Castiglioncello

As shown in the works of the Macchiaioli painters, this little town was historically visited by big names in art and the performing arts, making it a lively cultural centre. Not for nothing does the Pasquini Castle put on cultural exhibitions, dance revues, literary and philosophical prizes and international conventions every year.

But Castiglioncello is more than the sum of its cultural parts. It also offers a range of sporting opportunities, from watersports to tennis to trekking. Chioma has a diving centre that attracts enthusiasts from all over Italy; the thick pinewood, meanwhile, is ideal for leisurely strolls.

Castiglioncello boasts a long and rich cinematographic history. Certain scenes of Il Sorpasso, one of Dino Risi's standout films (produced by Tuscan Mario Cecchi Gori) were shot between Calafuria and the marina. The town also provided the set for other masterpieces of cinema, including Paolo Virzì's La Prima Cosa Bella, Mario Monicelli's Viaggio con Anita, and Giacomo Gentilomo's Enrico Caruso: Leggenda di una voce.

Castiglioncello, part of the Etruscan Coast, is the ideal destination for sea and outdoor sports lovers. Here is possible to enjoy sailing and windsurfing, while the rich seabeds of the rocky coast between Chioma and Castiglioncello attract snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. The piers at Chioma and Rosignano represent a great launch point for all yachters who want to go to sea.
The museum in Palazzo Bombardieri, in Rosignano Marittimo, shows you the remains dug up from the nearby Etruscan necropolises, which proves just how significant a settlement there was here in ancient times.

The Foodies Festival takes place in and around Castiglioncello in the spring: this is an event dedicated to the tastebuds and traditional recipes. For those who love seafood, the historic Fish Festival comes every year in June, while the Inequilibrio Festival stages high-quality dance shows and bold artistic experiments, both Italian and international.

Castiglioncello's culinary offerings are generally based upon the catch of the day. Many local traditional dishes are as popular today as ever: fish soup and variations on cacciucco are still made, alongside starters like risottos and shellfish. From the land, meanwhile, Castiglioncello enjoys some superb olive oil, wonderful both as a cooking ingredient but even as the protagonist of dishes too, like vegetables in pinzimonio.