La California: History, Nature and Italian Everyday Life

La California combines local history, nature experiences and practical amenities for a variety of travel interests. The area around La California includes the Pineta di Marina, which is part of the Riserva Naturale Tomboli di Cecina nature reserve.

Church and Local History

The parish church of Nostra Signora di Fatima was dedicated and consecrated in October 1968. It is a modern-style church with low walls and a high roof reminiscent of a hut.

In March 1958, the autonomous parish of Nostra Signora di Fatima was separated from the parish of S. Ilario in Bibbona. This separation took place against the backdrop of a growing population and an increasing flow of tourists.

Around 1840, the origins of La California lay at a junction where the Via Aurelia met the road to Bibbona. The name La California is first documented for the settlement in 1865. An osteria run by Attilio Fabbri stood directly at this junction.

In 1881, Amerigo Gabbani took over as Fabbri’s innkeeper. This marked the beginning of a tradition that continued through the Demi family, the heirs of the Gabbani family, until after the Second World War. Historical postcards of the Osteria Gabbani in La California have survived.

Pine Forest, Nature Reserves and Paths

The Pineta di Marina has a five-kilometre-long path that you can use on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. This allows you to explore the surroundings in different ways.

The Riserva Naturale Biogenetica Bibbona is predominantly forested and characterized by Mediterranean maquis with holm oaks, strawberry trees and myrtles. Access to the area is unrestricted on foot; access by vehicle is prohibited except for authorized vehicles.

To reach the Pineta di Marina, take the La California exit from the SS1 Aurelia. Then follow the signs to Marina di Bibbona.

Access to the core area of the Grotte Gialle requires an approximately 2.1-kilometre walk from the natural parking area. This approximate distance is an important guide for your planning. Along the Via della Camminata in La California, there is also a car park for the activities and services available there.

Family Activities and Reasons to Travel

If you are travelling with children, the playground on Via Togliatti offers a slide tower with climbing elements and a swing for children aged 3 to 12.

Travellers with dogs can use an exercise area in La California, which is considered spacious, free of charge and safe.

A special time-specific reason to travel is the 94th Fiera della Zootecnia in La California. It takes place from 20 August to 23 August 2026 and dedicates four days to agriculture, livestock farming and the traditions of the region. Once again, the Chianina cattle breed is at the centre of the event.

The bus service operated by Autolinee Toscane connects Cecina, California and Marina di Bibbona.

More Destinations for Trip Planning

More destinations for individual exploration: Stazione Bolgheri, Marina Di Bibbona.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bibbona.