It takes a couple of hours to reach Castiglione della Pescaia from The Mall Firenze, perhaps breaking the journey with a stop in beautiful Siena. But we’re sure that once you get there, you won’t want to leave. Here are the essentials.

CASTLE AND WALLS
The first thing that strikes you when you arrive at this delightful village overlooking the sea is its magnificent castle, founded in the 10th century as a coastal watchtower and extended during the Renaissance, and the impressive Aragonese walls that enclose the ancient town centre.

BEACHES
The most famous beaches in this area are Rocchette (towards Punta Ala) – where you can choose between the expanse of sand and the rocky cliffs, dominated by the fortress that gives the beach its name – and Marze (towards Marina di Grosseto), with its 6 km or so of wonderful beach and shady pine forest.

CASA ROSSA XIMENES MUSEUM
Located in the Diaccia Botrona nature reserve, this unmistakable building, designed by Leonardo Ximenes in 1765, once served to separate fresh water from seawater, while simultaneously regulating the flow of water in the lake. Today it’s a multimedia museum for the reserve, and also runs birdwatching trips and excursions.

PUNTA ALA
Obviously inspired by its shape, this promontory was named by the seaplane pilot Italo Balbo, who used to land on what is now an elegant port. The sea here is a real marvel: after all, it’s exactly opposite the Island of Elba.

ARCHEOLOGICAL AREA OF VETULONIA
Vatluna was the ancient Etruscan name for the small settlement of Vetulonia, now known as an important archaeological site boasting one of the largest necropolises ever discovered, with monumental tombs like the Pietrera and the Tomba del Diavolino.

TIRLI AND BURIANO
Two captivating medieval villages perched on hilltops and surrounded by dense woodlands. The former is famous for its breathtaking views and wonderful trekking.