Beach days in Baratti and a real-life visit to Pisa, Italy
If you’ve read Tuscany – Part 4, you’ll know how much we fell in love with the park itself. And honestly, being stuck there for a few days without the car only deepened that, but once those new wheels arrived, we were ready to see what waited beyond the gates.
This part of our Tuscany road trip is all about getting back out again… starting with a local beach near San Vincenzo, followed by a real and honest family day trip to Pisa.
So first stop… we hit a few local beaches. There are quite a few near the town of San Vincenzo where we stayed.
Now, I have to be honest. I wouldn’t say the beaches are the kind of tropical vibes we usually chase when we travel… the crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sands of places like Zanzibar. But they were clean, the sand was soft, and many had those long coastal views where you can just sit, chill, grab a bite to eat, sip something cold, and watch the world go by with your people.
🏖 Spiaggia di Baratti Beach
One of my favourites was Spiaggia di Baratti Beach, about a 10–15 minute drive from our caravan park. The drive was pretty straightforward… until we tried to park 🤣. Let’s just say those narrow Italian roads and tight parking bays gave my poor husband a full workout that day.
But the beach itself? Calm waters, soft golden sand, and beautiful views of the lush green coastline. We spent a few hours there doing absolutely nothing, which was exactly what we needed.
The kids built sandcastles, we swam in the sea, and later sat down for lunch at one of the little beachfront restaurants (pizza, obviously).
There are walking trails around the beach too, leading to historic sites like the Etruscan ruins and a few rocky coastal viewpoints. We’d planned to do part of one trail because it apparently has the best sunset view from the top… but it was hot, and the kids weren’t having it. And to be fair, moody kids would’ve killed the moment anyway, lol. So we stayed on the lower ground, soaking in the atmosphere instead.
Down by the beach, I stumbled across this tiny little chapel. Probably unused or maybe just a preserved ruin, but it was beautiful. So of course, I took a photo (because some things you just can’t walk past without capturing).
What I really loved about Baratti was how local it felt. It was full of Italian families spending the day together, kids laughing, grandparents chatting under umbrellas, couples walking hand in hand. For a few hours, it felt like we’d slipped right into their world.
And as a Black family, I just want to say this. I’ve heard others say they didn’t always feel welcome in Italy, but that wasn’t our experience. Sure, Italians (like the French) can come across quite direct, and if you’re not used to it, it can feel abrupt. But not once did I feel out of place. The people we met were pleasant enough, and I felt comfortable everywhere we went.
All in all, it was a lovely day out. Time away from the site, sunshine, sea air, and family laughter. Plus, it gave us a chance to test the new car on a short drive before braving the longer routes.
💡 Baratti Beach – Hints & Tips
🚗 Getting there: About a 10–15 minute drive from San Vincenzo. The roads are easy, but parking can be tight — arrive early if you can.
🧴 What to bring: Cash for the beach cafés (some don’t take cards), water shoes for rocky edges, and plenty of sun protection — shade is limited.
👨👩👧👦 For families: The shallow water is perfect for kids.
🥾 For explorers: Follow the trails to the Etruscan ruins if it’s not too hot — the views from the hills are stunning.
🍕 Eat: Grab lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants for fresh pizza or seafood, and a gelato before heading back.
🏛 Pisa – a real family day trip in Tuscany
Next up — Pisa. Just over an hour from our campsite, the historic city is an easy day trip in the Tuscany region.
The drive there was smoother than expected, especially for still finding our feet driving abroad. The main roads were wide and well-marked, but the toll roads took some getting used to. They’re everywhere, and if you don’t speak Italian (like us 😅), it can be confusing. The sat nav helps, but when it comes to paying tolls or finding parking, things can get a little tricky. We even got a fine later for not paying a parking ticket properly… oops!!
Now, Pisa itself… would it be harsh to say I was slightly underwhelmed?
Yes, there’s the famous Leaning Tower, which we of course tried to pose with and failed miserably (I’ll show you our multiple failed attempts below 👇🏾🤣). Yes, the streets are pretty and there’s a charm to the old buildings.
But outside of that, it just didn’t quite hit for us.
Maybe we didn’t explore it fully, but I can only share my view through my own lens. And… I’ll always be real with y’all.
There are plenty of cafés, restaurants, and markets, though, and that’s where we found our Pisa joy. We sat down for coffee and sandwiches. Simple, fresh, and somehow so tasty. My son’s face after his first bite was pure bliss 🤣.
The real highlight? The gelato.
I wish I remembered the shop’s name, but it’s right by the Leaning Tower and the queue was a dead giveaway. We knew it had to be good if locals were waiting that long, and honestly, it was worth every minute.
To this day, my family still says it was the best gelato we’ve ever had.
💡 Pisa – Hints & Tips
🛣 Driving: Expect tolls. Keep some coins or a card handy, and double-check parking machines — many require pre-payment or validation.
🌅 Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds around the Leaning Tower.
🍦 Don’t skip: Gelato from a shop near the tower (long queue = good sign).
👧🏾 Family tip: The tower area can get busy, so keep an eye on little ones and bring water — shade is limited.
🌿 Optional extra: If you have time, the Pisa Botanical Gardens and nearby cafés offer a quieter break away from the crowds.
So that was our day in Pisa. Not the most thrilling stop on our Tuscany route, but did it make us smile? Yes. Did we make memories? Definitely. And did we find the world’s best ice cream (so far)? An absolute yes.
Not every place steals your heart, but every trip gives you something to keep — even if it’s just a memory, a laugh, or the best gelato you’ve ever tasted.
Next up — the highlight of our Tuscany adventure: Elba Island.
And trust me… it deserves its own post.
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