This Tuscan coastal town has a medieval castle, pine forests along the Mediterranean, and an Etruscan museum. Local beaches stretch for 15 kilometers along clear waters.
Cecina sits between the Tuscan coastline and rolling hills, 30 minutes from Pisa. You can walk through ancient Roman mosaics at Villa San Vincenzino, splash in wave pools at Acqua Village water park, or join locals for an evening passeggiata along Marina di Cecina's pine-shaded promenade. The nearby Bolgheri region produces some of Tuscany's most respected wines.
Marina di Cecina's Beaches
A 10-kilometer sandy beach stretches along Marina di Cecina, recognized with Blue Flag status for its water quality and services. A pine-lined avenue leads from the town center to the beach area, where twelve beach clubs rent umbrellas and sunbeds. Children can wade safely in the shallow water near the shore. Each beach club runs its own restaurant or bar serving drinks and snacks from morning until sunset.
The Pine Forest Nature Reserve
Walk or cycle through 15 kilometers of paths in the Tomboli di Cecina Nature Reserve, which runs parallel to the coastline. Dense pine trees create shade throughout the reserve. The ban on cars and motorcycles keeps the environment quiet. You'll find direction signs and distance markers along the paths, making it easy to plan your route.
Acqua Village Water Park
Cool off at Acqua Village's seven water slides and four pools. The wave pool creates waves hourly between 11 AM and 6 PM. Children have separate play areas based on age groups. The park opens daily from June through early September, 10 AM to 6 PM. Your entrance ticket includes access to changing rooms, lockers, and sun loungers.
Archaeological Sites
At Villa Guerrazzi Museum, examine tools and artifacts from 10,000 years ago during the Lower Paleolithic period. The San Vincenzino Roman villa, dating to the 1st century BC, contains original mosaic floors and wall paintings. In summer (June-September), you can join guided tours in English, German, or French every Tuesday and Thursday.
Getting Around
Trains run between Cecina and Pisa every hour, with some trips taking 37 minutes. From northern Italy, drive on highway A12 Genoa – Livorno and take the Rosignano Marittimo exit. Fly into Pisa (65 km) or Florence (130 km) airports. In Marina di Cecina, you can walk or rent bikes to reach most places.
Local Food Scene
Try spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) and fritto misto (mixed fried seafood) at restaurants along the marina. Many places set up tables outdoors during summer evenings. Sample Bolgheri DOC and Terratico di Bibbona DOC wines from nearby vineyards. The morning market (Monday-Saturday) sells fresh fish caught the same day, along with local produce.
