Antignano is a village on the 'Costa degli Etruschi', that is that part of the Tuscan Coast running from Livorno to the Maremma area. For over 90 uninterrupted kilometres, clear water shading from emerald green to deepest blue washes the coast, the water quality and services provided by the coastal resorts have been awarded the European Union's Blue Flag.
Over 20% of the Costa degli Etruschi comprises Parks, protected areas, nature oases, and fauna reserves. Nature is not just a setting, but the very essence of this land with its dense stands of pine trees, woods and countryside rich with colours and scents. Of particular note are the Bolgheri WWF Oasis, a wet zone of international importance, the Magona Park and its biogenetic oasis, the Livorno Hills Park, which is of considerable historical-naturalistic interest, the Rimigliano Park flora and fauna oasis, the Orti-Bottagone oasis and the Sterpaia and Montioni parks.
Costa degli Etruschi thermal spas provide a double opportunity: health treatments and holidays based on wellbeing and relaxation. At Venturina in Val di Cornia, a stone's throw from the sea and medieval villages, the Valle del Sole (sulphur-calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate bearing waters) and Calidario thermal spas offer treatments for health and psycho/physical wellbeing. The Valle del Sole thermal spa, already known in Etruscan/Roman times, is a fully equipped fitness centre with 36°C natural spring waters.
Etruscan settlements by the sea, like the Baratti-Populonia Archaeological Park, museums full of Etruscan, Roman and Villanovan artefacts, such as those at Rosignano Marittimo, Cecina and Piombino, exhibitions and shows of international significance on the history of these places all bear witness to the historical importance of the Costa degli Etruschi. The San Silvestro Archaeo-mineral Park at Venturina is a real open-air museum where organized routes allow visitors to follow the various stages of metalworking in Etruscan and medieval times.
This is an area rich in art and history, where musicians such as Mascagni and painters like Modigliani were born, and where Livorno-born Giovanni Fattori, helped found the Macchiaioli school. Permanent collections and internationally significant exhibitions keep this important heritage alive. Long-standing cultural institutions such as the CEL, Armunia and the Mascagni Musical Institute play an important role in promoting culture.
The gastronomic specialities of the Costa degli Etruschi are known all over the world for their richness and variety. Fresh-caught fish is the main ingredient of hundreds of delicious recipes, from the famous cacciucco (fish stew), to black rice with squid ink, dentex, gilthead, calamari, shellfish and blue fish (like mackerel) now enjoying a revival, all cooked with flair and skill. Inland, dishes feature meat, such as beef from prized "Chianina" cattle, and game, particularly wild boar, All dishes are accompanied by vegetables. Local specialities include cheeses, honey, bread, cakes, chickpea "cake" and Livorno punch. The DOC wines of Bolgheri, Val di Cornia and Bibbona are produced along the Wine Route, as are world-renowned wines such as Sassicaia and Ornellaia. Olive oil is also a product of excellence.
Start your journey, the Costa degli Etruschi is waiting for you.
