Riparbella and its surroundings

Michele
Riparbella and its surroundings

Food Scene

10 minutes drive from the house, in San Martino. Family friendly dining outdoor, good value for money. If you feel like hiking you can reach the restaurant (also open for lunch or an Italian breakfast in the morning) by walk. It will take you 30 minutes downhill, 45/50 on your way back uphill. If you are walking, you can go through the suggested route through the twisting unpaved road. If you are going by car and you do not have a 4x4 car, I recommend you first reach the Melatina restaurant and then search for Perbacco (10 minutes drive in total).
Caffè Perbacco Osteria
Località San Martino
10 minutes drive from the house, in San Martino. Family friendly dining outdoor, good value for money. If you feel like hiking you can reach the restaurant (also open for lunch or an Italian breakfast in the morning) by walk. It will take you 30 minutes downhill, 45/50 on your way back uphill. If you are walking, you can go through the suggested route through the twisting unpaved road. If you are going by car and you do not have a 4x4 car, I recommend you first reach the Melatina restaurant and then search for Perbacco (10 minutes drive in total).
6 minutes drive from the house, in La Melatina. If you used directions provided for the check in, it was the restaurant you reached before starting to drive uphill. Simple restaurant with very good food and pizza. Excellent value for money. Outdoor sitting is possible. Fast service and reliable quality. Do not select it if you are looking for a refined location, but if you want good food at good price not too far away from the house, you cannot go wrong. Great meat on the barbecue and pizzas are good.
Ristorante La Melatina
6 minutes drive from the house, in La Melatina. If you used directions provided for the check in, it was the restaurant you reached before starting to drive uphill. Simple restaurant with very good food and pizza. Excellent value for money. Outdoor sitting is possible. Fast service and reliable quality. Do not select it if you are looking for a refined location, but if you want good food at good price not too far away from the house, you cannot go wrong. Great meat on the barbecue and pizzas are good.
20 minutes drive from the house, in La California. One of my favourite restaurants. You will find here typical local dishes that are not easy to find elsewhere. For example: "Spaghetti con colatura d'acciughe" (Pasta with anchovies sauce), a fish sauce very tasty and savoury.
9 locals recommend
Ristorante Osteria Gabbani
62 Via Aurelia Nord
9 locals recommend
20 minutes drive from the house, in La California. One of my favourite restaurants. You will find here typical local dishes that are not easy to find elsewhere. For example: "Spaghetti con colatura d'acciughe" (Pasta with anchovies sauce), a fish sauce very tasty and savoury.
20 minutes drive, in La California. Almost next to the previous option (Osteria Gabbani), great wine selection and inventive dishes. Really good quality and an extensive wine list, some of which can be tasted by the glass. Outdoor sitting possible, but slightly on the roadside.
Enoteca OstiNati dei Lassi
54 Via Vecchia Aurelia
20 minutes drive, in La California. Almost next to the previous option (Osteria Gabbani), great wine selection and inventive dishes. Really good quality and an extensive wine list, some of which can be tasted by the glass. Outdoor sitting possible, but slightly on the roadside.
10 minutes drive from the house, in Riparbella. I have never visited the restaurant yet, but it is one of the most loved by locals. Unfortunately in 2021, no outdoor seating was available.
Trattoria Del Papero
9 Via della Madonna
10 minutes drive from the house, in Riparbella. I have never visited the restaurant yet, but it is one of the most loved by locals. Unfortunately in 2021, no outdoor seating was available.
25 minutes drive from home, in Cecina mare, on the beach promenade. My favourite fish restaurant in town. Make sure you go to the street food side (El Faro is also a more upscale restaurant, which is also very good), but I personally like much better the informality of the street food part. Out of the main summer season you literally eat on the beach.
10 locals recommend
El Faro , Street Food
70 Viale della Vittoria
10 locals recommend
25 minutes drive from home, in Cecina mare, on the beach promenade. My favourite fish restaurant in town. Make sure you go to the street food side (El Faro is also a more upscale restaurant, which is also very good), but I personally like much better the informality of the street food part. Out of the main summer season you literally eat on the beach.
25 minutes drive from the house, in Cecina mare, nearby El Faro. Elegant fish restaurant on the beach promenade. Classy and traditional, you cannot go wrong here if you are looking for something a bit more upscale than usual.
