The best traffic-free bike rides around Piombino

The view of the Gulf of Baratti from the Castle of Populonia represents one of the most iconic and evocative panoramas of the entire Etruscan Coast, in Tuscany. The medieval fortress dominates the promontory from above, offering a unique contrast between the dense pine forest, the dark sand of the gulf, and the blue of the crystal-clear sea.

The Archaeological Museum is housed in the ancient Palazzo del Podestà (1225), which overlooks the Piazza del Duomo of Massa Marittima. The collection is organized into sections, ordered chronologically from the lower paleolithic to the etruscan age; the main piece of the prehistoric collection is the eneolithic statue-stele of Vado all’Arancio, the only find of its type in Maremma; the etruscan finds come mainly from excavations carried out at the village of Lago dell’Accesa, they are mainly kitchenware, loom weights, fishing weights and bricks; also present are the funerary trousseaux found in the necropolises, especially pottery (figulina clay and bucchero), bronze fibulae, iron pot stands, iron and bronze weapons. On the ground floor, an educational section is set up with a life-size reconstruction of typical caves: a paleolithic and an eneolithic one. Guided tours and educational activities, organization of cultural events and film screenings are available.

In the green of Maremma, where wild nature meets the crystal-clear waters of Carbonifera, Pappasole is a 4-star tourist village perfect for everyone: families, sports lovers, couples, and four-legged friends.

Follonica, one of Tuscany's most beloved seaside destinations, offers everything you could wish for from a beach holiday: sandy beaches with facilities, clear waters, a long seafront promenade full of bars and shops, services for families, and a welcoming but never chaotic atmosphere.

Among the most beloved seaside destinations in Tuscany, Follonica offers everything you could wish for from a seaside holiday: sandy and equipped beaches, clear waters, a long promenade full of bars and shops, services for families, and a welcoming yet never chaotic atmosphere.

Follonica is located in the province of Grosseto, in the center of the homonymous gulf that stretches from Piombino to Punta Ala. It is a town of about 20,000 inhabitants, and it is undoubtedly one of the most important holiday destinations in southern Tuscany. Very popular with both tourists and residents of neighboring provinces, Follonica is a destination for all ages and all tastes. Once an important iron and steel center, today Follonica is almost entirely dedicated to seaside tourism, thanks to its very long beaches and the numerous services it can offer. Furthermore, Follonica is an excellent base for exploring the surroundings, from the Maremma to the Grosseto coast: the exclusive resort of Punta Ala is just over 20 minutes away, while just 10 kilometers south is the beach of Cala Violina, one of the most beautiful in Tuscany. Baratti, Populonia, and other important locations on the Livorno coast are about a 30-minute drive away.

Pratoranieri is less than 5 km from the center of Follonica, and is easily reachable on foot and by bicycle, also thanks to a stretch of pedestrianized coastline and a cycle path. The beach, composed of fine golden sand, appears narrow and long in the perfect style of Follonica's beaches, mostly free; only a small part is dedicated to beach establishments, where it is possible to rent water sports equipment.

The Follonica promenade stretches for over 6 km, offering a sandy and well-kept coastline, entirely walkable or cyclable between the cycle path and the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone). Characterized by shallow and transparent waters, it is ideal for families, with numerous equipped beaches, bathing establishments, bars and restaurants. Sandy coastline, often adjacent to pine forests, with excellent accessibility.