Castiglioncello: The Tuscany Not To Miss
Quercetano beach
Why Here?
Do you want to feel like you’re in an old-school film…that grainy sun reflecting the grains of sand? Or under the sun being handed warmed stone fruit under a billowing market umbrella?
My Intel
Tuscany is more than wine tours and rolling hillsides. It has iconic locally lived seclusions with beaches that are an integral part of the seaside daily. It’s slower with outdoor markets and thoroughfare that make you want to breathe deep, walk simply, and of an atmosphere that is harder to come by these days.
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Castiglioncello is all of this fully blossomed, located in the western area of the country. It almost gives a vibe of a less fancy Hamptons for actual Italians. It’s a place that Fellini was inspired by in terms of his ethereal Italian pictures.
There is something upscale and totally laid back about the pace here, snow cones dripping down elbows alongside warm waters and kids who run to and fro shouting “ciao!”
Streets of the city
Local church, Castiglioncello
Because I know you’re the kind of traveler who likes to explore the off-kilter back walkways and emotionally rich spots, the place and pace of Castiglioncello will speak to you.
It’s like a timeless normal Italian village, yet amazingly interesting as a foreign place too. It’s much easier to get an authentic feel for what it means to be and is Italian here and outside of the more overt tourism areas.
It’s plenty pedestrian-catered with no necessary car required to experience most of the city comfortably.
The almost whimsical or Midsummer night dream ambiance of Castiglioncello is rich with cultural heritage. It’s been an enclave for artists, writers, and intellectuals who have sought out creating in its idyllic environment.
Back in the day, the Macchiaioli were a group of 19th-century painters prone to the region who pushed the boundaries of intellectualism amidst the art movement of their time. Their work is melted into the cultural legacy of Castiglioncello. Right before the French Impressionists, these artists are remembered as revolutionaries who retreated here and rebelled through the creation of the antiquated ways before them.
Their appreciation for exuding the beauty of the natural environment in Tuscany (“macchia” refers to spots or patches of colors) was powerful in both their thought and work.
This legacy in creation, and persevering evolution therein, is honored in Castiglioncello. It’s still a place that calls for artists in inspiration mode who seek a palette, and the tortured seeking a muse.
The Macchiaioli Museum in the town showcases paintings and offers exhibitions, workshops, and events that pay testament to the chronology of art, the Macchiaioli, and its power of place in Castiglioncello.
Where to Stay? Casa Beatrice or Agriturismo Terre della Rinascita
Casa Beatrice has a kitchen and balcony, situated amongst locals, and flavors the experience to really sink into this town. It’s a local stay apartment that’s not on the beach, but a stroll to a few of them, strolling is the remedy of enjoyment du jour here. The purposeful element of having a kitchen is to enjoy scouring the open-air market goods to make brunches and suppers supreme.
Alternatively, the charming agriturismo is a 15-minute drive from Castiglioncello. It will nudge you further into the Italian countryside beach-core era. You’ll likely want to rent a car and this will enable other explorations for food goods and sites around the area, and to get a glimpse of such things as Pisa.
I love the immersion feeling like living in Italy. Another aspect of pleasure about this place is that it’s located so that day trips via train to dynamic places such as Pisa, Florence, Livorno, and Lucca are easily done.
Highlight Sites
Castello Pasquini is a 13th-century castle that hosts cultural exhibits and events. While Quercetano Bay will inevitably draw you in as one of the most magnetic swimming locations in all of Castiglioncello. Bagni Etruria and Belvedere are more secluded enclaves of beaches for sunbathers to adore the coast life. The Church of Immaculate Conception is another beautiful space, silent, and a retreat, worth an entrance and a visit.
*Safety tip
Many markets are outdoors and sometimes spontaneously reached; I recommend carrying one or two of those foldable shopping bags with you at all times.
Bottom line
Castiglioncello is the epitome of the pace of place that makes travel worth it. It’s timeless and lovely, a reminder that the sublime rests in the simple, and that the simple is utterly sublime. It’s not only a lovely vacation spot, but if you work remotely, it’s a welcoming place to stay. Especially, if you’re an artist in whatever realm, as its history showcases, the light of Castiglioncello will most likely nudge you to something.
