Perched on a small promontory overlooking the Ligurian Sea, Castiglioncello is an ancient Etruscan village in Livorno. It has been a popular seaside resort since the 19th century and provided inspiration for the Macchiaioli, a group of Italian artists who captured the area’s natural light, shade and colour.
Stroll through Castiglioncello to admire its centuries-old landmarks, such as the Chiesa dell'Immacolata Concezione and the 17th-century Oratorio di Sant'Andrea Apostolo. Learn about the role of the Torre di Castiglioncello in defending the coastline against attack and photograph the turreted roof of the Castello Pasquini.
If you want to get active, you can stretch your legs on one of the hiking trails that lead up the slopes of Monte Pelato, which offers sweeping views across the Mediterranean Sea. Castiglioncello’s rocky coastline is perfect for swimming and snorkelling, while it’s also popular with surfers. A breezy promenade hugs the water and is an ideal setting for sunset strolls.
Getting there
Castiglioncello is a 30-minute drive from Livorno and 1.5 hours from Florence Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Castiglioncello railway station and the village is small enough to explore on foot.