Livorno

Livorno is the nearest seaside city to the Chianti: a lively port, a long waterfront and a rocky coast where locals have been swimming for generations. Perfect for a beach day combined with a stroll through town.

A city built by the Medici

From the late 16th century the Medici turned Livorno into a free port open to merchants from everywhere. From that era come the Fortezza Vecchia, the Fortezza Nuova and the Venezia Nuova quarter with its canals – the Fossi medicei – which you can also explore by boat.

Livorno is not an art city like Florence or Siena, but it has a character all its own: down-to-earth, seafaring and devoted to good fish cooking.

The sea in town

Along Viale Italia, the seafront south of the centre, historic bathing establishments are built on the flat rock of the shore, many with a pool. Livorno's coast is mostly rocky: instead of long sandy beaches there are rocks, platforms and small coves.

Further south, beyond Antignano, the coast becomes higher and wilder – this is where you'll find the Cala del Leone.

Not to be missed

• Terrazza MascagniThe large seafront terrace with chequerboard paving – at sunset the most beautiful spot in town.
• A swim in the seaThe bathing establishments on the rocks of Viale Italia, with sunbeds, umbrellas and often a pool.
• Venezia Nuova and the Fossi mediceiThe canal quarter, to explore on foot or on a boat tour.
• Mercato Centrale and cacciuccoThe large 19th-century covered market and Livorno's traditional fish stew.

Good to know

• The bathing establishments charge for entry; in summer, especially at weekends, it's worth booking sunbeds and an umbrella.
• Access to the water is often over rocks – water shoes are very useful.
• The centre has restricted traffic zones (ZTL); use the signposted car parks.
• The route uses the Florence–Pisa–Livorno expressway; summer traffic can make it much longer.