14 locals recommend
Ristorante da Andrea
68 Viale della Vittoria
14 locals recommend
25 minutes drive from the house, in Cecina mare, nearby El Faro. Elegant fish restaurant on the beach promenade. Classy and traditional, you cannot go wrong here if you are looking for something a bit more upscale than usual.
25 minutes drive from home in Vada. Modern fish restaurant, hosted in a beach club. Sitting area with sea view. Recommended if you enjoy seafood and a great sunset view.
13 locals recommend
La Barcaccina Discoteca
15 Via Lungomare
13 locals recommend
25 minutes drive from home in Vada. Modern fish restaurant, hosted in a beach club. Sitting area with sea view. Recommended if you enjoy seafood and a great sunset view.
35 Minutes drive from the house, in Castagneto Carducci. If you feel like eating grilled meat, look no further, it is totally worth the drive. And you will seat outside, in the middle of the old town city centre.
Gastronorcineria San Martino
28 Via Vittorio Emanuele II'
35 Minutes drive from the house, in Castagneto Carducci. If you feel like eating grilled meat, look no further, it is totally worth the drive. And you will seat outside, in the middle of the old town city centre.
30 minutes drive from the house in the Bolgheri area. Highly recommended if you love meat, Tuscan cuisine and pairing food with great wines in a rural setting. A very popular address, so make sure you reserve a table before going.
22 locals recommend
Osteria Magona
199 loc. Vallone Dei Messi
22 locals recommend
30 minutes drive from the house in the Bolgheri area. Highly recommended if you love meat, Tuscan cuisine and pairing food with great wines in a rural setting. A very popular address, so make sure you reserve a table before going.
35 minutes drive from the house. Nice restaurant in the old village of Bolgheri (known for Super Tuscan Wines, in particular the very special and expensive Sassicaia). Parking may be difficult nearby, so head to campo sportivo, the last parking at the end of the village, which is a good 10 minutes walk to the town centre. The small town centre is often busy with tourists, particularly in August. Food is good here, but you come here to taste wines with your food, even by the glass. You can even order the extremely expensive Sassicaia by the glass, if you are curious about it and willing to spend around 20 Euros for it :). Outdoor seating available. Many other options available in Bolgheri, also to only drink a glass of wine, but this is a favourite, where I take my friends visiting in Bolgheri. To reach Bolgheri you will most likely drive an amazing road with a great view (Viale dei Cipressi, Cypresses boulevard, in Castagneto Carducci). If you think about Tuscany, you will probably picture a similar road. The street is on the way to Bolgheri and easy to find (If you are into cycling, it makes a great excursion).
22 locals recommend
Enoteca
5 Strada Lauretta
22 locals recommend
35 minutes drive from the house. Nice restaurant in the old village of Bolgheri (known for Super Tuscan Wines, in particular the very special and expensive Sassicaia). Parking may be difficult nearby, so head to campo sportivo, the last parking at the end of the village, which is a good 10 minutes walk to the town centre. The small town centre is often busy with tourists, particularly in August. Food is good here, but you come here to taste wines with your food, even by the glass. You can even order the extremely expensive Sassicaia by the glass, if you are curious about it and willing to spend around 20 Euros for it :). Outdoor seating available. Many other options available in Bolgheri, also to only drink a glass of wine, but this is a favourite, where I take my friends visiting in Bolgheri. To reach Bolgheri you will most likely drive an amazing road with a great view (Viale dei Cipressi, Cypresses boulevard, in Castagneto Carducci). If you think about Tuscany, you will probably picture a similar road. The street is on the way to Bolgheri and easy to find (If you are into cycling, it makes a great excursion).
In the centre of Riparbella, 10 minutes drive from the house. Cozy outdoor seating in the middle of the village and fair prices at this small and local Osteria. Excellent food served and a very nice wine list, predominantly local from the great wineries of Riparbella. Absolutely recommended, a little gem that opened in 2022 in Riparbella.
Piccola Osteria Paperini
7 Piazza Federico Baldasserini
In the centre of Riparbella, 10 minutes drive from the house. Cozy outdoor seating in the middle of the village and fair prices at this small and local Osteria. Excellent food served and a very nice wine list, predominantly local from the great wineries of Riparbella. Absolutely recommended, a little gem that opened in 2022 in Riparbella.

