The Mouth of the Arno, or Bocca d’Arno, is where Pisa’s river meets the Tyrrhenian Sea at Marina di Pisa, roughly 10 kilometres west of the city centre. Here, fishing boats, waterfront buildings and a broad horizon offer a change of pace from the crowds around the Leaning Tower.
The Arno helped make medieval Pisa a maritime power, connecting the city to the Mediterranean and its trade routes. Over centuries, sediment reshaped the coastline and carried the river mouth farther west, leaving the city increasingly inland. A visit offers a perspective on the geography behind Pisa’s history.
Come for a walk along the riverfront and seafront, especially in the late afternoon when the light softens over the water. Gulls wheel above the river, while Marina di Pisa’s cafés and seafood restaurants make an easy stop. Across the Arno, the Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli Regional Park protects a landscape of pine woods and wetlands.
Local buses connect Pisa with Marina di Pisa in around half an hour; cycling is another option on the flat route. Bring a windproof layer, even on sunny days, and mosquito repellent if you plan to linger near the water at dusk. Avoid swimming at the river mouth, where currents can be unpredictable, and use designated beaches instead.