The coast is a series of almost uninterrupted beaches and the sea breezes make it ideal for sailing and windsurfing. It is so called due to the Etruscan mariners who built their main ports here all those years ago.

It is still possible during the winter to find broken pieces of amphora washed up on the beach after a heavy swell. Apparently, the mariners would simply dump broken merchandise outside the ports, an underwater version of Monte Testaccio in Rome.

The Livorno tourism authorities are the best contacts for the independent visitor and you may also wish to ask about the 'Strada del Vino' which starts in Piombino.

It's been along time since 1589 when Livorno was its heyday and became a principality following rising influence in the area from 1400.

It was eventually captured by Napoleon who gave it to his sister, Eliza after which it took on the name of 'Little Paris'.

The town sits on a headland overlooking the Bay of Barati and is of deep archaeological interest as the site of Populonia.

This important Etruscan necropolis has given up many priceless treasure including a perfect warrior helmet.

The bay itself is 22km of sandy beach flanked by prime Mediterranean scrub forest.

See also Etruscan itinerary from Rome