Acquario di Livorno (Livorno Aquarium), Livorno (must see)

The Livorno Aquarium (Acquario di Livorno), situated on the scenic Terrazza Mascagni, offers visitors a deep dive into the wonders of marine life and beyond. Located near the Cetacean Sanctuary, this aquarium is home to an impressive range of aquatic species, amphibians, reptiles, and insects from all over the world.

As you begin your visit, the first room is dedicated to Diacinto Cestoni and introduces the vibrant biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll explore themed exhibition tanks like “The Crustaceans of the Mediterranean” and “The Colors of the Mediterranean,” where you’ll discover the rich underwater landscapes of this region.

Among the aquarium's many highlights are the Indo-Pacific tank, where Ari and Cuba, the star turtles, swim alongside zebra sharks, Napoleon fish, and blacktip reef sharks. Another crowd favorite is the tactile tank, offering visitors the unique chance to get up close and touch rays as they glide gracefully through the water. The jellyfish exhibit serves as both a visual spectacle and a gentle reminder of environmental conservation, raising awareness about the threat plastic waste poses to sea turtles and other marine creatures.

The aquarium also boasts a mesmerizing reproduction of a Greek-Roman shipwreck in its Mediterranean tank, where species like great sea bass and rockfish swim around the ruins. Moving through the exhibits, visitors encounter the vibrant world of the Caribbean Sea, home to colorful creatures such as the green moray eel, surgeonfish, and fire angel fish.

A visit to the panoramic terrace provides sweeping views of Livorno's coastline and an opportunity to reflect on the aquarium’s incredible displays. For those fascinated by land creatures, the tour concludes with a diverse range of amphibians and reptiles, including chameleons, iguanas, dart frogs, and leafcutting ants.

Ideal for families and travelers alike, the Livorno Aquarium blends education with an engaging, immersive experience, making it a must-see attraction on any visit to Livorno.