Spring sunset on the beach at Macchiatonda looking towards the Argentario peninsula, directly down the hill from Capalbio itself. The beach here is miles long, and stretches in an unbroken stretch of golden sand and clear fresh water from Ansedonia in the north all the way down to Montalto in the south.

There are numerous places to choose from along the coast, all with easy parking behind the dunes, cafes and bars, sunbed and umbrella hire, showers and toilets, and pet-friendly areas. They include Bau and its fabulous doggie beach, Fridgidaire, and Macchiatonda to the north, our favourite stylish Ultima Spiaggia and trendy La Dogana at Chiarone, and the very relaxed Il Casalaccio further down.