Surroundings

The "Costa degli Etruschi" extends from Livorno to Piombino and all the municipalities that are part of it were awarded the Blue Flag of the European Union, the prestigious award for water quality, services and the environment.

The sea of Livorno, Rosignano Marittimo, Cecina, Bibbona, Castagneto Carducci, San Vincenzo and Piombino is the most varied you can find along just 90 kilometres of coastline.

From the rocky stretches of Romito (Livorno) to the sandy beaches of Baratti and Populonia (Piombino) moving on to those of Castiglioncello and Vada, the beach is free or has a wealth of bathing resorts of long tradition.

Diving, windsurfing and sailing are just some of the watersports on offer and that in this area boast numerous well organised schools, clubs, marinas and embarkation points.

From Rosignano, Cecina and Piombino it is possible to sail to the Island of Elba and to the other wonders of the Tuscan archipelago. At Campo del Rosario you will find all the useful informations to spend a day at the coast.

Hiking trails are present throughout the area.

At Campo del Rosario we will guarantee you access to the maps of the most picturesque routes (many of which wind through the municipality of Montescudaio and neighbouring towns) as well as the contact details of the guides and tour escorts available.

The routes are of low and medium difficulty and therefore suitable for all.

A different way to spend one of your vacation days.

The roads of this territory are crossed by cyclists throughout the year, whether amateurs or professionals.

On racing bikes or mountain bikes, fans can easily take advantage of the fine weather to go out and head towards the sea or inland, into the hill pine forest.

If you arrive at Campo del Rosario with your bike, be aware that Montescudaio is located at 242 meters above sea level and provides cycling at all levels thanks to the climate, quality and the limited road traffic.

A perfect area to cycle through where the roads are measured not in kilometres but in emotions.

The countryside of the "Costa degli Etruschi" is crossed by a prestigious wine route along which emerges the DOC Montescudaio.

Every year, on the first Sunday of October is held the Wine Festival that for almost 50 years has celebrated what is the most important event of the year.

Wine tastings are the highlight of a celebration that deserve to be experienced but which can also be enjoyed at other times of the season in the various restaurants around the country.

Olive oil is also a product of absolute excellence and Campo del Rosario is surrounded by vineyards and olive trees.

Apart from the noble wines and extra virgin olive oils, the gastronomic tradition of the area is known for the richness and variety of the dishes it proposes.

Along the coast, fish is the star of a thousand recipes starting with "Cacciucco alla Livornese", while meat and game dishes stand out in the hinterland.

A typical product is also the bread.

A famous one is the Montescudaio that you can taste when you arrive at Campo del Rosario.

The Etruscan civilisation left important evidence including the only necropolis built on the waterfront: the Archaeological Park of Baratti-Populonia but also Etruscan, Roman and Villanovian finds collected in the museums in Volterra, Rosignano Marittimo, Cecina and Piombino testify to the importance of history in this land.

Campo del Rosario is in a middle position with respect to these places and is an excellent starting point for your day trips that could even just be confined to visiting medieval villages such as Bolgheri, Castagneto Carducci, Sassa and Querceto.

Parks, protected areas, natural oases, wildlife refuges, woods and dense pine forests: for nature lovers Campo del Rosario it is only the beginning of the journey towards the WWF Oasis of Bolgheri, the Parco della Magona in Bibbona or the Livorno Hills Park.

Do not miss the Archaeological - Mining Park of San Silvestro at Venturina.

Visit Piazza dei Miracoli after having walked through the streets of the Centre and the Lungarni.

And perhaps after taking in one of the many exhibitions being held at Palazzo Blu, not far from the Gothic church of Santa Maria della Spina.

Then a stroll through Borgo Stretto and Piazza dei Cavalieri.

Don't miss the luminaria di San Ranieri that takes place on 16th June of each year.

Arriving at the station of Santa Maria Novella is the best solution to go and visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, to enter Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery before going on to the Palazzo Vecchio and perhaps even visiting the "Uffizi".

Crossing the Ponte Vecchio and continuing towards Piazzale Michelangelo is the best way to leave Florence.

City of the Etruscans and alabaster, Volterra boasts a rich historical heritage in the open air: Porta all’Arco, Porta Diana, the city walls, the Acropolis and the ruins of the Roman Theatre.

The beautiful stately buildings such as those of the Priors and also the museums, over all the "Guarnacci", the "Civico" and the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art.

These are the three stages of an essential path that can be covered in only one day.

From San Gimignano with its medieval towers, head towards Siena and stop after a few kilometres at the Monteriggioni castle.

Time for a few photos and then resume the drive towards Siena, the city of the Palio.

The Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia extends to approximately 80 hectares between the slopes of the promontory of Piombino and the Gulf of Baratti.

It is home to one of the most important settlements of the Etruscan civilisation due to the traces of the iron and steel activities and the cultural and commercial aspects that originated from it.

Historical itinerary and extreme natural beauty.

The gem of the Tirreno may be the first stop of a tour that leads to the promenade of Livorno and its typical neighbourhoods such as "Venezia", the only one of the residential centre that, after the devastation of World War II, retained much of its historical and architectural values.

Porto Mediceo and Fortezza Vecchia are worth visiting before a brief stop, on the way back, at Santuario di Montenero.

The mining activity of Montecatini, the geothermal phenomena of Castelnuovo and Larderello together with a visit to an urban centre that is extraordinary for its urban and architectural aesthetic quality, namely that of Massa Marittima. Route of artistic and scientific interest.

The Tuscan village par excellence (Casale) and the lands that are a perpetual reminder of the permanence of Giosuè Carducci (Bolgheri and Castagneto).

Characteristic and harmonious landscape, hills rich in woods and vineyards that have made it famous all over the world.

Literary and wine route.