Fancy a weekend by the sea in Tuscany?
DISCOVER THE BEST BEACHES AND ALL THE ATTRACTIONS OF THE GULF OF FOLLONICA.
This is one of the most beautiful locations in the entire region, a wide inlet that opens into a crescent-shape in the Alta Maremma, between the provinces of Grosseto and Livorno and bordered by Piombino (to the north) and Punta Ala (to the south).
“A highly attractive naturalistic setting located between the Colline Metallifere and the Tyrrhenian Sea, facing the Island of Elba.”
A stretch of coastline where you can spend a weekend by the sea in Tuscany in total relaxation, immersed in a setting surrounded by lush pine forests, wide sandy beaches and a high-quality sea, awarded the FEE Blue Flag.
The Gulf of Follonica includes stretches of sea in the municipalities of Piombino, Follonica, Scarlino and Castiglione della Pescaia, including other towns that don’t have direct access to the sea, such as Massa Marittima and Gavorrano.
Where can you go for two days by the sea in Tuscany?
LET’S FIND OUT ABOUT THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN THE GULF OF FOLLONICA:
CALA MARTINA
6.5 km from Follonica, to the south. Wild and alluring, it has pebbles on the beach and in the water. The sea is crystal clear and pristine all year round. It is located in the Natural Reserve of Scarlino and can be reached on foot or by bike. In addition to the breathtaking natural setting, it is also a place of great historical interest – it was from here that Giuseppe Garibaldi, pursued by the papal guards, boarded a fishing boat to reach Portovenere on 2 September 1849. An event commemorated with a half-bust that can be seen on the path leading to the beach;
CALA VIOLINA:
Is south of Follonica, just over 8 km away, within the Nature Reserve of Scarlino. It is one of the best-known beaches in the area and so called because its sand, made up of tiny quartz grains, makes a rustling sound similar to a violin chord when trodden on.
It can be reached by following a small marked path through a wood. The beach is small and very pretty. Since 2021, the number of beach-goers has been capped to avoid overcrowding. Currently, no more than 700 people can access it per day.
The sea is crystal clear and pristine, while Mediterranean scrubland surrounds the entire area all the way down to the beach.
There are wooden picnic tables and benches in the nearby pine wood;
TORRE MOZZA:
Is about 8 km north of Follonica, inside the Sterpaia Nature Park. Sand dunes and pine woods, providing a welcome respite in hotter periods, line the beach where bathing establishments are alternated with areas with free access. It is particularly suitable for families with children as just a few metres from the shore, there is a rocky outcrop that creates a natural pool. This slows the currents providing an area where children can play in calm, safe waters and also, spot bream, mullet and other types of fish;
CARBONIFERA:
Is a just over 9 km from Follonica, heading north. It is the perfect beach in Tuscany for families with children because it has white sand and shallow waters. It is in the Sterpaia Nature Park, with fine sand dunes and a centuries-old pine forest. The stretch of sea in front of it is crystal clear with an artificial reef a few metres from the shore that is home to numerous species of fish;
THE TOMBOLO DI PUNTA ALA COASTLINE:
It is 20 km from Follonica but much easier to reach because it is connected by road. The coastline runs from Capo Civinini to Punta Hidalgo. There are both bathing establishments and sections of beach with free access here. The white sandy beach slopes gently into the sea, while the water is clean and sheltered from currents. The perfect place for families with excellent services and beautiful scenery.
Where can you spend a weekend in Tuscany?
The Gulf of Follonica is located in the Alta Maremma, in an area of unspoilt land, strong contrasts and particularly fascinating colours. Its protected areas, including the Bandite di Scarlino Nature Reserve, Montioni forest, Sterpaia Park and the magnificent Maremma Park, have virtually remained unchanged over time, protecting incredible places which you can explore on horseback, in a carriage or a canoe, along the Ombrone River, for example.
IT IS THE IDEAL LOCATION FOR ENJOYING A WEEKEND EXPLORING OLD TOWNS OR INTERESTING ATTRACTIONS AND MUSEUMS:
PITIGLIANO:
116 km south of Follonica. It has been voted one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and also awarded an Orange flag by the Italian Touring Club as a recognition of quality. It is nicknamed “Little Jerusalem” because it has been home to a large Jewish community since the 16th century. Take time to visit: Orsini Palace, Medici Aqueduct, Jewish Ghetto, Archaeological Museum of Etruscan Civilisation;
SORANO:
137 km south of Follonica. With Fortezza Orsini, Via Cave di Sorano, Belvedere and the rock settlement of San Rocco;
SOVANA:
The village of Sorano is impressive with its Etruscan necropolis, the Vie Cave, the ancient village with the cathedral, historic buildings and the Rocca. Sovana is a must-see destination;
ETRUSCAN TRAILS:
To explore on foot or by bike where time slows down so you can enjoy unique experiences to the full;
MASSA MARITTIMA:
In the heart of the Grosseto Metalliferous Hills National Park (‘Colline Metallifere Grossetane’). A fascinating medieval gem with the Cathedral of San Cerbone, the façade of the Palazzo del Podestà decorated with coats of arms and the former Church of San Pietro all’Orto;
ROCCA DI FRASSINELLO AND PETRA:
We are in Tuscany, of course. Wine is taken very seriously here and the amazing cellars of Rocca di Frassinello and Petra are a fine example of this, avant-garde architectural wonders as well as ambassadors of age-old traditions and taste.
Where to stay by the sea in Tuscany:
THE SENSE EXPERIENCE RESORT
In this heaven on earth, nestled in the picturesque Gulf of Follonica, lies The Sense Experience Resort, a magical place in which to relax and from where to set off to discover the most beautiful beaches in Tuscany.
