The most beautiful beach near Pisa

Traveling to Pisa during the summer months? Temperatures can rise quickly, something we experienced ourselves. After our 5-day Vespa road trip through Tuscany, we decided to stay in Pisa for the weekend. With temperatures around 30°C, the city felt intensely hot. So it was time to cool down. Luckily, Pisa is close to the Tyrrhenian Sea. And what better way to escape the heat than with a refreshing swim? We went in search of the most beautiful beach near Pisa… and found a true hidden gem.

** Disclaimer: This blog post contains interesting affiliate links. This means that if you purchase something through my recommendations, I receive a small reward. The best part? It doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps my blog continue to grow. A win-win situation, so thank you! **

Pisa

Pisa is a historic city in the west of beautiful Tuscany, best known for its rich heritage. The absolute highlight is, without a doubt, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but the city has so much more to offer. Think charming squares, atmospheric streets, and a relaxed, authentic vibe that makes it perfect for a cultural city trip.

What many people don’t realize is that Pisa is located close to the coast. This is also where the Arno River, which divides the city in two, flows into the sea. Yet Pisa is rarely seen as a beach destination. Those looking to combine sun, sea, and sand with Tuscany often head to more well-known seaside resorts or the colorful villages of Cinque Terre.

And yet… just near Pisa, a surprisingly beautiful coastline is waiting to be discovered.

After our Vespa road trip, we were mainly craving some rest and a way to cool down, without having to travel far. So we set out to find the most beautiful beach near Pisa ourselves.

Want to know more about how to get to Pisa and what to do there? Be sure to check out my blog on the best things to do in Pisa in one day. You’ll find plenty of inspiration, along with practical tips to help you plan your trip smoothly.

The most well-known beaches near Pisa

Marina di Pisa

There are, of course, many beaches around Pisa, each with its own atmosphere. The closest to the city is Marina di Pisa, which is also the most accessible option. You can easily get there by bus from the city center. Here, you’ll find Pisa’s modern marina, with a long pier stretching out into the sea, creating that typical Italian coastal vibe.

The beach itself is a mix of sand and pebbles, and thanks to the breakwaters, the water is remarkably calm, perfect for a refreshing swim. Along the coastline, you’ll also find plenty of cozy bars and restaurants where you can sit down for an aperitivo with a view of the sea. Don’t expect untouched nature here, but rather a lively and easy-going beach experience.

Marina di Pisa, Tuscany

Tirrenia and Calambrone

If you drive a bit further south, towards Tirrenia and Calambrone, the landscape quickly changes. Here, you’ll find wider sandy beaches typical of this region, often surrounded by pine forests and lined with beach clubs. It’s where locals and tourists come together for a classic beach day: sunbeds, umbrellas, and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. This stretch of coastline feels a bit more “resort-like,” with plenty of facilities and a more organized setting.

Is that exactly what you’re looking for? Then here are a few great places to stay. While you won’t find ultra-luxury resorts around Pisa, you will discover charming accommodations with excellent value for money, perfect for a relaxed stay by the beach near Pisa.

Toscana Charme Resort: Modern and stylish, featuring a beautiful beach club and a slightly more upscale feel. Ideal if you enjoy comfort with a refined touch.

Oasi del Mare: Small-scale and peaceful, with a cozy, laid-back atmosphere close to the sea. Perfect if you prefer something more personal.

Hotel Riviera Blu: Fresh and modern, with a great location near the beach and a clean, stylish look.

Marina di Vecchiano

But… the most beautiful beach near Pisa? It’s actually in the opposite direction. Marina di Vecchiano, just north of the city, feels like a completely different world. No busy promenades or endless rows of sunbeds: just pure nature, dunes, and a vast coastline where you can truly unwind. A place where you escape the crowds and experience Tuscany in a totally different way. And this is exactly where we found our hidden gem.

Why is Marina di Vecchiano the most beautiful beach near Pisa?

About 15 kilometers from Pisa’s historic center lies Marina di Vecchiano, a place where you instantly feel the calm take over. This stretch of coastline is part of the expansive Parco Regionale Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli and runs from Torre del Lago to the mouth of the Serchio River.

What you’ll find here is a wide, golden sandy beach stretching for about four kilometers, framed by low dunes and fragrant pine forests. The clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the soft outline of the Apuan Alps on the horizon complete the picture. Everything feels raw and untouched, exactly what makes this place so special. For me, this is without a doubt the most beautiful beach near Pisa, simply because you can still experience that true sense of peace and nature here.

We settled at Bagno Oasi Zero, a simple yet cozy beach bar. You can choose between laying your towel in the sand for free or renting a sunbed with an umbrella. We went for the latter — a bit of shade was more than welcome on this hot day.

The atmosphere is relaxed and easy-going, with simple dishes, snacks, and refreshing drinks always within reach. Don’t expect luxury, but that’s exactly part of its charm. And yes… the sanitary facilities are quite basic – French style, if you know what I mean.

How to get to Marina di Vecchiano

Here’s the small catch… Getting to Marina di Vecchiano by public transport from Pisa isn’t that straightforward. It’s possible, but requires multiple transfers and takes quite a while for such a short distance, time you’d rather spend with your feet in the sand.

