One of Italy’s most beloved coastal areas lies south of Livorno, towards Follonica. Marina di Castagneto’s sandy beach is separated from the town of Donoratico by pine woods and fields of sunflowers. The resort has now won the EU’s much sought-after ‘Blue Flag’ commendation (for clean water and well-kept beaches) for the eighth time.

The Gulf of Baratti, half an hour further south, is one of the most picturesque beaches on the Tyrrhenian coastline. The village of Populonia, perched on a hilltop, looks out over a magical beach, and majestic umbrella pines provide shade for picnics.