The resort, which looks out over a private beach, is immersed in a natural 5-hectare park not far from the lovely Torre Mozza area. The park, in which it is located, is filled with plants and ancient trees, surrounded by beautiful sand dunes which have been redeveloped and preserved.
The goal of The Sense is to offer its guests a fully immersive experience in contact with nature. From the materials chosen for the interiors to the flavours of the local products presented in the dishes, everything is focused on creating a wonderful experience that makes an emotional connection with the surrounding area.
“You can regenerate in this destination and spend a luxurious and memorable holiday featuring wellness, relaxation and nature, in a magical setting that encompasses many different stories and places.”
Our attentive staff are here to welcome and look after you in the luxury sea view suites with a selection of macarons and a bottle of Champagne.
To experience the area at its best and relax within the hotel facilities, The Sense has created an offer that will allow you to spend a dream holiday by the sea in Tuscany at unbeatable prices.
The “Romantic weekend in Tuscany with Jacuzzi in your room” special rate is designed to allow all couples to experience an unforgettable weekend.
The ideal place for a romantic getaway in one of the two suites with jacuzzi: the Two Bedroom sea view suite with Jacuzzi, with a private garden with sun loungers, or the Junior Suite sea view with jacuzzi in the room.
Check out our special offer!
Pratoranieri Beach
Almost completely free, Pratoranieri is one of Follonica’s most popular and famous beaches. A popular destination for tourists from most European countries, it has a long, narrow sandy beach that is a magnet for visitors.
The beach has golden sand and is washed by crystal clear sea. The shallow waters make this location ideal for families with children, who can play and swim safely.
Water sports equipment can be hired from the beach resorts.
There is a cycle path along the coast road where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the coastline by bike.
There are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs in the area where you can eat, drink and have fun.
Rocchette Beach
It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Maremma, with soft, golden sand, a sea with a high quality of water and a gently sloping seabed.
A combination of features that make Rocchette an ideal place for families with children.
Children and adults alike can enjoy the beach and spend time at the many restaurants and bars on site.
The beach resorts offer a wide range of services and the opportunity to hire beach umbrellas and relax by the sea.
Diving enthusiasts will be attracted by the rocks at the right end of the beach.
The crystal clear seabed is popular with snorkellers.
Behind the beach there is a pine forest and the promontory on which stands the Forte delle Rocchette, a watchtower erected in the 12th century.
Three days by the sea in Tuscany
Those who decide to spend an entire weekend or at least three days by the sea in Tuscany can discover the charm of unique and very special places.
The Etruscan Coast, the Versilia and the Maremma boast stretches of land washed by the sea that can attract all kinds of tourists.
All along the Tuscan coast there are many places renowned for the quality of their waters, beautiful beaches and reefs, colourful seabeds and truly comprehensive services.
Three days by the sea in Tuscany, where to go:
- Castiglione della Pescaia: a place for every taste There are plenty of facilities, sandy beaches offering a wealth of amenities, crystal clear waters and plenty of activities to keep you busy. It is the ideal choice for those who want a luxurious seaside experience. Castiglione also offers clubs where you can party until late at night and restaurants where you can enjoy the best local dishes;
- Forte dei Marmi: one of the most popular seaside resorts in Tuscany. It is one of the most popular destinations and charming destinations. It is a chic place with a glamorous atmosphere. It is ideal for those who want to experience the beach and the sea in a different way, breathing the air of the 50s and 60s in the exclusive and characteristic Bagni;
- Marina di Cecina: a favourable and strategic position, safe roads, soft sandy beaches and the FEE Blue Flag sea make this place a real hotspot for families with children. It is the perfect place to relax, have fun, play and enjoy the wonders of nature, enchanting views and characteristic vegetation and pine forests. Along the coastline, there are numerous beach resorts that provide many services and facilities;
- Argentario: an area with spectacular coastlines and beautiful parks. We drive along the Via Panoramica and reach the many bays along the way. Among these coves, Cala del Gesso certainly stands out for its crystal-clear waters protected by a cliff. The beach of Le Cannelle lets you breathe in the scents of the Mediterranean maquis; Grotta Azzurra captivates with its colours; Forte Stella offers breathtaking views. Porto Santo Stefano, an ancient village with one of the most important ports on the Argentario, is not to be missed;
- Elba: the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, Elba offers many architectural highlights and breathtaking scenery. Among the most beautiful coastal areas are the Fetovaia beach, with its pearly sand and turquoise sea, the Sansone beach, with its colourful seabed rich in flora and fauna, and the Padulella beach, inside a protected area that safeguards its biodiversity;
- Versilia: the region boasts many areas of great charm that can surprise all types of travellers. We find large beaches overlooking the Ligurian Sea, with golden sand, crystal clear waters and a promenade with many restaurants. Lido di Camaiore is an area famous for the cleanliness of its waters and beach resorts offering a wide range of facilities. Nearby is the Versiliana Park, where shows, events and concerts take place during the summer;
- Riviera Apuana: those who wish to travel to the northern end of Tuscany can relax in resorts such as Marina di Massa and Marina di Carrara, both of which offer quality services, clean beaches and crystal clear waters. Often awarded the FEE Blue Flag;
- Pisan coast: between Marina di Vecchiano and the province of Livorno there is a stretch of coast with beaches that are less known and less expensive than those of Versilia. Visit Marina di Pisa, Tirrenia and Marina di Vecchiano-Migliarino;
- Maremma Livornese: the northernmost part of the Maremma area boasts particularly attractive seaside resorts, such as Marina di Bibbona and Marina di Cecina, with wide sandy beaches, some of which are free and others with beach resorts. Rosignano Marittimo, on the other hand, is famous for its white beaches, stretches of white sand and blue sea, capable of immersing us in a Caribbean atmosphere.
