
Tuscany is probably best known for its rolling rural hills, glorious sunshine and architecture, but the Tuscan coastline, with its bright blue ocean, rocky cliffs and sprinkling of islands is no less beautiful than the interior. And it’s got the beach! The Tuscan culinary traditions extend to seafood, figs and grapes along the coastline, and you’re not far from the art museums either. The Hotel Gurus recommend Viareggio if you’re looking for sandy beaches, and some of their picks for the best hotels on the Tuscan Coast for sea views and the beach have been uncovered here. They like the dune and nature reserves to the east of Pisa if you’re looking for the best hotels on the Tuscan Coast for romance, and Porto Santo Stefano and Port’Ercole if you’re into boats. But they’ve recommendations for families, groups and great value choices too.
For a Special Occasion

- Il Pellicano is a stunning clifftop hotel overlooking a picturesque expanse of rocky bay on the Tuscan archipelago. There are 50 rooms and suites, luxuriously decorated, but with traditional tiled floors and exposed beams, and there are two superb restaurants, one being the Michelin starred Il Pelicano. You can take cooking classes too, and there are opportunities to snorkel, play golf, sail or boat, and really relax. Kids, we’re sorry, this one is not for you.
For Water Views
[image id="8e48eee5f2c5cd5131583ea5670fdf91" size="600x422" lat="Cala del Porto"]
- Cala del Porto is a small but luxurious resort overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, across a bright blue lagoon pool and landscaped gardens. The 41 rooms and suites have classic decor and private balconies with sea views. The facilities are generous, and there are two restaurants, both with great seafood choices
- The Villa Talamo is beautiful villa turned B&B in a stunning spot, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The eight rooms don’t rest of their laurels of idyllic views, though; they’re elegant and full of charm and personality, and there’s definitely the feeling of being guests in a wonderful home, rather than a hotel. The terrace, pool and gardens all have perfect ocean views too.
For a Beach Break

- The Palace Hotel is an elegant and traditional Italian hotel in a seaside-perfect spot across the road from the beach in Viareggio. The classical blue and white exterior adds a feeling of traditional luxury, which isn’t lost inside, where there are murals, pillars, parquet flooring and wood panelled walls. The beach views are just as memorable, especially from the roof terrace, and many of the 73 rooms and suites have private balconies facing the water. The hotel has two restaurants, and comfortably sized family suites.
- Viareggio’s Hotel Plaza e de Russie has been playing host to stylish visitors since 1871, and its 51 rooms and suites will still appeal to stylish visitors today, who will also undoubtedly appreciate the ocean views, private balconies and terraces and the Michelin-starred restaurant. As well as being just across from the beach, guests staying here are also close to bars, restaurants, galleries and shops.
- The Principe Forte dei Marmi is a luxurious, 28 room beachfront hotel with a classical facade, private balconies and a contemporary interior. There’s also a full equipped spa and seafood (of course) restaurant.
For an escape

- The Locanda Al Colle is an intimate rural escape, with warm friendly hosts looking after just seven chic rooms and suites converted from an elegant villa. This is just the sort of property many of us would imagine when hearing the words “Tuscan escape”, with views of olive groves, stone walls, and a bright blue sky, and stylish rustic interiors featuring beamed-ceilings, parquet and tiled floors, and expansive terraces. It’s a cliche, but you really won’t want to leave.
- Vedetta Relais is an eight room room boutique hotel overlooking, but just back from, the Tyrrhenian Sea. The individually decorated rooms are large, with wooden floors, stone bathrooms and plenty of art. There’s an outdoor pool, rolling gardens and excellent locally-sourced cuisine. If you can't book one of the rooms try one of the new elegant lodges set in the estate's olive grove.
For Romance
- The Hotel Byron is a small, five star hotel on the coast just outside Forte dei Marmi. There are 29 elegant rooms and suites, a Michelin starred restaurant, spa facilities and beautiful grounds. This is a wonderful place to come to be looked after.
- The Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola offers views over the Mediterranean from many of its 50 cool, elegant rooms, and seriously dreamy views from its peaceful, clifftop garden and infinity pool.
- Poggio ai Santi is a wonderful Tuscan villa, just a few minutes from the coast, overlooking a lush valley. The 11 rooms and suites are simple, with parquet floors, huge beds and private patios, and they serve fantastic, locally sourced food and wine.
For Families
- The Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte might not look, or sound, like an obvious choice for a family holiday, but this rather splendid 1920s built hotel on Viareggio’s seafront is in a great spot, right opposite a safe beach and beach club, and the 106 rooms vary in decor from elegant Deco to modern and comfortable. There are also two restaurants and a rooftop pool and spa.
- The Grand Hotel Imperiale might also seem like an unlikely candidate for a family beach break, but this glitzy resort has a fully staffed kids club, as well as 46 airy rooms and suites — many of them family friendly. There are also three restaurants, a wellness centre and a private beach.
For Groups

- For the classic Tuscan villa escape you’ve always dreamed of consider the Villa La Bianca, an enchanting Tuscan gem surrounded by views of rural Camaiore. There are six rooms and suites, some sleeping four, and numerous communal living spaces — and all of it carefully and tastefully decorated. There’s also a pool.
For Rural Peace and Relaxation

- The Relais Sant'Elena is charming, creeper-covered stone farmhouse in a tranquil Tuscan corner, carefully renovated throughout to retain the charming rustic features. Expect exposed stone walls, expansive rural views, cast iron four-poster beds and many shades of terracotta. The restaurant thrives on local produce, and the views from the pool are quite something.
- Tucked away in the wood outside Elba’s Rio Marina, Il Termine is a small hotel converted from an 18th century Tuscan stone villa. There are just six rooms, all decorated with a collection of antiques, art and illustrations, and there’s a pool and spa set in beautiful gardens. You can book all sorts of extras beyond your stay and spa treatments, including guide nature walks and sailing trips on the hotel yacht.
For Tuscan Style

- Converted from a gloriously palatial private residence in the centre of Orbetello, the Relais san Biagio is a stylish, 41 room hotel with plenty of Italian charm. The rooms vary a lot in size and shape — some have double height painted ceilings and pillars, and the rooms higher up have exposed beams. The decor varies too, but you can expect Italian antiques, in a homely atmosphere. The restaurant is welcoming and well regarded, but you’re within a pleasant stroll of many other places to eat and drink.
- Casa Iris is a bijou boutique B&B within a five hundred year old palazzo, also in the historic centre of Orbetello. The decor is a beautifully balanced mix of original features, including incredible original frescoes, and contemporary Italian design pieces. This is a really unusual and memorable place with stay, on the edge of town, but a short walk from local sights.
- For historic, palazzo luxury with a twist, stay at the Palazzo Guiscardo, an exceptional Art Nouveau building in Pietrasanta, with ten impressive bedrooms featuring canopy beds and marble bathrooms. The twist comes in the contemporary art and decor of the common areas.
For Sightseeing

- Converted from a 17th century palazzo, the Albergo Pietrasanta is a collection of 20 exquisitely decorated rooms. Nothing here is overdone, but the intricate plasterwork, delicate frescoes, beautiful parquet floors and collection of antiques all adds up to a luxurious setting. And the owners are displaying an impressive art collection. Located in Pietrasanta, you’re close to the beach and historic sights. There’s no restaurant but there are plenty nearby.
For Great Value

- Technically the unspoiled island of Elba is off the Tuscan Coast not on it, but you might want to humour us with our exception when you see the Boutique Hotel Ilio, a 20 room, laid back, contemporary hotel on the northwest coast close to restaurants and dive centres. And with rooms which start from only €85 per night including breakfast!
Still not sure where to book?