Informazioni sulla città/località

The biggest city nearby (15-20 minutes drive from the house). two big supermarkets available: Coop and Conad, both in Cecina. Also a Lidl is available in Cecina.
84 locals recommend
Cecina
84 locals recommend
The biggest city nearby (15-20 minutes drive from the house). two big supermarkets available: Coop and Conad, both in Cecina. Also a Lidl is available in Cecina.
25 minutes from the house. Nice sandy beach with no sun umbrellas and a couple of cafes on the beach.
46 locals recommend
Vada
46 locals recommend
25 minutes from the house. Nice sandy beach with no sun umbrellas and a couple of cafes on the beach.
25 minutes drive from the house. Another sandy beach with one or two cafes on the beach.
9 locals recommend
Mazzanta
9 locals recommend
25 minutes drive from the house. Another sandy beach with one or two cafes on the beach.
30 minutes drive from the house. The Etruscan Coast offers beautiful beaches and crystalline waters, but also a wonderful hinterland you really can’t miss. Between the coastal cities of Cecina and San Vincenzo, less than 10 km from the seaside, you’ll find the precious little village of Bolgheri. I definitely suggest a drive along the famous Viale dei Cipressi (Cypress Avenue) that leads to Bolgheri. This is a scenic, straight avenue, about 5 km long, bordered by majestic and ancient cypresses which end in front of the castle of Bolgheri. It connects the old Via Aurelia to the village. This very impressive path is celebrated by one of the major Italian poets of the nineteenth century, Giosuè Carducci, in his famous poems “Davanti San Guido” (In front of San Guido). The poet was very devoted to Bolgheri and its surrounding as he spent part of his youth here. Proceeding along the avenue and behind the cypresses, you’ll start to see the red bricks of Bolgheri’s castle. The hamlet is located over this elegant castle, so beautiful and finished that it seems to come straight out of a storybook for children. Right before arriving at our destination, you’ll find a small parking lot where you can leave your car (fee is about € 1,50-2 per hour, not really cheap). In just a short walk (long enough to take some nice photos), you arrive in front of the tower which is the village’s main gateway. Just above the entrance you’ll certainly notice the big family coat of arms of the ancient noble Gherardesca family, which has owned the castle of Bolgheri since 1200! typical products in Bolgheri Bolgheri, with its old historical center, the typical houses of stone and bricks, rich food and wine shops, small restaurants and taverns, is really an enchanting village. The village itself is as precious as it is small. It is perfect for a short visit, but I strongly recommend you take your time to fully enjoy its atmosphere. I find Bolgheri is an ideal spot for a pleasant walk browsing through its food and local specialties shops, it's nice alleys, enjoying a good snack or a drink in one of the wine shops. The hamlet is also an amazing setting for a romantic dinner at sunset: at dusk the castle lights up and , if possible, is even more charming offering a great setting for an unforgettable night. If you’re traveling with kids, you can consider dining out in one of the restaurants equipped with a garden or outdoor area, where they can also play for a while.
346 locals recommend
Bolgheri
346 locals recommend
30 minutes drive from the house. The Etruscan Coast offers beautiful beaches and crystalline waters, but also a wonderful hinterland you really can’t miss. Between the coastal cities of Cecina and San Vincenzo, less than 10 km from the seaside, you’ll find the precious little village of Bolgheri. I definitely suggest a drive along the famous Viale dei Cipressi (Cypress Avenue) that leads to Bolgheri. This is a scenic, straight avenue, about 5 km long, bordered by majestic and ancient cypresses which end in front of the castle of Bolgheri. It connects the old Via Aurelia to the village. This very impressive path is celebrated by one of the major Italian poets of the nineteenth century, Giosuè Carducci, in his famous poems “Davanti San Guido” (In front of San Guido). The poet was very devoted to Bolgheri and its surrounding as he spent part of his youth here. Proceeding along the avenue and behind the cypresses, you’ll start to see the red bricks of