Bibbona is a small hill village set back from the Etruscan Coast, roughly midway between Livorno and Piombino. The village itself is a quiet cluster of stone houses around a church, while its seaside offshoot, Marina di Bibbona, has a long sandy beach backed by pine woods. It's this combination of hill-village calm and easy beach access that makes Bibbona work as a villa base. We particularly rate it for families who want both pool and sand without long drives.
Why Stay in Bibbona
- Beach and countryside — Marina di Bibbona's sandy beach is about 8 km from the village, reachable in ten minutes by car. Back at the villa, you're in olive-grove countryside.
- Family-friendly coast — the beach shelves gently and the water is calm, making it suitable for younger children. Beach clubs with sunbeds and umbrellas are available if you prefer that setup.
- Wine territory, Bolgheri, home to some of Italy's most celebrated (and expensive) red wines, is just 15 minutes north.
- Honest caveat. the hill village has very few shops or restaurants. Marina di Bibbona is more of a seasonal resort strip than a town. For proper provisioning or a wider restaurant choice, you'll drive to Cecina (15 minutes).
Things to Do in Bibbona
Beach days at Marina di Bibbona are the obvious draw. The beach runs for several kilometres, with both free sections and organised beach clubs (stabilimenti). The pine woods behind the beach have shaded walking and cycling paths.
Drive to Bolgheri for wine. The famous cypress-lined avenue (Viale dei Cipressi) leads to a small walled village with wine bars and tasting rooms. Sassicaia, Ornellaia, and other Super Tuscan producers are in the surrounding hills. Tastings at the top estates need booking well ahead; smaller producers are more accessible.
The Etruscan ruins at Populonia, about 30 minutes south, include a necropolis and a hilltop village with views across to Elba. It's a worthwhile half-day trip, especially combined with a stop at the Baratti beach below.
For a change of scenery, take the ferry from Piombino to Elba (45 minutes to the port, then an hour crossing). It makes a memorable full-day excursion.
