If you have chosen Camping Bocca di Cecina for your family vacation, know that you have made an excellent choice not only because of the sea and the private beach, but also because of the strategic location that will allow you to discover a different side of Tuscany.
Our campsite is located in the heart of the Etruscan Coast, characterized by the lush pine forest that embraces it and the direct access to the beach, but what many people don’t know is that this area also offers extraordinary opportunities for children to discover nature, animals and the natural beauty of the region.
Cecina is not only sea and relaxation on the beach. Just a few kilometers from our facility you will find a world to explore made of exotic animals, protected oases where you can observe rare birds, centuries-old pine forests to cross by bicycle and wetlands of international importance. Whether you have young children fascinated by farm animals or older kids who are passionate about birdwatching and nature, the area will surprise you with the variety and quality of its naturalistic proposals.
As we continue reading, we will take you on a discovery of the best family nature attractions around Cecina, all easily accessible from our campsite for a half-day trip or a full day of adventure immersed in Tuscan nature. Get ready to give your children unforgettable memories made of close encounters with lemurs, walks among deer and storks, rides through Italy’s most beautiful pine forest and breathtaking sunsets on the wild beach.
Gallorose Park: A Journey Among the Animals of the Five Continents
Just a few miles from Cecina is one of the area’s most popular family attractions: the Gallorose Park. This park includes more than 130 species of animals from the five continents and the farm, with a 3-kilometer trail surrounded by vegetation. It is not just a zoo, but a true educational journey across the continents, where children can observe animals up close that they would be unlikely to see elsewhere and learn the importance of respect for all living species.
The park covers five hectares and was created as a place designed for families, where it is possible to follow the trail to discover wild and domestic species. What is special about Gallorose Park is that there is no rigid route to follow, but a beautiful walk that meanders through the animals’ habitats, allowing each visitor to proceed at his or her own pace, take breaks when necessary, and dwell more on the animals that are most fascinating.
The animals you will meet
The park is divided into different geographical areas, each dedicated to a continent. As you walk around you will encounter lemurs from Madagascar, giant kangaroos from Australia, zebras and antelopes from Africa, monkeys from South America, and lots of colorful bird species. Young and old alike will be amazed at the ring-tailed lemurs, made famous by the movie Madagascar, and they can get a closer look at capybaras, the cute giant rodents that have gone viral on social media lately.
The Farm section is particularly interesting because it enhances ancient Tuscan breeds often forgotten by modern agriculture. Here children will be able to see up close the Pisan cow, the Amiata donkey, the Monterufoli horse and severalnative chicken breeds. It is a perfect way to introduce young children to Tuscany’s agricultural biodiversity and the importance of preserving these traditional breeds.
Museums and educational activities
Inside the park there are not only animals. You will also find small museums with historical artifacts, objects of everyday life of the past, old farm tools and curiosities about local history. These museum areas provide a pleasant diversion during the visit and allow children to discover how people lived in the countryside in past centuries.
The park also offers educational workshops specifically for different age groups. Children between ages 3 and 5 can participate in “Wild Snacks,” guided tours of the farm and zoo designed to help them recognize animals. For children between 6 and 10 years old, there is “At Animal School,” a more in-depth tour with questions and answers to learn more about the species present. Activities such as treasure hunts and Africa-themed games are also available, perfect for making the visit even more engaging.
Inside the park you will also find a food court where you can enjoy typical Tuscan dishes prepared with local and zero-mile products, making the experience complete from a gastronomic point of view as well. It is a perfect day out for the whole family, combining fun, education and contact with nature.
Tomboli di Cecina Nature Reserve: A Fairytale Pine Forest
Literally a stone’s throw from Camping Bocca di Cecina lies one of Tuscany’s most precious natural treasures. The Tomboli di Cecina Nature Reserve, with one of the most beautiful pine forests in Italy, stretches more than 5 km to Marina di Bibbona. This reserve was established in 1977 as a Biogenetic Nature Reserve and is a splendid example of a perfectly preserved Mediterranean coastal environment.
The reserve takes its name from the “tomboli,” the characteristic coastal dunes covered with Mediterranean scrub that have formed naturally over the centuries. Here the sandy beach alternates with these dunes, while behind them lies a magnificent centuries-old pine forest that provides shade and coolness even on the hottest days of summer. It is a magical place where nature reigns supreme and where children can run free in complete safety.
Family activities in the reserve
The Tomboli Nature Reserve has a network of trails that can be biked even by young children, with stops to discover the arboretum’s flora and fauna. These well-marked trails crisscross the pine forest and allow you to explore the reserve in an environmentally friendly way. Bring the children’s bicycles (or rent them locally) and indulge in a morning of exploration among the scents of the Mediterranean scrub: myrtle, lentisk, juniper and the distinctive maritime pine will accompany you all along the way.
Within the reserve you will find several picnic areas equipped with tables and benches, perfect for a lunch stop in the shade of the pine trees. Children can play freely in the wide grassy glades while you relax listening to the birds singing and the wind rustling through the foliage. It is a rejuvenating space where you can let children reconnect with nature, away from screens and technology.
Flora and fauna to be observed
The reserve is home to a rich biodiversity. Among the vegetation you will find not only the majestic maritime pines, but also holm oaks, cork oaks, junipers and a wide variety of Mediterranean scrub shrubs. In spring the reserve is filled with colors thanks to the blooming of wild orchids, cysts, helichrysum and many other species typical of the dune environment.
