The Best Walking Trails along the Tuscany Coast
Whether you're after a challenging clifftop hike or a leisurely stroll through pine forests, the panoramic trails along the Tuscany coast deliver landscapes that feel worlds away from the usual tourist circuit.
The Tuscan coastline isn't just about beaches. From the protected dunes of the Maremma to the dramatic cliffs of Argentario, this stretch of southern Tuscany offers some of Italy's most rewarding coastal walking routes. Whether you're after a challenging clifftop hike or a leisurely stroll through pine forests, the panoramic trails along the Tuscany coast deliver landscapes that feel worlds away from the usual tourist circuit.
Why Walk the Tuscan Coast?
Tuscany's southern shoreline is still relatively untouched. The trails here wind through the Maremma Regional Park, cross ancient fortifications, and connect hidden beaches that you can only reach on foot. You'll encounter wild boar tracks, catch sight of flamingos in coastal lagoons, and stop at viewpoints where the islands of Giglio and Giannutri rise from the Mediterranean Sea.
The walking here ranges from easy beach access trails to more demanding ridge routes. Most paths are well-marked, though some require basic navigation skills and proper footwear.
Cala di Forno Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 12 km round trip
Time: 3-4 hours
The hike to Cala di Forno is probably the most iconic walk in the Maremma Regional Park. Starting from Talamone, the trail cuts through thick Mediterranean scrub before emerging at a pristine bay of golden sand.
What makes this trail special is the complete absence of road access. The beach belongs to hikers and the occasional patrol boat. In spring and autumn, you might spot deer grazing near the dunes or catch migrating birds resting in the protected wetlands behind the beach.
The trail connects well with other routes in the park, including the towers trail that links several 16th-century watchtowers along the coast.
Monte Argentario Coastal Paths
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Distance: Various routes 5-15 km
Time: 2-6 hours
The Argentario promontory juts into the Tyrrhenian, offering a network of trails that climb from sea level to 635 meters at Punta Telegrafo. The classic route from Porto Ercole follows old mule tracks up to Forte Stella, one of the Spanish fortresses that crown the hilltops.
From these ridges, the views are extraordinary: Porto Santo Stefano to the north, the Giglio archipelago offshore, and on clear days, the outline of Corsica. The trails here demand good fitness and a head for heights. Paths are rocky and exposed, with steep drops on the seaward side.
Early morning is the best time to tackle these routes, especially in summer when afternoon heat makes the exposed sections uncomfortable. The light at dawn turns the sea copper-gold and catches the white buildings of Porto Ercole far below.
For a less demanding option, the coastal path from Cala Galera to Forte Filippo stays closer to sea level and takes you through olive groves and past several secluded coves.
Feniglia Nature Reserve and The Pine Forest Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6 km one way
Time: 1.5-2 hours
The Feniglia sandbar is a flat, shaded walk through maritime pine forest that connects Porto Ercole to Ansedonia. This is where you come when you want an easy morning walk without the climbs.
On one side of the narrow trail lies the Orbetello Lagoon, a protected wetland where flamingos, herons, and egrets feed in the shallow water. On the other, through the pine trunks, you catch glimpses of the Tyrrhenian. The path is wide, well-maintained, and suitable for all fitness levels.
You can start from either end; both have parking areas and bike rentals if you prefer to cover the distance faster. The trail is particularly beautiful in late afternoon when the light filters through the pines and the lagoon turns pink with feeding flamingos.
This area represents the kind of natural balance Tuscany does well: accessible, protected, and surprisingly wild despite being so close to popular beaches and towns.
Capalbio to Torre Saline Coastal Walk
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 8 km one way
Time: 2-3 hours
South of the Argentario, near Capalbio, the landscape opens up into rolling hills that drop toward long sandy beaches. The walk from Capalbio Scalo to the Torre Saline follows the coast through a mix of agricultural land and wild beach vegetation.
This is less dramatic than the Argentario trails but offers a different perspective on the southern Tuscany coastline. You pass working farms, vineyards, and occasionally catch the scent of herbs drying in the sun.
The trail can easily be combined with a visit to the Tarot Garden, Niki de Saint Phalle's surreal sculpture park just inland from Capalbio.
Starting Your Coastal Walks from LA ROQQA
Porto Ercole makes an ideal base for exploring these trails. From LA ROQQA, you're fifteen minutes from the Feniglia trailhead, twenty minutes from Maremma Park entrances, and at the doorstep of Monte Argentario's coastal paths.
Because the best walks along the Tuscany coast deserve a proper starting point, and somewhere worth coming back to at the end of the day.
Explore LA ROQQA’s tailored experiences and discover how to make the most of your stay in southern Tuscany.