Castiglione della Pescaia: what to see, where to eat and sleep in the pearl of Maremma

Discover the best things to do in Castiglione della Pescaia: dream beaches, historic villages, must-visit restaurants and exclusive hotels

Castiglione della Pescaia is an Etruscan village located in the Tuscan Maremma, perched on hills overlooking the cerulean sea and at the same time surrounded by pine trees and fields of olive trees. It has just under ten thousand inhabitants. This picturesque village is about 170 kilometers from Florence and about 97 kilometers from Siena by car, making it the perfect destination for a road trip through Tuscan landscapes or for a relaxing vacation.

Its splendid medieval castle and ancient walls date back to the 10th century: initially called “Torre Pisana” and built as a coastal tower, today it soars majestically over the sea.

Within walking distance are magnificent beaches, perfect for those seeking sunshine framed by striking cliffs. One of the most famous is Rocchette Beach, located south of Punta Ala, where visitors can relax in a breathtaking natural setting or enjoy snorkeling and other water activities. (For more details, read the article dedicated to the most beautiful beaches in the Tuscan Maremma HERE).

What to see in Castiglione della Pescaia

Museo Casa Rossa Ximenes
Via Casa Rossa - Casa Rossa, Castiglione della Pescaia
ph. + 39 0564 927244

Located in the heart of the Diaccia Botrona nature reserve, but a short distance from the historic center, the Casa Rossa Ximenes Museum is a building of great historical value. Designed in 1765 by mathematician and engineer Leonardo Ximenes at the behest of Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo of Tuscany, its function was to separate fresh and salt water and regulate the flow of the lake. Today it is a multimedia museum dedicated to the nature reserve, where activities such as birdwatching and horseback riding are also organized.

Castello Aragonese o Rocca di Castiglione della Pescaia
Via Giatti, Castiglione della Pescaia

At the top of the hill overlooking the town and the sea stands the Aragonese Castle, an unmistakable symbol of the town. The complex consists of three towers, a coastal tower and a stone wall from the Aragonese period. The original structure, a watchtower built in the 10th century, was expanded in the 15th century by Alfonso of Aragon. Today the castle is privately owned, but it is possible to walk around it to admire its impressive exterior architecture.

Palazzo Centurioni
Via Ospedale, Castiglione della Pescaia

Located in the heart of the town, this historic building was built in the 15th century to accommodate distinguished guests from Florence. It was later rebuilt by the Medici as the town hall. The three-story palace is an impressive example of Renaissance architecture, restored in 2008. Today it hosts exhibitions and cultural events open to the public.

Rocchette

A few kilometers from Castiglione della Pescaia, Rocchette is a well-known seaside resort named after the ancient coastal watchtower, Forte delle Rocchette, still visible on the hillside. The beach, surrounded by pine forests and cliffs, offers golden sand and crystal clear waters, perfect for days of relaxation. It is possible to go scuba diving in the nearby sea cave and observe the fauna of the seabed. The most popular lido in the area is Bagno Alessandro (Strada Provinciale delle Rocchette, 98), which has a bar and restaurant.

What to see in the surroundings of Castiglione della Pescaia

Punta Ala

About a 20-minute drive from the historic center, Punta Ala is a renowned seaside resort with golden beaches, clear waters and an elegant marina. It was Italo Balbo who renamed it “Punta Ala,” inspired by the shape of the peninsula. The area is famous for luxury tourism, thanks to the presence of chic restaurants, exclusive hotels and the prestigious Punta Ala Golf Club, one of the largest in Tuscany.

Tirli

A typical medieval village nestled in a chestnut forest, Tirli is 580 meters above sea level and only 20 minutes from Castiglione della Pescaia. Its panoramic location offers spectacular views of the Maremma. Ideal for nature and architecture lovers, it is home to the Church of Sant'Andrea Apostolo, a Romanesque-Baroque building from the 17th century.

Where to sleep in Castiglione della Pescaia

L'Andana
Località Badiola, Castiglione della Pescaia
ph. +39 0564 944800

L'Andana is a resort of excellence nestled in the Tuscan countryside, just 7 km from Castiglione della Pescaia. Once the granary of Grand Duke Leopold II of Lorraine, it now welcomes guests along a charming cypress-lined avenue and consists of two buildings: La Villa and La Fattoria. The atmosphere is relaxed and refined, ideal for enjoying the Maremma hills. Among the activities on offer: wine classes, yoga in the park, bike rides and a luxurious day spa. Completing the experience is the trattoria Enrico Bartolini, with extraordinary dishes signed by Italy's most starred chef.

Cala Del Porto Resort
Via Cala del Pozzo, Punta Ala
ph. +39 0564 922455

Overlooking the beautiful bay of Punta Ala, Cala del Porto Resort offers elegant Italian-style suites with views of the sea and Elba Island. The panoramic outdoor pool is perfect for relaxing while sipping drinks or enjoying snacks. The resort has direct access to beaches, offers private tours to local wineries and nearby towns such as Grosseto. Inside, the Belvedere Bar offers a selection of wines and fine dishes made with local ingredients.

