morris111

Ciao! -- I'm looking for a coastal destination (home base) from which to explore Tuscany in early September. Ideally, I'd like a place that's not overrun with buses and tour groups. I'll have a rental car with me and will be traveling out of Florence on my return back to the states.

I've heard good things about Port Ercole and Santa Margherita Ligure. Are these good locations? Are there others that folks would recommend?

Any suggestions on small idyllic towns and great hotels near or no the water?

Grazie mile!
Steve

HappyTrvlr

They're both very nice but not near the heart of Tuscany. Choose another location in Tuscany in addition to your coastal stop such as Chianti region or atea near Montalcino.

WWK

Check out yesterday's NYT Sunday Travel section on "Lesser-known Gems on a Well-traveled Coast". It mentions Bolgheri, Populonia, Castiglione della Pescale, Talaone, and Capalbio, all south of Forte Dei Marmi, all not as overrun apparently as other towns.

bobthenavigator

Read your books and decide what you want to see in Tuscany. If it is the classic hill towns of south Tuscany or centro Chianti then those coastal towns are too far to base. Both seaside towns you mention are more than 2 hours from Siena, which is the heart of Tuscany.

morris111

Thanks for your responses! I'll check out the NY Times article! Grazie!