Bolgheri’s castle. The hamlet is located over this elegant castle, so beautiful and finished that it seems to come straight out of a storybook for children. Right before arriving at our destination, you’ll find a small parking lot where you can leave your car (fee is about € 1,50-2 per hour, not really cheap). In just a short walk (long enough to take some nice photos), you arrive in front of the tower which is the village’s main gateway. Just above the entrance you’ll certainly notice the big family coat of arms of the ancient noble Gherardesca family, which has owned the castle of Bolgheri since 1200! typical products in Bolgheri Bolgheri, with its old historical center, the typical houses of stone and bricks, rich food and wine shops, small restaurants and taverns, is really an enchanting village. The village itself is as precious as it is small. It is perfect for a short visit, but I strongly recommend you take your time to fully enjoy its atmosphere. I find Bolgheri is an ideal spot for a pleasant walk browsing through its food and local specialties shops, it's nice alleys, enjoying a good snack or a drink in one of the wine shops. The hamlet is also an amazing setting for a romantic dinner at sunset: at dusk the castle lights up and , if possible, is even more charming offering a great setting for an unforgettable night. If you’re traveling with kids, you can consider dining out in one of the restaurants equipped with a garden or outdoor area, where they can also play for a while.
1 hour drive from the house. Volterra is a charming town situated in the province of Pisa, not far from Florence, Siena and the coast as well. It is well known for its Etruscan origins and for the many remains belonging to this era. Velathri, the Etruscan name of the town, was one of the twelve main towns that belonged to the Etruscan confederation; at the end of the 4th century BC, the 7300 meters long fortification walls were built up to protect not only the urban center, but also the surrounding fountains, cultivated fields and pastures from foreign invasions. After the Frankish and Lombard dominions, Volterra passed under Roman control and changed its name into Volaterrae (where the modern name comes from); later, it fell under Florentine supremacy until the town passed under the Grand Duchy of Tuscany before finally becoming part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. Today, Volterra is particularly renowned for its peculiar urban layout that reminds us of its Etruscan origins: people can still visit part of the majestic protective walls built during the 5th to 4th centuries BC - including the well-preserved Porta dell'Arco and Porta Diana, two gates for entering the city - as well as the Acropolis that houses several buildings and the foundations of two ancient temples. There are many Roman remains to visit as well, like the Roman Theater, dating back to the end of the first century AC, built in a natural amphiteatheater shape area. For more suggestions on what to see in Volterra, take a look at our top sights to see in in Volterra. Stroll down the historical center, step back in time and enjoy the timeless atmopsphere that surrounds the town: taste its typical products and visit the handicraft workshops, where you'll find many ideas for souvenirs from Tuscany, especially alabaster hand-made objects, which Volterra is famous worldwide for.
836 locals recommend
Volterra
836 locals recommend
1 hour drive from the house. Volterra is a charming town situated in the province of Pisa, not far from Florence, Siena and the coast as well. It is well known for its Etruscan origins and for the many remains belonging to this era. Velathri, the Etruscan name of the town, was one of the twelve main towns that belonged to the Etruscan confederation; at the end of the 4th century BC, the 7300 meters long fortification walls were built up to protect not only the urban center, but also the surrounding fountains, cultivated fields and pastures from foreign invasions. After the Frankish and Lombard dominions, Volterra passed under Roman control and changed its name into Volaterrae (where the modern name comes from); later, it fell under Florentine supremacy until the town passed under the Grand Duchy of Tuscany before finally becoming part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. Today, Volterra is