of small pebble coves, rocky platforms, and some sandy sections. Many areas are managed by beach clubs, while others are free access. The water is generally clear and good for swimming.
Is Castiglioncello busy in summer?
Yes, Castiglioncello becomes much busier in July and August, when Italian holidaymakers arrive for the beach and nightlife. Outside the summer season, it’s quieter and mainly visited for day trips and coastal walks.
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Overview

Overview
Situated in the Tuscany region, Castiglioncello is a charming seaside town on the Etruscan Coast, known for its stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. Situated along the Ligurian Sea, Castiglioncello is a popular destination for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and coastal relaxation. The town is surrounded by lush pine forests and rugged cliffs, providing a picturesque setting for visitors.

Castiglioncello is renowned for its beaches, particularly Spiaggia di Castiglioncello, a mix of sandy stretches and rocky coves ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling. The town also offers several water sports opportunities, such as windsurfing and sailing. Visitors can explore the Promenade of Castiglioncello, a charming seafront walk lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, offering a chance to sample local Tuscan cuisine and wines.

​For those interested in history and culture, Castiglioncello is home to the Castello Pasquini, a 19th-century castle that now hosts cultural events and art exhibitions. The nearby Parco di Rimigliano, a natural park with hiking trails and beautiful coastal views, offers further opportunities for outdoor activities. The town’s proximity to Livorno and Pisa also provides easy access to additional attractions and landmarks.

Things to Do

Things to Do
  • Castiglioncello Promontory: The heart of Castiglioncello is its rocky promontory, which offers dramatic views over the Ligurian Sea. The area is lined with pine trees, scenic walking paths, and stone terraces for sunbathing. It’s a favourite spot for leisurely strolls, coastal photography, and enjoying the sea breeze from natural vantage points above the water.
  • Baia del Quercetano: This sheltered bay is one of Castiglioncello’s most popular beaches, known for its pebbly shoreline and clear blue waters. Framed by cliffs and pine forest, the beach is accessible by footpaths and offers both public areas and private lidos. It’s well-suited for swimming and relaxing, with calm conditions during the summer months.
  • Pasquini Castle: Located near the town centre, Castello Pasquini is a 19th-century villa surrounded by gardens. Today it serves as a cultural venue for exhibitions, concerts, and festivals, especially during the summer. The castle grounds offer peaceful spots for walking and are closely connected to the town’s identity as a historic resort.
  • Snorkelling and Coastal Excursions: The rocky coastline around Castiglioncello provides excellent conditions for snorkelling, particularly around the promontory and nearby coves. Visitors can also take boat trips along the coast toward Livorno or explore hidden bays and beaches accessible only from the sea.
  • Day Trip to Bolgheri: Inland from Castiglioncello, Bolgheri is a small village famous for its wine and historic charm. Visitors can stroll through its cypress-lined avenue, explore the old stone centre, and enjoy tastings at local wine estates. It’s a great destination for those interested in Tuscan countryside traditions and enogastronomy.
Tours & Activities
Castiglioncello - frazione di Rosignano Marittimo
Comune: Rosignano Marittimo

Province: Livorno

Region: Tuscany

Highlights: ​Lungomare del Quercetano, Castello Pasquini

Beach surface: ​sand

​​​​​​​​Water quality: Blue Flag Beach 2024 - 2025

Fly to: ​Pisa Airport - 41 minutes (43 km)​​

Close by: Quercianella, Calafuria Nature Reserve, Marina di Cecina

Where to Stay

Where to Stay
  • Hotel Miramare (Located by the coast, 1 km from Castiglioncello centre)
    Hotel Miramare offers stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and is just a short walk from Castiglioncello's town centre. The hotel features spacious rooms with modern amenities, a beautiful outdoor pool, and a terrace overlooking the sea. Guests appreciate the high level of service and the relaxing atmosphere, making it a popular choice in the area. Price Guide: €€€ (mid-range)
  • Tombolo Talasso Resort (Located near the beach, 2 km from Castiglioncello centre)
    Tombolo Talasso Resort is a luxury hotel known for its thalassotherapy treatments and wellness facilities. With direct access to a private beach, the resort provides a tranquil setting for relaxation. The rooms are elegantly designed, and the on-site restaurant offers exquisite local cuisine. Guests commend the spa services and the attentive staff. Price Guide: €€€€ (high-end)
  • Hotel Regina (Located in the centre of Castiglioncello)
    Hotel Regina is centrally located, offering easy access to the beach and nearby shops. The hotel provides comfortable rooms with modern furnishings and a variety of amenities, including an outdoor pool and a restaurant serving regional dishes. Visitors often mention the welcoming staff and the hotel's ideal location for exploring the area. Price Guide: €€€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Leopoldo (Located 1.5 km from Castiglioncello centre)
    Set in a peaceful area, Hotel Leopoldo is just a short drive from the town centre and offers beautiful views of the Tuscan coastline. The hotel features a large garden, a pool, and well-furnished rooms. Guests appreciate the friendly staff and the relaxed atmosphere, with many highlighting the hotel's excellent value for money. Price Guide: €€ (affordable)
  • Castiglioncello Village (Located 3 km from Castiglioncello centre)
    Castiglioncello Village offers a unique stay in a natural setting, with rooms, apartments, and bungalows. The property features outdoor pools, a wellness centre, and access to a private beach. Guests enjoy the variety of activities available on-site and the quiet environment, perfect for those looking for an immersive experience. Price Guide: €€€ (mid-range)

