TO DO AND SEE

The Val di Cornia is the ideal place for lovers of sport, trekking, mountain biking and horse-riding, but also for all those who love walking along exciting routes where the rhythm of steps matches the rhythm of thoughts.

The entire territory is rich in panoramic trekking, archaeological and nature trails, for walks with your gaze on the sea or through the lush Mediterranean scrub.

In a coastal area such as the Val di Cornia, there is no shortage of opportunities for water sports including snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing and sup.

But even for those who want to surf in Tuscany, the Val di Cornia offers many possibilities!

From here you can immerse yourself in the discovery of the Etruscan coast, the small but interesting islets of Cerboli and Palmaiola, pushing on to the crystal-clear waters of the island of Elba, or hire a boat to sail freely in this uncontaminated sea and reach the small suggestive beaches of Buca delle Fate, Cala San Quirico and Cala Buia.

Thanks to its mild, dry climate, the Val di Cornia has many sunny days a year, so it is possible to enjoy cycling holidays from spring until late autumn. Unique are the views and the various alpine huts where you can taste delicious home-made dishes.

We are happy to give you advice on tours, routes and itineraries to discover in Val di Cornia.

Parco Forestale di Poggio Neri (Comune Sassetta)

ETRUSCAN COAST

The Etruscan Coast is a long stretch of coastline that runs from Livorno to the promontory of Piombino and includes many municipalities in the province of Livorno. On the coast there are some of the most famous seaside resorts in Tuscany such as Castiglioncello, San Vincenzo and Marina di Bibbona, while inland there are some delightful historic villages such as Suvereto, Campiglia Marittima, Sassetta and Castagneto Carducci.

SASSETTA

Sassetta is a small village in the Val di Cornia in the province of Livorno, located about 15 kilometres from the sea, in the hinterland of the Etruscan Coast, and is one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany. Unlike the other Tuscan medieval villages, the village of Sassetta is less well known and perhaps the simplest. It is a typical Tuscan hillside village of medieval origin, made up of stone houses huddled together facing narrow alleys and small squares.

A short distance from the town centre you can visit the splendid Poggio Neri Park, go for long walks in unspoilt nature or relax in the wellness centres with their thermal waters and walk along the charming Via del Castagno.

Land of hunters and woodcutters, in Sassetta you will experience wilder scenery. It is appreciated both for its cultural heritage and for the natural beauty of the area.

Things to see in Sassetta


During your visit to Sassetta you can follow art itineraries, created with the works of the Sculpture Symposium, which lead you along the various points of interest in the village, such as the permanent exhibition of sacred art, the remains of the Castle and the Church of Sant'Andrea Apostolo.

  • Art routes
  • Remains of the Orlandi Castle
  • Ramirez de Montalvo Palace
  • Church of St. Andrew the Apostle
  • Permanent exhibition of sacred art


SUVERETO

One of the jewels of the Etruscan Coast, it is not only one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany, but also one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Suvereto is a pleasant village of medieval origin that has maintained its typical atmosphere intact. Among the villages of the Middle Ages, it can undoubtedly be considered one of the main ones; in fact, the Etruscans settled here in the 9th century. The town, still surrounded by medieval walls, has preserved its urban fabric, which offers visitors remarkable views. During a visit you can still admire carefully preserved churches and archaeological sites, you can visit museums that tell its ancient history and you absolutely must not miss the opportunity to taste the oil and wine that are the main local products. (From https://tuscanyplanet.com/cosa-vedere-a-suvereto/)

CAMPIGLIA MARITTIMA

Campiglia Marittima is a medieval village halfway between the sea and the Tuscan hinterland, surrounded by rolling hills and lush Mediterranean scrub. It is a small village developed entirely within the town walls, with semi-circular buildings and squares overlooked by the craftsmen's shops that are still active. Among the various places of historical interest, the Palazzo Pretorio and the churches dating back to medieval times are worth a visit.

Descending from the village towards the plain, it is worth stopping at the Calidario Terme Etrusche spa: a natural lake of thermal water that dates back, as its name suggests, to Etruscan times. Even if you don't have time to stop for a regenerating thermal bath, you can still admire a unique landscape, which, apart from the Val di Cornia, boasts few places in Italy. (From https://tuscanyplanet.com/campiglia-marittima-cosa-vedere/)

CASTAGNETO CARDUCCI

Another particularly charming place on the Etruscan Coast that we recommend you visit during your holiday in Tuscany is Castagneto Carducci, a charming town of medieval origin dedicated to the famous Italian poet and writer and linked, like many other towns in the area, to the Della Gherardesca family. A village characterised not only by its typical medieval appearance, but also by its rich food and wine offerings. The village is located on the Bolgheri Wine Road, famous for wine production appreciated throughout the world, and is home to the beautiful Bolgheri Fauna Oasis. Its historical attractions include the Della Gherardesca Castle, the Palazzo Pretorio and the museum house dedicated to Giosuè Carducci. (From https://tuscanyplanet.com/castagneto-carducci-cosa-vedere/)

BOLGHERI

A small, splendid hamlet of Castagneto Carducci, Bolgheri lies near a medieval castle, which can be reached along the long, picturesque avenue of cypress trees sung by the poet Giosuè Carducci in his famous poem Davanti a San Guido "I cipressi che a Bólgheri alti e schietti van da San Guido in duplice filar. The Borgo can be visited with a pleasant walk and today is a concentrated place of craftsmen, shops and restaurants that offer visitors the famous local products and traditional Tuscan dishes cooked with care and passion. During your walk through the Borgo, you will not only be captivated by the narrow streets and picturesque corners, but you will also be enchanted by the setting in which it is immersed: surrounded by hillsides planted with vineyards and olive groves that offer unique scents and colours in every season.

Take a tour of the shops and especially of the wine cellars and wine shops because, as I am sure you already know, Bolgheri is a true excellence in the field of wine. Some of Tuscany's finest wines are produced here by the more than thirty companies that are part of the Bolgheri DOC consortium. Among these wines, the most famous are the reds such as Bolgheri Rosso and the award-winning Sassicaia and Ornellaia, but we should not forget the rosé and white wines such as Vermentino and Bolgheri Bianco. (From https://tuscanyplanet.com/bolgheri-cosa-vedere/)

The itinerary through the epicentre of Ornellaia, Sassicaia and Masseto production can begin in Castagneto Carducci. After a visit to the historic centre, an enthralling twenty-minute session at the wheel (or handlebars, if you prefer) through hills, vineyards and monumental cypress lines will take you to the hamlet of Bolgheri with its imposing castle. In the village that many consider to be the authentic kingdom of Bacchus, the address not to be missed is the Osteria Magona. The Bib Gourmand of the red guide has won the favour of the chronicle thanks to the excellent value for money of a fine menu in which cappelletti di patate con fonduta di erborinato, fiorentina steak and other barbecued specialities stand out. Read more...

Information from and by:

https://www.ilfalcone.net/borghi-medievali-toscana/

https://tuscanyplanet.com/cosa-vedere-a-sassetta-e-dintorni/

https://guide.michelin.com/it/it/notizia/travel/bolgheri-castagneto-carducci-e-la-sua-marina