Gallia Palace Beach Golf & Spa
Via delle sughere, Punta Ala, Castiglione Della
ph. +39 0564922022

A 5-star hotel nestled between woods and sea, the Gallia Palace boasts a private beach with white sand and crystal-clear sea just 500 meters away, reachable on foot or by shuttle. Amenities include a 25-meter swimming pool, spa with beauty treatments, hairdresser, boat excursions, horseback riding and bike rides. A short distance away is the Punta Ala Golf Club, considered among the most beautiful in Europe.

L' Approdo
Via Ponte Giorgini, 29, Castiglione della Pescaia
ph. 0564 934437

This 4-star hotel enjoys a convenient location, close to both the sea and the historic center. The cozy, well-appointed rooms also include family-friendly options with panoramic balconies overlooking the harbor. Breakfast is served on the top floor with stunning views, while La Bitta restaurant serves a themed buffet with Maremma specialties. The hotel offers free parking and bicycles for exploring the area. The beach is within easy walking distance, with advance reservations available.

Riva Del Sole Resort & Spa
Località Riva del Sole, Castiglione della Pescaia
ph. +39 0564 928111

Overlooking the sea and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, this 4-star resort has a 600-meter-long private beach, ideal for relaxing in the sun. La Palma restaurant and Riva pizzeria & grill offer Italian cuisine. The spa includes a Finnish sauna, steam room and facial and body treatments. The resort is also perfect for families: children's play area and water sports center with activities such as sailing and windsurfing for all ages.

Where to eat in Castiglione della Pescaia

Osteria del Mare già Votapentole
Via 4 Novembre 15, Castiglione della Pescaia
ph: +39 0564 93476

Just minutes from the coast, Osteria del Mare offers authentic seafood cuisine based on seasonality and fresh ingredients. Chef Massimiliano Ciregia expertly blends seafood and Italian products in refined dishes, such as apple crumble or traditional cacciucco with octopus, dogfish, garlic and tomato paste. Run by the Ciregia family, the restaurant offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a genuine and sophisticated dining experience.

Macchiascandona
Via Castiglione, Castiglione della Pescaia
Tel. +39 0564 944127

Just 9 km from the center, nestled in the countryside, Macchiascandona is famous for serving what many call “the best Maremma ravioli in the world”: an irregular raviolo, handmade by Milena for more than 50 years, filled with ricotta, spinach, salt and nutmeg, served with a rich ragout. The menu also features typical dishes such as acquacotta and other fresh pastas, to be accompanied by excellent local wines.

L' Andana - Tenuta la Badiola
Località Badiola, Castiglione della pescaia
Tel. +39 0564 944800

Nestled among cypress and pine trees, Enrico Bartolini's trattoria-the most starred chef in Italy-offers cuisine that blends tradition and innovation. Chef Bruno De Moura Cossio's grill menu exalts meats, fish and vegetables cooked over an open fire, served in clay plates and earthenware bowls. Ingredients are sourced directly from the estate, striking a perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication.

Terra di Nello
Località Poggetto, Castiglione della Pescaia
Tel. + 34 347 9546258

Once a gathering place for village festivals, today Terra di Nello is a refined osteria surrounded by greenery, with tables under pergolas in the garden. Chef Alessio Biagi offers dishes that blend Tuscan cuisine with a creative twist, enhancing the flavors of the land. Famous for its meat and hand-cut tartare, the cuisine is accompanied by an excellent wine list, with biodynamic and local offerings.

Pan e vino
Corso della Libertà, Castiglione della Pescaia
ph. +39 333 408 0871

Located near the sea, this stone restaurant offers a creative menu centered on homemade pasta and raw fish. Chef Salvatore, joined by partner Roberta and daughter Giulia, a young sommelier, works with local raw materials, offering a sensory experience made up of the authentic colors, scents and flavors of the Maremma.

Locanda La Luna
Via del Podere, 8, Tirli, Castiglione della Pescaia
ph. + 39 0564 945854

Nestled in the heart of Maremma, just a few kilometers from Castiglione, Locanda La Luna is the ideal place to discover Maremma cuisine with a contemporary twist. Chef Emilio Signori reinterprets traditional dishes such as Florentine steak or wild boar with apple stew. The rustic, stone-walled atmosphere is perfect for enjoying fine local and international wines.

How to arrive to Castiglione della Pescaia from Florence

Reaching Castiglione della Pescaia from Florence is easy and pleasant, perfect for a road trip through the Tuscan hills. The drive takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Florence and 1 hour and 20 minutes from Siena.

If you are coming from the north, we recommend taking the A11 Firenze-Livorno highway and then continuing on the SS1 Aurelia (E80) towards Grosseto. The recommended exit is Follonica Nord, from which you follow the signs for Castiglione della Pescaia.

Alternatively, you can arrive by train to Grosseto and then continue by bus or cab (about 25 km away).