Holiday apartment in La California: Nature, History and Tradition

Holiday apartment in La California: History and Tradition

The origins of La California are placed around the year 1840 at a crossroads where the Via Aurelia met the road to Bibbona. In 1865, the name La California was first associated with this place; directly at the crossroads with the road to Bibbona, an Osteria run by Attilio Fabbri was established. In 1881, Amerigo Gabbani took over from Fabbri as the innkeeper. Through the Demi family, heirs of the Gabbani family, this tradition continued until after the Second World War.

The parish history is also one of the town's significant historical references. In March 1958, the autonomous parish of Nostra Signora di Fatima was separated from the parish of S. Ilario in Bibbona. The reasons cited were the growing population and the increasing flow of tourists. The parish church of Nostra Signora di Fatima was inaugurated and consecrated in October 1968. Nostra Signora di Fatima is a modern-style church with low walls and a high roof reminiscent of a hut.

Another opportunity to learn about regional traditions was provided by the 94th Fiera della Zootecnia in La California. It took place from 20 to 23 August 2026 and devoted four days to agriculture, livestock farming and the traditions of the region. The Chianina cattle once again took centre stage.

Nature Trails and Protected Areas in the Surrounding Area

In the area around La California, the Pineta di Marina is part of the Riserva Naturale Tomboli di Cecina nature reserve. The Pineta di Marina offers a five-kilometre trail there, which you can use on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. This opens up various options for planning your day: you can go for a walk, plan a cycling tour or use the route as a bridleway, without experiencing the natural area in just one way.

The Riserva Naturale Biogenetica Bibbona is also located near La California. It is predominantly wooded and characterised by Mediterranean maquis with holm oaks, strawberry trees and myrtles. Access on foot is free; access by vehicle is prohibited except for authorised vehicles. If you would like to visit the core area of the Grotte Gialle, access from the natural car park requires a walk of approximately 2.1 kilometres. The different trail lengths help you plan excursions according to the desired level of physical activity.

Playground, Dog Exercise Area and Practical Orientation

For children, La California has a playground on Via Togliatti. It features a slide tower with climbing elements and a swing for children aged 3 to 12. This allows you to plan a separate activity for younger and older children. La California also has an off-leash area for dogs. It is spacious, free of charge and safe.

There is a car park along Via della Camminata in La California, serving the activities and services located there. You can reach the area around La California and the Pineta di Marina via the La California exit of the SS1 Aurelia. Then follow the signs to Marina di Bibbona. In addition, the bus service operated by Autolinee Toscane connects Cecina, California and Marina di Bibbona.

Further destinations for orientation: Marina Di Bibbona, Stazione Bolgheri.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bibbona.