Sailing in Tuscany
Tuscany is the ideal destination for anyone who loves travelling combined with sport and adventure. The geographical layout of the region means you can do any type of sport from surfing to free climbing, skiing and parachuting, plus horse riding.
In the summer or when the weather is fine, you can try out numerous sports and take advantage of the beauty of the area. There are lots of sport centres situated along the beaches by the sea that specialise in scuba diving and snorkelling, or surfing and kitesurfing schools and sailing clubs.
The wind in your hair, the peace and quiet of being on your own and diving into the bluest of seas are just some of the images that will stay with you forever when you take part in these sports.
They offer unique experiences with an unprecedented view of the sea, bound to make you fall in love with the beauty of Tuscany all over again.
Adventures at sea guarantee thrilling emotions, the sensation of being in another world, far from everything, the wonder of the sparking blue sea as far as the eye can see, the setting sun lighting up the sky accompanied by the gentle lapping of the waves. Just like that, carefree and calm.
And Tuscany is full of destinations to get closer to this world, even if you have never had a go before. It offers amazing islands and coastlines, the pearls of our seas, which are at their best when viewed from on board a sailing boat.
Let’s take a look at two of the centres where you can do water sports and get a feel for this magical world.
Centro Velico Punta Ala
The Punta Ala Sailing Club was founded at the beginning of the 1970s by the owner of the campsite where it is located and from which it takes its name. The love of the sea, wind and adventure by the people who started the club has been the driving force behind the growth of the educational activities and the development of the tourist hospitality side. The enthusiasm created over the years resulted in the founding of the Circolo Velico Cala Civette in 2006, a sports association through which the school organises national and international sailing events.
Beginners’, individual or group course for anyone who is interested in trying out sailing. The course can be held on a two-person boat or one for groups and the instructor is usually on board to provide instruction.
You don’t need to have any prior experience or knowledge of sailing, just the desire to try out a new adventure.
Puntone Beach
Puntone Beach was founded by Alessandro, Michele and Roberto, the result of their love of the sea and adventure which you can experience here along with sports on offer.
They were among the first people in Italy to do and teach kitesurfing. Roberto won the first Italian championship of this new sport and since then they have never slowed down. Over the years, they have perfected their teaching techniques which now means anyone can easily learn lots of different sports at very little risk: from windsurfing and kitesurfing for adults and children, along with stand-up paddleboarding and wing foiling.
There is a dog swimming area on their beach as well as the sports activities and a café.
Where to go surfing on the Etruscan coast
The Etruscan Coast offers the possibility of taking part in numerous sports, including surfing and windsurfing, in addition to the cultural and historical attractions. It is a part of Tuscany that is well-known all over Europe by enthusiasts of these sports thanks to its waves and high cliffs dropping down to the sea.
The first destination is the lovely bay of Quercetano in Castiglioncello, renowned for its medium-high, 1.5-m waves and a bathing facility where you can rent surfboards, SUP boards and take part in beginners’ courses. If you’re an expert surfer, the nearest spots of Garagolo and Lo Scoglietto di Rosignano are just what you’re looking for.
At Pietrabianca a Vada, you can go windsurfing in any weather conditions, thermal winds, high and low pressure, just as Marina di Castagneto Carducci is perfect for kitesurfing. Southerly winds tend to blow along this section of the coastline which, despite their intensity, don’t whip up the sea very much, creating the ideal conditions for “Freestyle” sports which need a strong wind and calms seas.
The Piombino area is our last destination where there are lots of surfing spots and schools to be found. From the sandy seabeds of Salivoli and waves for mid-level surfers to the Sterpaia natural park, the perfect place to stop and make a toast to surfing adventures of all kinds with a glass of Mojito against the backdrop of a stunning sunset.
