Surroundings

From here everything is close: the village of Bolgheri, the vineyards, the sea, the WWF Oasis, the cycle paths that from Marina di Bibbona reach up to Marina di Cecina, through a shaded Mediterranean pine forest. An area that does not need to be told with excessive words.

Just being there is enough to absorb the beauty of these places. Poetry is in the eyes of those who know how to see.

The WWF Oasis Marshes of Bolgheri

The Bolgheri Beach borders directly with the Bolgheri Wildlife Refuge: over 500 hectares of protected nature, the first private oasis created in Italy.

From the Safari Lodge, in the early hours of the morning or at dusk, you may spot fallow deer, roe deer, herons, storks. It is not a park: guided tours are planned along dedicated routes. It is nature that lives according to its own rhythms, and allows itself to be observed by those who have the patience to wait.

At reception you can ask for a telescope for birdwatching.

The Oasis can be visited by booking with seasonal opening, usually from November to April. For information we recommend you contact the property directly.

Tel: +39 3666819304
Address: SP 39 Vecchia Aurelia, km 269,400 – Castagneto Carducci (LI)
Email: paduledibolgheri@sassicaia.com

WWF Orti Bottagone Oasis: for those arriving in summer

If you travel between June and September, when the Bolgheri Marshes cannot be visited, there is an alternative 30 minutes by car: the WWF Orti Bottagone Oasis, near Piombino.

126 hectares of coastal marshland: half brackish, half freshwater, where over 230 species of birds have been recorded. Pink flamingos, herons, marsh harriers, black-winged stilts. For birdwatchers it is a paradise.

The landscape is different from Bolgheri: plain, reed thickets, clear water. But the thrill of observing wildlife in silence is the same.

Summer visits (June-September): Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 5.00pm, by reservation.
Autumn-spring visits (October-May): Saturday and Sunday at 10.00am and 2.30pm, by reservation.

For photographers and birdwatchers dedicated access is provided at dawn, with specific rates.

Tel: +39 389 957 8763 / 328 193 7095
Email: ortibottagone@wwf.it
Address: SP 40 Geodetica, km 6,700 – Loc. Torre del Sale, Piombino (LI)

Times are subject to change, booking is always mandatory.

Castagneto Carducci — 10 minutes by car

Perched on the hill, with the Castle of the Counts of Gherardesca dominating the centre. Paved alleys, small squares, artisan shops. From the Belvedere Terrace in Piazza del Popolo there is a view that reaches all the way to the sea.

Here Giosuè Carducci spent part of his childhood: the house where he lived is today a museum that collects the poet's manuscripts, letters and personal objects. The village was called Castagneto Marittimo: the name was changed at the beginning of the twentieth century in his honour.

Character: lively but never chaotic, with the atmosphere of a real village, not a postcard. Good restaurants, wine bars, shops selling local products. Perfect for an evening walk with dinner.

Events not to be missed
• Musica nel Borgo (July) — concerts of piano, jazz, harp and classical guitar in the little squares
• Settimana Castagnetana (early August) — the village festival, with events, music and outdoor dinners
• Notte Blu (end July, Marina di Castagneto) — evenings by the sea with markets and music
• Festivals at Parco Le Sughere (June-August, Donoratico) — pappardelle, snails, fish, Tuscan traditions
• Festival of San Lorenzo (10 August) — patron saint of the village, warm village atmosphere

Bolgheri — 15 minutes by car (or bike)

A few hundred inhabitants, an entrance arch under the Gherardesca Castle, cobbled streets, shops and taverns. Bolgheri is small, intimate, elegant without being pretentious. You enter and time slows down.

Character: refined, silent, designed for those who love wine and slowness. It can be crowded on summer weekends: it is better to go during the week or out of season (April-May, September-October).

Events not to be missed
• Summer Solstice in Bolgheri (21 June) — celebration of the beginning of summer in the village
• Chestnut Festival (end of October) — roasted chestnuts, chestnut cake, autumn sweets and music from alive
• Widespread Art on the Tuscan Coast (July-November) - signature sculptures exhibited between the village and the surrounding areas

A glass at sunset, with the village and its artisan workshops in the background. It's the easiest way to enjoy this place.

San Vincenzo — 20 minutes by car

It is not a medieval village, but a seaside town with a lively centre, a beautiful pedestrian promenade and wide sandy beaches. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is well-kept, full of shops, ice cream parlors, restaurants and bars: the atmosphere is the right one for an evening out with family or friends.

Character: seaside, lively, perfect for those looking for a bit of movement after days of quiet. Good fish, a walk on the port, sunsets from the Amphitheater.

Events not to be missed
• Concerts at the Port Amphitheater (summer) — free events with sea view
• Notte Bianca (August) — Corso Italia becomes a pedestrian area with music, markets, entertainment
• Festival Note alla Torre (July-August) — classical music in the setting of the medieval tower
• Reuse market(third Sunday of the month) - vintage and local craftsmanship

The right place for a different day at the seaside, an aperitif with a DJ set and a fish dinner on the port.

Suvereto — 25 minutes by car

One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, still surrounded by medieval walls. Cobbled streets, stone houses, the Rocca Aldobrandesca which dominates the valley. The name means "cork forest".

It is part of the Wine Route of the Etruscan Coast. Excellent wine and extra virgin olive oil are produced here: the cellars and oil mills can be visited upon reservation.

Character: authentic, silent, for those seeking the real Tuscany without filters. Excellent restaurants, timeless atmosphere.

