crystal-clear sea,
villages and parks
A couple of kilometres north of here is the Gulf of Baratti, which is known for its picturesque views, but is also an important destination for divers, who can enjoy exceptionally beautiful sea-beds.
Sea and beaches
Within a few kilometres of here there are famous beaches like the unspoilt and rugged Parco di Rimigliano beach, along the stretch of sea that goes from San Vincenzo to “La Torraccia”, a medieval guard tower that has recently undergone careful restoration work by its owner (visits are available). Keen naturists can enjoy a dedicated section of beach where nude bathing is authorised by an order from the Municipality of San Vincenzo. Beyond the beaches, there is a woodland area which offers visitors the possibility of taking stunning walks among holm oaks, pines, junipers and the numerous plants of the Mediterranean maquis shrubland. There is also a beach in the “La Torraccia” area, which has a convenient car park close by, along the “Principessa” area. Here, you can hire umbrellas and loungers.
The headland from which Populonia (ancient Etruscan and Roman city, then fortified in the medieval era by the Signori di Piombino) emerges, offers a number of cliffs and delightful, famous inlets, some of which, like the “bucadelle fate”, can be reached on foot via a charming, steep path, which leaves the road behind at Populonia and takes you there in around twenty minutes.
The other bays can only be reached from the sea, using boats which can be hired in Baratti. After the city of Piombino, the Gulf of Follonica offers several beaches of rare beauty, that are also teeming with the nature of this beautiful corner of Maremma. It’s also worth visiting La Sterpaia, with its fine sand beach which is rich in shells. Carbonifera and Torre Mozza are also places which should be considered. Beyond Follonica, you’ll find the celebrated Cala Violina and Cala Martina.
Villages and 'cities of art'
Away from the sea, this area offers its most precious treasures: its medieval villages have remained largely intact for centuries. Today, you can still breathe the air of atime gone by. Bolgheri, Castagneto Carducci, Suvereto, Sassella, Gavorrano, Scarlino, to name but a few, provide unique experiences for visitors.
If you want to travel a little further, you’ll find Volterra, Pisa, Livorno, Siena, San Gimignano, Massa Marittima, all situated amid the most enchanting and famous scenery in the world.