particularly renowned for its peculiar urban layout that reminds us of its Etruscan origins: people can still visit part of the majestic protective walls built during the 5th to 4th centuries BC - including the well-preserved Porta dell'Arco and Porta Diana, two gates for entering the city - as well as the Acropolis that houses several buildings and the foundations of two ancient temples. There are many Roman remains to visit as well, like the Roman Theater, dating back to the end of the first century AC, built in a natural amphiteatheater shape area. For more suggestions on what to see in Volterra, take a look at our top sights to see in in Volterra. Stroll down the historical center, step back in time and enjoy the timeless atmopsphere that surrounds the town: taste its typical products and visit the handicraft workshops, where you'll find many ideas for souvenirs from Tuscany, especially alabaster hand-made objects, which Volterra is famous worldwide for.
1 hour drive from the house. The Leaning Tower has made Pisa famous all over the world, and in addition to the tower, the city offers many other interesting things to see worth at least an entire day - check out our 1 day in Pisa itinerary to plan your visit. When you first arrive at the beautiful Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli), your sight will be captivated by the magnificent Tower. Don’t just admire it from below: the climb up the tower is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we highly encourage you to experience. You will enjoy both the incredible climb as well as the amazing views from the top (you can buy tickets in advance as number of entries are limited every half hour)! Once you have admired the Tower of Pisa from all angles (including the classic picture in which you pretend to support it to keep as a memento), continue your visit to the other monuments in the Piazza: the Cathedral and the Baptistery. Along the perimeter of the square, there is also the Cemetery, the Cathedral Museum and the Museum of the Synopses. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Arno river and on your way, pass by Clock Palace to enter into Piazza dei Cavalieri, which was once the heart of power in the city and later the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen. In the Palazzo della Carovana overlooking the square, the prestigious Scuola Normale of Pisa has its base. What else to do in Pisa? Eat cecina! It’s a kind of very thin gluten-free bread made with chickpea flour, water, oil, salt and black pepper. You can eat the cecina alone or in a schiacciatina, a flat bread. A real treat you must try!
1133 locals recommend
Pisa
1133 locals recommend
1 hour drive from the house. The Leaning Tower has made Pisa famous all over the world, and in addition to the tower, the city offers many other interesting things to see worth at least an entire day - check out our 1 day in Pisa itinerary to plan your visit. When you first arrive at the beautiful Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli), your sight will be captivated by the magnificent Tower. Don’t just admire it from below: the climb up the tower is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we highly encourage you to experience. You will enjoy both the incredible climb as well as the amazing views from the top (you can buy tickets in advance as number of entries are limited every half hour)! Once you have admired the Tower of Pisa from all angles (including the classic picture in which you pretend to support it to keep as a memento), continue your visit to the other monuments in the Piazza: the Cathedral and the Baptistery. Along the perimeter of the square, there is also the Cemetery, the Cathedral Museum and the Museum of the Synopses. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Arno river and on your way, pass by Clock Palace to enter into Piazza dei Cavalieri, which was once the heart of power in the city and later the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen. In the Palazzo della Carovana overlooking the square, the prestigious Scuola Normale of Pisa has its base. What else to do in Pisa? Eat cecina! It’s a kind of very thin gluten-free bread made with chickpea flour, water, oil, salt and black pepper. You can eat the cecina alone or in a schiacciatina, a flat bread. A real treat you must try!