Where to Eat

Where to Eat
  • Ristorante Il Cardellino: Located near the seafront, Il Cardellino offers refined Tuscan and seafood cuisine in an elegant setting. The menu features dishes such as seafood risotto, grilled fish, and handmade pasta, served in a stylish dining room with a shaded outdoor terrace. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
  • Ristorante La Baracchina: Situated along the promenade, La Baracchina is a popular spot for fresh seafood and traditional Tuscan dishes. The menu includes spaghetti with clams, fried seafood platters, and seasonal salads, all enjoyed with views over the Ligurian Sea. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Osteria L’Uva Nera: Found in a quiet street near the centre, this cosy osteria focuses on Tuscan specialities such as pici pasta, local cured meats, and vegetable soups. The rustic interior and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for a laid-back evening meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Trattoria il Coccodrillo: Located close to the pine forest, Il Coccodrillo serves a menu of seafood and land-based dishes, including gnocchi with seafood and grilled meat skewers. The informal setting and family-friendly approach make it a popular choice for casual dining. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Pizzeria Da Andrea: A casual option near the beach, Da Andrea offers a wide selection of thin-crust pizzas, simple pasta dishes, and salads. It’s a convenient and affordable spot for a quick and relaxed meal. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)

Photo Gallery

Close  to  Castiglioncello

  • Rosignano Marittimo (approx. 10 km northeast of Castiglioncello): A historic town overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Rosignano Marittimo is home to beautiful beaches, such as Spiaggia di Vada, known for its striking white sands. The town offers a charming historic centre with narrow streets, local shops, and cafes, ideal for a relaxing afternoon.
  • Cecina (approx. 15 km southeast of Castiglioncello): A lively coastal town with a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Cecina boasts expansive sandy beaches and a number of parks, such as the Parco Gallorose. Visitors can explore the town’s archaeological sites, including ancient Roman ruins, or visit the Museo Archeologico for a deeper insight into the region’s history.
  • Livorno (approx. 30 km northwest of Castiglioncello): A bustling port city on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Livorno offers a variety of attractions, including the Fortezza Nuova and the scenic Terrazza Mascagni. The city’s historic canals, designed by Leonardo da Vinci, provide a unique way to explore the town, and the lively fish market is a must-see for visitors.
  • Bolgheri (approx. 30 km southeast of Castiglioncello): Famous for its picturesque countryside and vineyards, Bolgheri is a charming village nestled in the heart of Tuscany’s wine region. Visitors can stroll along the Viale dei Cipressi, a cypress-lined avenue that leads to the village, and explore local wineries to taste the world-renowned Bolgheri wines.
  • Pisa (approx. 40 km southwest of Castiglioncello): Known globally for the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, the city also offers rich history and beautiful architecture, including the Piazza dei Miracoli and the Baptistery of St. John. Visitors can explore the medieval streets, enjoy the city’s cafes, and take in the stunning views of the Arno River.
Tuscany Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Tuscany

1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. ​San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. ​Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany

Castiglioncello  Travel

By Rail: Castiglioncello is served by its own station on the Pisa–Livorno–Grosseto railway line. Trains from Pisa take around 45 minutes, from Florence about 1 hour and 45 minutes with a change in Pisa or Livorno, and from Rome approximately 3 hours. The station is located close to the seafront and the town centre.

By Road: Castiglioncello is approximately 45 km south of Pisa, with a driving time of around 40 minutes via the SS1 Aurelia road. From Florence, the journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes via the SGC Firenze–Pisa–Livorno expressway and the SS206. Follow signs for Castiglioncello after exiting the SS1.

Nearest International Airports:
​
  • Pisa International Airport (Aeroporto di Pisa-San Giusto): Located about 45 km north of Castiglioncello, the drive takes approximately 40 minutes via the SS1 road. From the airport, you can also take a train to Castiglioncello with a change at Pisa Centrale.
  • Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola): Situated around 100 km northeast of Castiglioncello, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SGC Firenze–Pisa–Livorno expressway. Train connections are available via Pisa.

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