Castagneto Carducci

Access

The area is well connected thanks to the proximity of the Aurelia road, the Donoratico-Castagneto railway station and the junctions that allow access from both the north (Livorno, Pisa) and the south (Grosseto, Rome). The nearest airport is Pisa (about 75 km). The combination of ease of access, scenic beauty and cultural richness makes Castagneto Carducci an ideal destination for those seeking authenticity, nature and flavours.

Introduction

Castagneto Carducci is a charming hilltop village located in the southern part of the province of Livorno, Tuscany, a few kilometres from the Tyrrhenian coast. Its historic centre lies on the slopes of the hills overlooking the famous Costa degli Etruschi, offering panoramic views of vineyards, olive groves and the sea. The town owes part of its fame to the poet Giosuè Carducci, who spent his childhood here and to whom it was named in 1907. Rich in history, art and culture, Castagneto Carducci is today one of the most popular destinations for slow tourism in Tuscany, thanks to its well-preserved architectural heritage, wine and food tradition and proximity to the sea.

Description

The territory of Castagneto Carducci stretches between the coastal strip and the Tuscan metal-bearing hills, in a landscape that alternates between gentle reliefs, dense Mediterranean scrub, expanses of vineyards and olive groves, and a coastal plain that opens towards the Tyrrhenian Sea. The hilly part of the municipality is characterised by its stone villages, cypress trees and panoramic roads, while the coastal strip includes places such as Marina di Castagneto, popular for its sandy beaches and centuries-old pine forest. The altitude of the town is about 194 metres above sea level, offering a mild and breezy climate even in the hottest months.
The history of Castagneto Carducci has its roots in the early Middle Ages: documented as early as the 10th century as Castagneto Marittimo, the village was the domain of the powerful family of the Conti della Gherardesca. Traces of the castle and ancient walls still remain. Over the centuries, the town developed while maintaining its original medieval layout with paved alleys, stone arches, Romanesque churches and noble palaces. In 1907, in honour of Nobel Prize winner Giosuè Carducci, who spent his childhood years here, the municipality assumed its current name. The house-museum that can still be visited today, rich in family documents and memories, is dedicated to him.
The area's economy has a strong agricultural vocation, particularly in viticulture and olive growing. The municipality is part of the prestigious Strada del Vino e dell'Olio Costa degli Etruschi and is home to some of the most renowned wineries on a national and international level, particularly in the Bolgheri district, famous for the production of Supertuscans such as Sassicaia. Organic and biodynamic cultivation is growing strongly, as are agritourism activities linked to wine and food tourism. The coastal strip, with Marina di Castagneto and Donoratico, integrates the economic profile thanks to seaside tourism and accommodation services.
The local culture and traditions are expressed through numerous events and manifestations: among the most heartfelt are the patronal feast of San Lorenzo (10 August), the Bolgheri Melody Festival (summer musical and theatrical review), the Chestnut Festival in October and the New Oil Festival. The culinary heritage is equally rich: typical dishes include Tuscan soups, game, homemade pasta and rustic desserts. The local cuisine is enhanced by quality ingredients and Bolgheri DOC wines, the authentic symbol of the area.
For hiking enthusiasts, Castagneto Carducci offers numerous possibilities: paths immersed in the Mediterranean maquis, cycling routes through the hills and itineraries winding through villages, vineyards and ancient farmhouses. The Viale dei Cipressi, almost 5 kilometres long and made famous by Giosuè Carducci in his poem 'Davanti a San Guido', connects Bolgheri to the Aurelia, itself becoming an iconic destination. The coastal pine forest and the dunes of the Rimigliano reserve, bordering the municipality of San Vincenzo, represent an area of great naturalistic value, ideal for excursions, birdwatching and outdoor activities.

Information

Area: 142.60 km²
Altitude:194m
Maximum elevation: 476m - Poggio al Bastione
Number of inhabitants: 8,645 as of 31.05.2025
Name in dialect: Castagnèto
 Inhabitants' name: castagnetani
 Patron Saint: San Lorenzo, celebrated on 10 August
Website: www.comune.castagneto-carducci.li.it
Bordering municipalities: Bibbona, Monteverdi Marittimo, San Vincenzo, Sassetta, Suvereto
Fractions: Bolgheri, Donoratico, Marina di Castagneto Carducci