Le Guide ai Quartieri

My favourite natural beach. Make sure you do not stop in Marina di Cecina but you go further south and you reach the Pineta (pine forest). From here the sun umbrellas will disappear and the beach becomes wilder. No cafes available after la Capannina di Cecina (which used to be good, but recently changed ownership, so it may be different now).
46 locals recommend
Marina di Cecina
46 locals recommend
My favourite natural beach. Make sure you do not stop in Marina di Cecina but you go further south and you reach the Pineta (pine forest). From here the sun umbrellas will disappear and the beach becomes wilder. No cafes available after la Capannina di Cecina (which used to be good, but recently changed ownership, so it may be different now).

Tourist Attractions

1 hour from the house. Big mural from Keith Haring in Pisa. Nice bar in front of the mural, that will allow you to sip a drink while enjoying art. The Pisa's Mural (1989). The idea of creating a mural in Pisa happened by chance when a young Pisan student met Haring in the street of New York. The theme is that of peace and harmony in the world, which can be read through the links and divisions between the 30 figures which, like a puzzle, occupy 180 square metres of the south wall of the church of St. Anthony. Particolare del murale Tuttomondo Each figure represents a different aspect of peace in the world: the "human" scissors are the image of solidarity between Man in defeating the serpent (that is evil), which is already eating the head of the figure next to it; the woman with a baby in her arms represents maternity, and the two men supporting the dolphin refer to Man's relationship with nature. Choosing subtle colours, toning down the violent colours which had always been characteristic of his work, Haring takes his inspiration from the colours of the buildings in Pisa and of the town generally, to create a work which would be in harmony with its social and environmental setting. It is one of the very few outdoor public works created by Haring for permanent display, not ephemeral and destined to be used only as one in a series of temporary mass communications. In fact, he spent longer producing it, a full week, than the one or two days it took him to paint most other murals. On the first day, working on his own, and without any preparatory sketches, Haring drew the black outline. For the rest of the week, he was assisted by students and craftsmen from the Caparol Center, the suppliers of the acrylic tempera paint, selected because it keeps its colour for a long time, filling in the outlines. The mural's title is 'Tuttomondo" a word which sums up the artist's constant pursuit of interaction with the public, represented in this case by the yellow figure which is walking or running in the centre of the composition on the same level as a passer-by.
Keith Haring's House
136 Via Giuseppe Mazzini
1 hour from the house. Big mural from Keith Haring in Pisa. Nice bar in front of the mural, that will allow you to sip a drink while enjoying art. The Pisa's Mural (1989). The idea of creating a mural in Pisa happened by chance when a young Pisan student met Haring in the street of New York. The theme is that of peace and harmony in the world, which can be read through the links and divisions between the 30 figures which, like a puzzle, occupy 180 square metres of the south wall of the church of St. Anthony. Particolare del murale Tuttomondo Each figure represents a different aspect of peace in the world: the "human" scissors are the image of solidarity between Man in defeating the serpent (that is evil), which is already eating the head of the figure next to it; the woman with a baby in her arms represents maternity, and the two men supporting the dolphin refer to Man's relationship with nature. Choosing subtle colours, toning down the violent colours which had always been characteristic of his work, Haring takes his inspiration from the colours of the buildings in Pisa and of the town generally, to create a work which would be in harmony with its social and environmental setting. It is one of the very few outdoor public works created by Haring for permanent display, not ephemeral and destined to be used only as one in a series of temporary mass communications. In fact, he spent longer producing it, a full week, than the one or two days it took him to paint most other murals. On the first day, working on his own, and without any preparatory sketches, Haring drew the black outline. For the rest of the week, he was assisted by students and craftsmen from the Caparol Center, the suppliers of the acrylic tempera paint, selected because it keeps its colour for a long time, filling in the outlines. The mural's title is 'Tuttomondo" a word which sums up the artist's constant pursuit of interaction with the public, represented in this case by the yellow figure which is walking or running in the centre of the composition on the same level as a passer-by.
5 minutes drive or 20 minutes walk from the house. Excellent biodynamic winery, that sells amazing wines. Wine tasting is also available but needs to be booked directly on their website. I did the basic wine tasting one (with an additional serve of tasty cold cuts) and it was totally worth it. I got to taste one white and 3 reds. Wine tasting was 15 Euros per person and extra food another 15 Euros ( per portion, not per person). 3 of us spent 60 Euros and walked back home, did not drive :) Highly recommended.
Caiarossa Srl Società Agricola
59 Strada Comunale di Montescudaio
5 minutes drive or 20 minutes walk from the house. Excellent biodynamic winery, that sells amazing wines. Wine tasting is also available but needs to be booked directly on their website. I did the basic wine tasting one (with an additional serve of tasty cold cuts) and it was totally worth it. I got to taste one white and 3 reds. Wine tasting was 15 Euros per person and extra food another 15 Euros ( per portion, not per person). 3 of us spent 60 Euros and walked back home, did not drive :) Highly recommended.

Traveler advice

Book before you go

Most Restaurants in July and August.

Make sure you try to make a reservation at restaurants in July and August, especially at the seaside or in tourist villages (Bolgheri, Castagneto, Volterra). Also, Friday and Saturday evenings most likely require and advance booking.