Livorno is your first taste of Tuscany for many Mediterranean cruise travelers. While it’s tempting to rush off to bucket-list stops like Pisa and its Leaning Tower or Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, staying in Livorno can be a smart and surprisingly enjoyable choice. This coastal city offers history, sea views, local food, and a more relaxed rhythm—perfect for discovering a different side of Tuscany and making the most of your time ashore.
Table of Contents
Livorno Travel Guide: Tuscany’s Seaside City Built by the Medici
Livorno is Tuscany’s bold, sea-facing port city—founded in 1606 by the Medici and shaped from the start by people arriving from many nations, cultures, and faiths.
That history still feels present today as you walk past bridges and canals, historic palaces mirrored in calm water, and waterfront views that can look like a “little Venice” on the Mediterranean.
Livorno wasn’t born by accident. In the late 1500s, Medici military and trade strategy transformed a small fishing settlement into one of Europe’s key ports, and the city grew as an “oasis” for those fleeing religious, political, or racial persecution. Traces of those international communities—often called “Nations”—still show up in places of worship, cemeteries, archives, and, just as memorably, in the city’s food culture.
Everything here connects back to the water: vivid sunsets, clear salty air, marine sports, and a long tradition of seaside life that helped define the very idea of a beach vacation in Europe.
The classic Livorno postcard moment is the wide-open sea view from Terrazza Mascagni, famous for its black-and-white checkerboard promenade, with the port nearby guarded by the Fortezza Vecchia and its striking Mastio di Matilde. From there, Livorno invites you deeper—into the canals of the “Little Venice,” into grand squares like Piazza della Repubblica (the Voltone), and into a city proud of the artists and writers it gave the world, from Pietro Mascagni to Amedeo Modigliani.
Transportation
From Livorno Port to Florence, a Journey Through Tuscany
If you’re planning to explore the enchanting city of Florence after arriving at the Port of Livorno, you’re in the right place. This detailed guide will show you the best ways to travel from Livorno Port to Florence, whether you’re looking for a private transfer, a guided tour, or an adventurous train journey.
