Photo of Petitverdot. Are you thinking of an escape for a few days or perhaps a beautiful seaside resort in which to spend a weekend, combining relaxation and culture.
Then the ideal destination for you could be Castiglione della Pescaia, in the province of Grosseto, in Tuscany. This beautiful village directly overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and is a renowned seaside resort , which has won several prizes and awards for its environmental quality! It is also called “the little Switzerland” or “the Switzerland of the Maremma”.
Here is a small guide for you on Castiglione della Pescaia with everything you need to know: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening!
What to see in Castiglione della Pescaia
1 – Castle of Castiglione della Pescaia
Photo of Petitverdot. The castle is located in the highest part of the historic center . It is a private property, where events and weddings are also organized, so it is not possible to visit it inside or in any case only on certain occasions.
Built in the 10th century, it is an imposing fortress originally built around the tower built by the Pisans. Over the centuries, especially during the Aragonese dominion, the castle was enlarged and today it dominates the whole city from above. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view over the whole Maremma!
- How to get there: in Piazza Onorato Toni, 3; easy walking distance from the city center – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible from the outside
- Ticket cost: free from the outside
2 – City walls
Photo of Petitverdot. Another historical point of great importance are its ancient walls, more precisely the remains of two ancient walls . Part of these dates back to the 10th century and was built by the Pisans, the second part dates back to the 15th century during the Aragonese period.
Once these walls formed the defensive system of the whole city center, which could be the target of pirate attacks. Walking around the walls will give you incredible views of the sea and the whole city!
- How to get there: all around the upper part of the city and the Castle of Castiglione della Pescaia; easily accessible from the center and the beach – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
3 – Church of San Giovanni Battista
Photo by trolvag. Located in the heart of the historic center , the church was built in the 16th century in the place of what was once a weapons depot. The bell tower, on the other hand, was built using an ancient tower of the walls and is visible from far away from most points of the city. Inside are the relics of San Guglielmo di Malavalle.
Located in one of the highest parts of the city, even from here you can admire beautiful views of the sea and the rest of the lower part of Castiglione della Pescaia. The interior of the church is rather simple, with a gothic and dark atmosphere, due to the small windows that do not allow the light to filter well.
- How to get there: in via Giulianelli, 3; in the upper part of the city, easily reachable on foot from the center and the beach – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
4 – Palazzo Centurioni
Photo of Petitverdot. Also in the upper part of the city, on the slope that then leads to the castle and the church of San Giovanni Battista, is this palace, one of the oldest buildings ! Built in the Renaissance era, it underwent the passage of time and therefore some renovation and recovery works were necessary, first in the 1900s and the last in 2008.
In its golden years, Palazzo Centurioni was the center of local administrative life, the real beating heart of the city. Today, however, it is used as a cultural center : it hosts various exhibitions and events.
- How to get there: in via Ospedale; in the upper part of the city, not far from the Castle and the Church of San Giovanni Battista – Get directions
- Hours: based on the exhibitions and events organized
- Ticket cost: based on the exhibitions and events organized
5 – Corso della Liberta
Photo by trolvag. Towards the lower part, or the newer one, there is the main street , as well as the nerve center, along which various commercial activities develop, including restaurants, clubs and shops.
Enjoy a stroll among the different shops, have a drink at one of the many outdoor tables and explore all the newest part of the city. Here, moreover, in the evening you can look for a bit of tranquility and spend an evening sipping a good cocktail and chatting, far from the party-going soul that you will find instead towards the beach and the promenade.
- How to get there: it is located in the lower part of the city, within walking distance from the center and the beach – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
6 – Tomb of Italo Calvino Perhaps not everyone knows that an important figure of the Italian scene rests
in the small cemetery located in the upper town : we are talking about Italo Calvino, a famous Italian writer and partisan.
The writer fell in love with the Tuscan Maremma and its morphology, in some respects very similar to that of his beloved Liguria. In fact, he chose these Roccamare (a locality near Castiglione della Pescaia) as his summer residence and he loved its beautiful beaches hidden by the pine forest so much that I use them as a setting for several stories about him.
