This cozy little medieval village was called Castagneto Marittima until 1907, but the same year the great poet and Nobel Prize winner Giosuè Carducci, who was born here, died, and in order to honor him the village changed its name.
The city is located in the heart of what is called Costa degli Etruschi - Etrusker coast and here in this mild climate many famous wines and olive oil of high quality is produced. Castagneto is set amidst the backdrop of rolling hills, surrounded by vineyards and pine forests that meet wide sandy beaches and crystal blue seas.
Today the village is quiet and peaceful for most of the year, but during the summer months it becomes busier. Many people come here to eat in the restaurants or to stroll through the small streets and browse in the local shops, to soak up the charming medieval atmosphere in general.
Read more about Castagneto Carducci
The castle dates from the 11th century and is still occupied by the old noble family “della Gherardesca”, whose last descendant, count Gaddo, from time to time gets visits from his friend ex-princess Sarah Ferguson. When this happens the town is topsy-turvy.
As is the habit of so many Tuscan towns, the people of Castagneto organise a number of festivals throughout the summer. This is an ideal area to use as a base for cycling and walking holidays also and a few official routes have been mapped making life easier for adventurous souls.
This is an ideal area to use as a base for cycling and walking holidays also and a few official routes have been mapped by the local council making life easier for adventurous souls. You can choose from themed routes - history, nature, city routes and so on.
