Castiglione della Pescaia is an old fishing village in the north of the Maremma. The first settlements date back to more than 60 thousand years ago and span a variety of civilisations bringing us to the sophisticated tourists which populate the town today. Castiglione offers a wide variety of accommodation from hotels to farmhouse accommodation and room rental. Choose from this list compiled by the local council. The prices tend to be rather steep as Castiglione is favoured by well-heeled British and German tourists, as well as being a weekend retreat for Florence's elite.

Now that we're in Castiglione, I hear you ask, what can we do? The first thing that comes to mind is to go for a swim, or even take a trip to the Maremma Natural Park. But there's more to Castiglione than meets the eye . . .Take Vetulonia, for example, an ancient Etruscan town which probably gave rise to the present-day settlement of Castiglione and is just a couple of kilometres down the road. The recently inaugurated Etruscan Museum is full of interesting local finds and is well-worth a visit.

Not into the Etruscans? Don't worry, wait for sunset and go off in search of the Casa Rossa (Red House). Just walk along the banks of the Bruna river past the Giorgini Bridge for a few kilometres (you're walking away from Castiglione) and there it is - right in front of your eyes! The "Lockhouse", known locally as the Red House, was built in 1765 by Pietro Leopoldo di Lorena as a fundamental part of the water system that would drain the surrounding marshes and reclaim the land. The architecture is both functional and elegant and it is build on an arched bridge which once regulated the flow of water from the lake. In the past the area was renowned for its eel fishing - but unfortunately that's all water under the bridge …

1. CASTIGLIONE DELLA PESCAIA 's PORT
Information at a glance on Castiglione della Pescaia's port:. the Canal Port. Italian only but easy-to-understand (even for the linguistically challenged).

2. SAILING
Learn how to sail with the Federvela.it
Take to the sea with the Italian Sailing Federation. Courses for beginners and experts in Tuscany.
Sail Italy
Sailing courses and boating holidays for the over 60s and disabled people.(Italian only)
Chartering in Tuscany
Sailing distances from Castiglione (Italian)
Nautical map of Castiglione (Italian)

3. INFORMATION
Where is Castiglione
Castiglione and the Maremma

Tourism
Accommodation and restaurants - all you need to know for your holiday in Castiglione della Pescaia.
Bathing establishments
Useful numbers

4. FUN FACT
Castiglione della Pescaia is part of that exclusive group of Italian resorts that in 2001 were awarded 5 Blue Flags by the environmental group, Legambiente.