Events not to be missed
• Note di Vermentino (June) - three days of wine and music, tastings and concerts in the village
• Cantine Aperte(end of May) - guided tours and tastings in the cellars of the area
• Calici di Stelle (end of July/August) — tastings in the cellars of Suvereto, astronomical shows and culture

To see the Cloister of San Francesco, reopened after a long restoration: an oasis of silence in the center of the village. Suvereto is the perfect place for those seeking authenticity and cultural depth.

Populonia and the Gulf of Baratti — 30 minutes by car

Populonia is the only Etruscan city built directly on the sea. Today the medieval village, perched on the promontory, preserves the fourteenth-century walls and the fortress with a view of the Tuscan Archipelago: on clear days you can see Elba, Capraia, Corsica.

Below, the Gulf of Baratti: a protected bay, transparent water, pine forest behind. In the Archaeological Park you can visit the Etruscan necropolises and the remains of the ancient foundries: an open-air museum that tells two thousand years of history.

Character: historical, panoramic, perfect for those who love archeology and the sea together. Less worldly, more contemplative.

For those who love archeology and the sea, there is no better place.

Campiglia Marittima — 25 minutes by car

Medieval village suspended between sky and sea, nestled within the ancient walls. From Rocca, on clear days, you can see as far as Corsica. A lively historic centre, with artisan shops, cafés and lively squares in summer.

Character: authentic, panoramic, with a popular soul. Good base for exploring theVal di Cornia.

Events not to be missed
• Apritiborgo(summer) — festival with culinary specialties, music and shows, art performances in the historic center
• Festival of Schiaccia Campigliese(autumn) — the typical focaccia of the village, not to be missed

In the surrounding area, the San Silvestro Archaeological Mining Park: mines, tunnels, the ghost village of medieval miners. You can also visit by train: an experience dedicated to children but which also surprises adults.

A place where the history of work and the land can be touched first-hand.

Bibbona - 10 minutes by car

Ancient village in the hinterland, quiet, with narrow alleys that follow the perimeter of the ancient castle. Etruscan origins, then medieval.

To see the 11th century Parish Church of Sant'Ilario and the Fonte di Bacco, just outside the walls. Around, open countryside and olive groves.

Character: silent, intimate, off the beaten track. Perfect for an aimless walk.

Bibbona is the village to choose when you want peace.

Casale Marittimo — 20 minutes by car

Small village on a hill overlooking the valley, awarded with the Orange Flag of the Touring Club. Stone and terracotta houses, narrow streets, an atmosphere that seems to have stopped at the beginning of the century.

The territory has important Etruscan origins: in the Necropolis of Casa Nocera, the statues of the Warrior Princes were found, among the oldest all-round sculptures in Europe (today in the Archaeological Museum of Florence).

Casale is also on the Wine Route: the local white wine is excellent, the oil is excellent.

Character: small, authentic, elegant in its simplicity. For those looking for a real village, not a photographic set.

Perfect for a walk in the late afternoon, when the light becomes gentle.

Sassetta — 20 minutes by car

Hidden village among chestnut and holm oak woods, 330 meters above sea level. A few hundred inhabitants, no crowds, just nature and silence.

Nearby, the Poggio Neri Forest Park: paths in the woods, mountain bike trails, picnic areas. In autumn chestnuts and mushrooms are harvested.

Character: wild, secluded, for those who love woods and mountains. Cool even in summer.

Sassetta is the village you don't expect, and perhaps for this reason you should visit it.

Cavallino Matto — 10 minutes by car

The largest amusement park in Tuscany, immersed in the pine forest of Marina di Castagneto Carducci. 100,000 m2 of greenery, 27 attractions, live shows.

• Completely shaded (centuries-old pine forest) - it feels good even on hot days
• Attractions for all ages: from mini-roller coasters for the little ones to roller coasters for the older ones (Freestyle, 90 km/h)
• No endless queues: human dimensions, you can do everything in one day
• Shaded picnic areas for packed lunches
• Children under 1 meter: free entry

Open from April to November, from 10.30am.

A child-friendly park, where even parents can relax.

Acqua Village Cecina — 15 minutes by car

Hawaiian themed water park, perfect for warmer days. 40,000 m2 of greenery, 7 swimming pools, over 2 km of slides.

• Moku, the Children's Island — area dedicated to the little ones with slides, water games, shallow pool. Safe and supervised.
• Kauai, the Island of Waves — swimming pool with artificial waves, fun for everyone
• Fun Island and Paradise Island — relaxation for parents with hydromassages and water games

For those seeking adrenaline: Intrigo (rafting on inflatable boats), Kamikaze and Anaconda, Twister (in the dark), Lua Pele (volcano 17 meters high).

Relax at Makai Beach — Tiki area with swimming pool, hydromassages, waterfalls and fine sand.

Open from June to September. Reduced ticket for children 3-11 years, free under 3 years.

A corner of Hawaii on the Tuscan coast.

The beach of Marina di Bibbona

A few minutes walk from the Bolgheri Beach, crossing the pine forest.

• Shallow and sloping seabed, ideal for children
• Fine sand, large space to play
• Blue Flag — clean water, guaranteed services
• Bagno Camilla — establishment equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas
• Canoes and SUPs to rental for the older ones

The most comfortable beach: you leave the structure, cross the pine forest, you are at the sea.

The paths in the pine forest

Easy, shaded walks, also suitable for little ones. You can go by bike, on foot, or simply explore.

Marina di Bibbona pine forest route → Marina di Cecina (approx. 5 km) — flat, near the sea.

No effort, no danger. Only greenery and silence.