Punta Ala

Punta Ala is a wooded promontory that juts into the Mediterranean sea. It is the beach resort that is part of Castiglione della Pescaia, purpose built in the 1960s and 70s as a tourism destination. Its marina is full of luxury yachts and sail boats, including Italy's prestigious Luna Rossa, the sleek racing boat.

The resort was built to respect the natural environment of the promontory, leaving most of it in its natural wooded state. It is a good place for a hike, horse riding or biking, along with the water sports offered such as wind surfing, sailing and water skiing. To the south side of the point are hidden coves with rocky swimming holes, while to the north side is a bay outlined by sandy beaches. There is a golf course, some luxury hotels, and upscale villas. Restaurants, bars, gelaterias, discoes and shops are all available for tourists' enjoyment.

The area has its share of history on display in the form of coastal towers built in the middle ages as part of the area's defensive system, along with a Medici castle perched up above, signs that this area was once dominated by that influential Florentine family. The scenery is spectacular, especially the little islands just off the coast, particularly lovely at sunset.