We (family of 4 with 16 and 18 old sons) are looking at driving north from Ostia up the coast for a break from the cities before heading to Florence. Does anyone have suggestions on where to stay or see ? Cecina beach town ? Trying to stay away from crowds. Also saw Borgo Felciaione in Riparbella, has anyone stayed here? Thank you!
Posted by
5276 posts
Orbetello was wonderful. It is very different, being on a lagoon. You have the option to explore the Monte Argentario promontory, or drive inland and see thermal springs and hill towns like Pitigliano and Etruscan ruins, and about 30 minutes to the north is Maremma/Ucellina park with great hiking, bike rental.
Of course all of this area will be crowded if this trip is in summer. In May, it was divine!
Cecina area could also be great, but I passed it by. Just to the south of that area, I liked Massa Marittima, Vetulonia, and the Etruscan ruins at Populonia.
Posted by
Boston
1814 posts
One good stop would be the Etruscan tombs at Populonia. The tombs of different eras and the history of the community behind them are fantastic and the meandering trails along forested hillsides to see them would be good for energetic teens. There are also beautiful beaches nearby if the weather is right. https://www.marthasitaly.com/articles/31/populonia-etruscan-tombs
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Echoing what valadephia recommended, Ortebello is a great beach area as are the hot springs near Saturnia, think your kids would really enjoy this.
https://www.marthasitaly.com/articles/14/saturnia-tuscany-spa-town-and-hot-springs
We took my 15 year old Grandaughter there last September, and she loved it. My daughter and I did too. 😊
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32398 posts
The only suggestion that comes to mind is to ensure that each driver listed on the rental form has the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. Also, be vigilant to avoid the ZTL (limited traffic) areas which exist in many Italian towns (hefty fines for each pass through these areas).
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16209 posts
The prettiest beaches on the coast are probably the area around Mt Argentario peninsula (a national park), and it’s towns like Porto Santo Stefano, Porto Garibaldi, Orbetello on the lagoon. Further north Castiglion della Pescaia and Talamone are nice. The latter is next to the Maremma regional park.
A bit more to the interior is famous Capalbio and Massa Marittima. Grosseto, the provincial capital, has a pretty historical center. From there I would cut through Siena, unless you are headed to Pisa.