Follonica Beaches

There are many beaches around Follonica to choose from. Some are wide swaths covered in colorful umbrellas; others are nature-oriented and backed by pines. Here are some of the area's beaches.

Right in town there are easily accessible beaches. Many are concessions that rent umbrellas and sun beds, though there are some free access beaches tucked in among them. The biggest in along Viale Carducci between Lido Aloha and the marina. To the north of town you'll find some beaches backed by pine woods, making them quieter and more natural-feeling. Giardino Beach and Torre Mozza are good choices. There are both vendors and free beaches, where you'll find clear, calm water and views to Elba and even Corsica. Torre Mozza has the 15th century coastal watch tower as a backdrop, and sandy dunes that are part of a regional nature park. Just off the coast and just below the water at one portion of Torre Mozza is a reef that many believe is actually the ancient Via Aurelia Roman road submerged.

To the south, about three kilometers from Follonica is La Polveriera, with shallow water and sandy beaches that are great for kids. Cala Violina is one of the mostbeautiful in the Maremma, in a nature preserve and undeveloped. It is reached by an access road off SP 158; go to the parking and walk the foot path through the pine woods to the bay where a couple of kilometers of undisturbed beach await. It is in the Riserva Naturale delle Bandite di Scarlino, in the area known as "Localita' Puntone" along with Cala Francese and Cala Martina. (Cala means "cove".)

Continue towards Castiglione delle Pescaia and you'll find Casetta Civinini near Punta Ala. A 6 kilometer long beach provides loads of space and most of it is free and open access but there are also a few concessions if you want to rent an umbrella and sun beds. Even in high season you won't find it too crowded.

(The photo is Cala Violina, a really beautiful spot!)