THE SEA OF THE SILVER COAST
The Sea of the Costa d’Argento Without a doubt the sea and coast are Costa d’Argento’s selling point. The kilometers of beach which extend from Talamone all the way to the coast of Capalbio, bordering the region of Lazio, are some of the most beautiful and certainly the most popular in all of Tuscany.
The coast is varied, with long sandy stretches interspersed with rugged cliffs and small delightful ravines. These characteristics, coupled with the favorable weather conditions, enable the tourist to choose the type of seaside vacation best suited to him/her: from the most natural and wild vacation in bays and creeks, to functional public beaches and lastly to the long stretches of coast equipped with bathing establishments, campgrounds and holiday resorts perfect for those who like combining the sea and fun.
From the south, the city of Capalbio has a long coastal strip of black sand with long stretches of public beach and areas equipped with bathing establishments, bars and restaurants. The water is deep straightaway and is well-suited to those who love swimming. The long beach is cut off by the small Ansedonia Promontory which extends over the sea and continues with the Feniglia Dune, together with the Giannella Dune, one of the natural strips of land which connect the Argentario Promontory to the mainland. Here nature reigns supreme: a vast, luxurious pinewood, which today is protected by WWF, shields an expanse of fine sand with shallow water ideal for children.
The central part of the dune is a public beach, whereas the two extremities are equipped with various bathing establishments. You can reach the beach from the pinewood on foot or by renting a bike (bike rentals are located at the two extremities of the dune). In the center of Costa d’Argento we find the Argentario Promontory: it is mostly rocky with cliffs rising steeply over the sea which conceal creeks and small sandy stretches of rare beauty. Reaching them may be difficult at times, however, they are surely unique places where you can enjoy crystal-clear inviting waters. The ideal solution is to rent a boat to discover this lovely part of the coast, rich in grottoes and small islands (the Argentarola, the Rossa Island on the side of Porto S. Stefano and the Isolotto near Porto Ercole), veritable marine paradises for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts, where you can discover the amazing Poseidonia prairies and corals.
Leaving the promontory and heading north, you will find the Giannella Dune: 8 kilometers of beach alternating between bathing establishments and public beaches. The water is shallow and a large pinewood shelters the beach from the Provincial Road which leads to the Aurelia.
The mouth of the Albegna river marks the end of the Giannella Dune and the beginning of an expanse of coastline which stretches from Albinia all the way to Talamone. Here, sheltered in a centuries-old pinewood, you will find campgrounds and holiday resorts which are very conveniently located: only a stone’s throw from the Aurelia state road, yet surrounded by nature.
The coast is composed of very fine sand with crystal-clear water which is shallow, excepting the 8 kilometer-long stretch near the Talamonaccio Promontory and the areas of Bengodi and Osa where the sea breaks against the cliffs. Near Talamone the beach becomes sandy and accessible once more, particularly to those who love water sports, thanks to the unique wind action in this section.
The coasts of the Giglio and Giannutri islands are a must-see for those who love seaside vacations. They are located within the Tuscan Archipelago, therefore certain areas are sheltered.
Rich in granite, Giglio Island has a varied coastline; there are numerous sheltered creeks where, besides the crystalline water, you can also enjoy the tranquility. The bathing facilities are located both on the eastern side, the Cannelle beach is to the left of the port, as well as on the western side with the Campese beach, the longest beach in the whole island, behind which rises the town and residential area by the same name.
The Giannutri Island is less accessible as far as sailing, fishing and immersions are concerned because, for the most part, it is considered a marine protected area. Even land use is regulated during the summer months, yet you have the chance to enjoy two small creeks, Spalmatoio Creek, where you are allowed to dock, and Maestra Creek.
In any case, if you wish to access protected areas it always good form to contact the appropriate authority (in this case the Tuscan Archipelago) to find out the regulations and possible uses in existence in order to respect and enjoy unique and, unfortunately, rare environments.