- How to get there: between via della Pace and via delle Dolomiti; near the Church of San Giovanni Battista, easily reachable on foot – Get directions
- Hours: Monday to Saturday 8: 30-18: 00, closed on Sunday
- Ticket cost: free
7 – Lungomare
If you are looking for a quieter nightlife in the evening you have to stay in the Corso della Liberta area, if you want to party all night the seafront is the right place for you, which follows all of Via Roma! Here, in fact, there are some of the most exclusive and trendy clubs, which offer themed evenings and DJ sets that last until dawn!
But not only that, we advise you to enjoy a nice walk along the seafront during the day , admiring the beautiful beaches that follow one another and enjoying a particular view of the upper part of the city, where the castle and the bell tower of the Church of San Giovanni stand out.
- How to get there: the seafront corresponds to via Roma; easily accessible from all parts of the city, here are all the beaches and the best bathing establishments – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
8 – Spiaggia di Ponente
Photo by Ceccomaster. One of the most beautiful beaches in the city, ideal for spending a few hours in total relaxation. It is the main city beach and is located in front of the city center, therefore easily accessible.
This long stretch of beach runs towards the locality of Punta Ala and here there are many bathing establishments , such as Bagno Nettuno, Bagno Balena, Bagno Granchio and Bagno Agua Fria, all properly equipped and with different services for guests. The beach is characterized by golden sand, a crystalline sea and shallow waters that make it perfect even for families with small children.
- How to get there: on the seafront via Roma, the beach which is located in front of the historic center; easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the city – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible; the bathing establishments are generally open 8: 00-19: 00, each single establishment may have slightly different hours
- Ticket cost: free; the bathing establishments offer various paid services, such as umbrella rental (in high season on average € 25.00 per day umbrella + two deck chairs)
9 – Spiaggia di Levante
If the Spiaggia di Ponente is all that runs north towards Punta Ala, the stretch of sand that runs south towards the locality of Marina di Grosseto and Spiaggia Levante. Also in this case it is easily reachable from the center also thanks to the bus lines. The two beaches are considered to be twins, although this is a quieter beach .
Here too there are bathing establishments (albeit fewer in number) that provide a whole range of services for their guests. Also perfect for families with small children. Furthermore, there is a beautiful pine forest herewhere you can relax during the hottest hours and the Bau Beach Selene, a beach / park where dogs are allowed, ideal if you are traveling with your 4-legged friend.
- How to get there: on the seafront in via; from the center easily reachable on foot or by bus lines 1 / G and 49D that stop along the Provincial Road of the Padule – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible; the bathing establishments are generally open 8: 00-19: 00, each single establishment may have slightly different hours
- Ticket cost: free; the bathing establishments offer various paid services, such as umbrella rental (in high season on average € 25.00 per day umbrella + two deck chairs)
10 – Roccamare and Rocchette Beach
Photo by Cristiano64. It is located in the locality of Roccamare, towards the north, towards Punta Ala, and one of the most beautiful beaches and you can reach it by car, bus or taxi.
If you are looking for tranquility and you do not want to be in the midst of crowded bathing establishments, this is the right beach for you! It is in fact located in a wild and uncontaminated stretch of coast , reachable by walking along a footpath about 400 meters long from the locality of Roccamare. Golden beach, wonderful sea and tranquility, what more could you want!
- How to get there: in Roccamare; easily reachable from the center with the 0c1 bus towards Rocchette Mare (11 min, € 2.00) or by taxi (8 min, average cost € 15.00) to Roccamare, then walk a path of 400 m – Get directions
- Hours: always open
- Ticket cost: free
One day itinerary in Castiglione della Pescaia
Photo by Johannes Gilger. Start the morning with breakfast in the center at Bar Quei Bravi Ragazzi, with coffee and croissants at an average cost of € 3.00. Then begin the tour of the historic center, walking along Corso della Liberta, full of shops, and taking the climb that will take you to the upper part , where there are several historic buildings.
Go beyond the walls and admire the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the castle, which rises above the city. Enjoy the wonderful sea view from here! Stop at the Centurioni Palace, the oldest in the city, which hosts temporary exhibitions and events.