If you really want to enjoy this untouched stretch of coastline, it’s much more fun to rent a Vespa or a (electric) bike. That way, the journey itself becomes part of the experience. We already had a Vespa from our Tuscany road trip and were lucky enough to keep it for an extra day. But in Pisa, you’ll easily find rental spots where you can hire a Vespa or bike for a day.

For parking, head to Parcheggio Marina di Vecchiano or Parcheggio del Poligono dei Militari. We chose the first option, which worked perfectly. From there, a path immediately leads you towards the beach.

Near the entrance, you’ll find a few small shops and cozy food spots. Walk a bit further towards the sea, and you’ll arrive at Bagno Oasi Zero. Here again, you can choose: go for a comfortable sunbed with an umbrella or simply lay down your towel in the sand and enjoy this beautiful place for free.

Whichever you choose, one thing is certain: this feels like a completely different side of Pisa.

Best time to visit Marina di Vecchiano

Because Marina di Vecchiano isn’t the easiest place to reach by public transport, you’ll find noticeably fewer international tourists here. But don’t be fooled – on sunny days, especially during weekends and summer holidays, it can still get quite lively. This is the go-to beach for locals.

And yet… even when it gets busier, it still feels very different from a typical beach destination. You’re not lying between rows of sunbeds or surrounded by large hotels, but right in the middle of nature. Dunes, pine trees, and an endless horizon create your backdrop.

It’s exactly this combination of space, tranquility, and raw nature that makes this place so special. No mass tourism, no concrete – just Tuscany at its finest. A true hidden gem near Pisa.

Things to do near Marina di Vecchiano?

Parco Regionale Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli

Have you rented a Vespa or bike, but you’re not the type to spend hours lying on the beach? Then a visit to Marina di Vecchiano is perfect to combine with this impressive nature park: Parco Regionale Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli.

This vast natural area stretches over approximately 23,000 hectares and features a unique mix of landscapes: from dunes and forests to wetlands, rivers, and even historic estates. The beach at Marina di Vecchiano is actually just a small part of it. The park also includes Lake Massaciuccoli, the mouths of the Arno and Serchio rivers, and the extensive forests of San Rossore.

Most parts of the park are freely accessible, both on foot and by bike. Some areas, such as the San Rossore estate, are only open during the day or require specific access. If you want to explore more, you can join a guided excursion — or simply set out on your own.

There are plenty of routes to choose from, ranging from short and easy walks to longer, more adventurous trails. You can even explore parts of the park by eco-train or by boat.

What makes this place truly special is its wildlife. With a bit of luck, you might spot birds, wild boar, foxes, or even wolves. It’s a place where Tuscany reveals its most raw and untouched side.

lago massaciuccoli

Another beautiful spot within the park, close to Marina di Vecchiano, is Lago di Massaciuccoli. This peaceful lake lies just a few kilometers from Bagno Oasi Zero, making it perfect to combine with a beach day.

It’s a favorite place for those who want to slow down. You can go kayaking, rowing, or sailing, and even rent small boats on site to explore the water. From the lake, you get a completely different perspective of the landscape, with reed fields, wetlands, and rich wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might spot birds like the grey heron.

There are also several walking and cycling paths around the lake, ideal if you want to explore the surroundings further. In summer, it’s a popular spot for picnics, surrounded by nature and tranquility.

And if you love photography, this is one of those places where light, reflections, and silence come together beautifully. Especially at sunrise or sunset, it’s pure magic and a dream to capture.

Want to extend your trip to Pisa?

Pisa isn’t just a great city trip destination, it’s also the perfect base to explore the rest of Tuscany and beyond. With organized day trips via platforms like GetYourGuide, you don’t have to worry about transport or planning. Just hop on and enjoy everything this region has to offer.

Prefer to explore on your own? Iconic Tuscan cities like Siena, Lucca, and Florence are all within easy reach – each with its own charm, from medieval streets to impressive architecture.

Looking for something more adventurous? A road trip through Tuscany is an absolute must. Think rolling landscapes, cypress trees, and picturesque villages. We explored the region by Vespa, which is a unique way to experience Tuscany from a completely different perspective.

Traveling by train is also surprisingly easy. In about 1.5 hours, you can reach Cinque Terre, where colorful villages cling to cliffs above the sea. Prefer relaxing by the water? Then Lake Garda or Lake Como are beautiful options.

If you’re craving mountains and adventure, the Dolomites are a dream. Or discover authentic Umbria, often a bit quieter than Tuscany. Cities like Verona, Milan, and Venice are also within reach for unforgettable day trips.

In short: from Pisa, all of Italy is at your feet.

We truly loved our day at Marina di Vecchiano. This beach near Pisa completely surprised us: so pure, peaceful, and different from what you might expect from this city. It’s one of those places where you let everything go and fully immerse yourself in nature. Looking to escape the crowds of Pisa? Or want to add a relaxing beach day to your city trip? Then this beach is exactly what you’re looking for. A place where culture and nature blend effortlessly, and where you discover that Pisa has so much more to offer than its famous highlights.