The wildlife is also surprisingly rich. With a little luck and silence you can spot porcupines, foxes, badgers and a wide variety of birds. The reserve is an important ecological corridor for many migratory and resident species. Bring binoculars and teach children to recognize different bird songs-it will be an unforgettable educational experience.
Bolgheri Marshes Wildlife Refuge: Birdwatching and Wildlife
About 15-20 kilometers from Cecina, in the territory of Castagneto Carducci, lies one of the most fascinating and important naturalistic places not only in Tuscany, but in the whole of Italy. The Padule di Bolgheri Wildlife Refuge covers more than 500 hectares among coastal tombolos, reed beds, freshwater ponds, wet meadows and flooded forests. This refuge represents a rare example of a coastal and backdune environment still perfectly preserved along the Tuscan coast.
The story of this special place began in 1959, when Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, a forward-thinking naturalist and one of the founders of WWF Italy, decided to transform part of the family farm into a wildlife refuge for wetland-related wildlife. Thus was created Italy’s first private wildlife oasis, a visionary project that still enables the preservation of a unique ecosystem.
The guided tour experience
The tour lasts from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It is a relaxing and exciting experience worthwhile, a short walk suitable for children and families. Tours are led by experienced WWF naturalists who will take you along a loop trail through the lowland forest to six strategically placed bird observatories.
The trail winds through different environments, each with its own peculiarities. You will pass through flooded forests of oxbow ash, a very rare habitat in Europe, walk along the edges of ponds where hundreds of waterfowl nest, and reach vantage points from which to admire the entire marsh. The trail is partially accessible to people with mobility disabilities, making this a truly inclusive experience.
Oasis animals
The variety of wildlife in the oasis is extraordinary. Among the waterfowl you will see mallards, shovelers, teals, coots, little grebes, herons, egrets and cormorants. With any luck you will also spot the magnificent white storks that, since 2008, have returned to nest in Maremma after an absence of more than 300 years. The sight of these large birds gliding majestically over the marsh is a sight that leaves young and old alike breathless.
But the oasis is not only home to birds. The lands surrounding the marsh are home to fallow deer, roe deer, wild boar, hares and pheasants. During the guided tour, experienced guides will help you recognize the tracks of these animals, and if you are lucky and quiet, you may spot them from afar. Children will be fascinated by the idea of being in a place where animals live completely free in their natural habitat.
Itinerary for families with young children (0-6 years old)
For families with very young children, the advice is to focus on the nearest and most easily accessible attractions. A typical day could be: morning at Gallorose Park (leaving early to avoid the hottest hours), lunch at the park’s in-house restaurant, and afternoon relaxing in the Tomboli di Cecina Reserve with a short walk and picnic in the shade of the pine forest. Young children will appreciate the park’s animals in the morning and can run freely in the reserve in the afternoon.
Another perfect option for the little ones is to alternate beach days at the campsite with short excursions to the Tomboli Reserve, which being so close allows even just an hour-long walk or bike ride without disrupting the beach vacation routine.
Itinerary for families with children 7-12 years old
Children in this age group are perfect for more adventurous experiences. We recommend devoting a full day to visiting the Bolgheri Marshes in the morning, followed by a picnic lunch on the oasis’ beautiful natural beach. In the afternoon, on your way back, stop in Bolgheri for a walk through the famous medieval village along the Viale dei Cipressi sung by Carducci.
If you happen to be in the summer months (June-August), don’t miss the opportunity to book the night trek to the Bolgheri Marshes. It will be an experience your children will remember forever: nature at sunset, dinner on the beach, and a walk in the woods lit only by the stars and fireflies.
Complete weekly itinerary
For those staying a week at our campsite, here is an example of how to integrate nature experiences with beach days:
- Monday: Arrival and relaxation at the campsite, afternoon at the beach
- Tuesday: Day at Gallorose Park
- Wednesday: Sea in the morning, afternoon cycling in the Tomboli Reserve
- Thursday: Sea and relaxation
- Friday: Excursion to the Bolgheri Marshes (or visit to one of the more distant parks such as the Sterpaia)
- Saturday: Night trekking at Bolgheri Marshes (if summer) or day at Rimigliano Park
- Sunday: Last day at sea and preparations for departure
This program allows the children to alternate between sea and nature without getting too tired, while also leaving free time to relax at the campsite and enjoy the facility’s amenities such as the swimming pool and entertainment activities.
Tips for distances and travel
From Camping Bocca di Cecina, Gallorose Park is about 10 minutes away by car, while the Tomboli Reserve is practically adjacent to the campsite and can also be reached on foot or by bicycle. The Bolgheri Marshes is about a 20- to 25-minute drive away, while Sterpaia Park and the Orti-Bottagone Oasis require about a 40- to 45-minute drive.
All distances are completely manageable for half-day or full-day trips, and the central location of the campground allows you to comfortably explore the entire coast without making overly long trips that would tire the children.
Nature calls, and the Etruscan Coast responds with a very rich and varied offer. You just have to choose which adventure to experience first and set out to discover this extraordinary territory where the sea embraces the land and nature reigns supreme. We look forward to seeing you at Camping Bocca di Cecina, your ideal starting point to explore the most authentic and wild Tuscany!
The Etruscan Coast is the area richest in amusement parks in Tuscany and represents the perfect base for those who want to combine sea and fun. If you are staying in Cecina or nearby, you will have Acqua Village Cecina just minutes away, Parco Gallorose about 10 minutes away, and Cavallino Matto about 20 minutes by car.
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