Come down and stop for lunch at Ristorante Zitto e Mangia (average cost per person € 25.00).
Take a taxi and in about 10 minutes (average cost € 15.00), you will reach Roccamare and relax for a few hours on the Rocchette beach ! Take the taxi back and reach the Ponente beach, on the seafront in via Roma, for the sunset and enjoy an aperitif at the Skipper Beach Club (average cost € 10.00).
End the evening by dining at the Osteria il Recinto, which offers seafood and land dishes at an average cost of € 30.00 per person. If you have time, spend the evening in one of the many clubs on the seafront!
Here is the one-day itinerary in summary :
- Breakfast at the Quei Bravi Ragazzi Bar
- Ancient city walls
- Church of San Giovanni Battista – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
- Castle – opening hours: always accessible from the outside – ticket price: free
- Palazzo Centurioni – opening hours: always accessible from the outside, opening hours based on exhibitions and events – ticket price: free from outside, prices based on exhibitions and events
- Lunch at Ristorante Zitto e Mangia
- Rocchette beach – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
- Ponente beach – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
- Aperitif at sunset from Skipper Beach Club
- Dinner at Osteria il Recinto
Where to eat in Castiglione della Pescaia
- Ristorante Zitto e Mangia : restaurant on the main street of the city, overlooking the sea, specializing in fish dishes such as cacciucco, paranza and cuttlefish ink
Average price per person: € 25.00
Address and contacts: Corso della Liberta, 21 (Get directions ) / tel: 3929439680 - Osteria il Recinto : cozy restaurant at the entrance to the city, offers seafood and land dishes
Average price per person: € 30.00
Address and contacts: Via JFKennedy, 6 (Get directions) / tel: 0564933958 - Il Ritrovino : in the city center, excellent traditional dishes and a good choice of wines
Average price per person: € 30.00
Address and contacts: Via della Fonte, 8 (Get directions) / tel: 3342310112
What to do in the evening: nightlife areas and best clubs
Photo by Petitverdot. In Castiglione della Pescaia certainly there is no lack of nightlife, which is concentrated mainly in summer! Most of the most exclusive clubs, perfect for partying, are located on the seafront, also an ideal place for aperitifs at sunset! If, on the other hand, you are looking for something more peaceful and welcoming, and perhaps even romantic, we recommend going to the upper part of the city.
- Discoteca Capannina : discotheque just outside the city, open only from May to September, with numerous DJ sets in a beautiful setting in the middle of the green / Address: Via del Cinghiale (Get directions) / Facebook page
- Skipper Beach Club : one of the most exclusive clubs, located on the beach, organizes beach parties and evenings with live music / Address: Via Roma, 3 (Get directions) / Facebook page
- La Terrazza : one of the trendiest clubs, with a terrace overlooking the sea and also with a castle view, organizes theme nights, DJ sets and live music / Address: Corso della Liberta, 49 (Get directions) / Facebook page
Plan your stay in Castiglione della Pescaia: info and useful tips
- How to get there: reachable by car from all over the country: from Milan it is 409 km (4 h 33 min), from Rome 199 km (2 h 24 min), from Naples 422 km (4 h 22 min). By train arrive in Grosseto, then take bus 1 / G or 49D Tiemme (32 min, € 3.50)
- How to get around : on foot, the attractions are all close together. Alternatively, you can take the 1 / G or 49D buses of the Tiemme company or taxis; for example the route Castiglione – Rocchette by bus costs € 2.00, by taxi on average € 15.00
- Where to park : the city has several parking lots. In the center you can park in Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Pascoli (April-October € 1.50 / hour, November-March € 0.60 / hour). Near the Levante Beach there is the Pineta Salene Parking (June-September € 1.00 / hour or € 5.00 / day; free shuttle service to the center in the summer months)
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 60.00 per room – see the offers
- What to see in the surrounding area : Rocca Aldobrandesca di Buriano, Punta Ala, Forte delle Rocchette, Vetulonia, Convent of Sant’Agostino di Tirli, Diaccia Batrona Nature Reserve
