Archive for 'Beaches'

We often discuss the Tuscan Coast as a perfect holiday destination that many international visitors might be less familiar with than some of the other, more famous coastal regions of the country. A major benefit of booking a villa on the Tuscan Coast is that it allows guests to enjoy all of the cultural and foodie delights for which the region is more famous while also getting to make the most of the sun, fun, and incredible beaches that are on offer. And there are some truly gorgeous beaches, indeed, that can be enjoyed while staying in one of our vacation rentals on the Tuscan Coast. Among them, the lovely Cala Violina is one of the most famous and beloved.

Why It Is Special

Cala Violina, known as the, “musical beach,” is located in the Maremma, halfway between Follonica and Punta Ala, in the municipal territory of Scarlino. Set within the Bandite di Scarlino Nature Reserve, the little beach is made up of white sand lapped by the emerald waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Amongst the white sand, there are tiny quartz crystals that make a unique sound at a particular frequency – between 500 and 2,500 hertz – that sounds somewhat like a violin when people walk on the sand or the water washes over it. Due to the enclosed shape of the cove in which the beach is found and its remote location, this sound is more prominent and obvious than it might be elsewhere. As a result, the beach gained its poetic name, the so-called, “violin cove.”

The long stretch of the Tuscan Coast boasts a wide array of pretty beaches – from little strands all around the various islands along the coastline, to the seafronts of charming seaside towns, to the longer stretches, to the famous favourites, to the dog-friendly options, to the hidden gems – and those who find a villa on the Tuscan Coast will have plenty to choose from.

In particular, if you’re thinking about planning a day-trip to the beach and you like to have choices, then we highly recommend taking a boat to the famous island of Elba and heading to the main port town of Portoferraio. 

We have discussed the stunning coastline of Tuscany on many occasions and highlighted the incredible resort towns, amazing beaches, and remarkable natural beauty of this part of the region that is often overlooked by tourists. While the famous landmarks and museums, the historic towns and gleaming cities, the rolling green hills and foggy valleys, the vineyards and endless excellent eateries of Tuscany are all lauded and well-known for a reason, the Tuscan Coast is a true must and a favourite of those in the know. Many of the above charms are just as common in this part of the world but if you find a villa on the Tuscan Coast and spend time in the area, you will also be able to enjoy the things we traditionally associate with the region, alongside some impossibly lovely seaside delights. 

The island of Elba is famously the paradise to which Napoleon was exiled in his latter years and while we can’t expect to be sent there forever more, we can book a villa on the Tuscan Coast or a vacation rental in Portoferraio and get a taste of life in this stunning part of Tuscany. Browse our Tuscany villas and then plan a trip to Elba so you can discover all of its charms for yourself and, in particular, the incredible beaches that abound on the island! One especially gorgeous beach is Forno Beach, a picture-perfect little beauty that is made up of golden sand, rich blue waters, lush green pines on the hillsides all around, charming pastel houses directly overlooking the stretch of sand, fishing boats in a variety of shades bobbing in the water, and romantic craggy grey rocks framing the strand. Peaceful and picturesque, it is one of the most relaxing spots to enjoy a day at the beach while on Elba.