Island of Capraia
Pappasole-village
Buca delle Fate
Island of Capraia
Capraia is the third largest island in the Tuscan archipelago and the only volcanic island. A true natural and geological paradise where the colour contrast will make your visit sublime. To enjoy this contrast, it is necessary to visit Cala Rossa di Capraia. This is none other than the remains of a volcanic cone. Here you will experience the true chromatic power of nature: the red rock plunges into the clear turquoise sea.
What to do on the island
The island of Capraia, also mentioned in “Casa sul mare”, a famous poem by Eugenio Montale, is the only volcanic island in the archipelago and the third largest in terms of size. It was formed around nine million years ago and the striking red rocks bear witness to the original ancient eruptions. The island is covered by Mediterranean bush and today is at the centre of the ‘cetacean sanctuary’, immersed in Europe’s largest marine protected area. It is an autonomous municipality in the Province of Livorno and is populated by about three hundred inhabitants, who live in a well-kept centre with characteristic alleys and sloping streets. There is also the harbour, of course, and it is home to a small marina, connected to the town by a passable provincial road and a scenic road of Napoleonic origin that can only be travelled on foot. But the real pearl of the island is its coastline, characterised by inlets and cliffs washed by a crystal-clear sea. Cala della Mortola can only be reached by boat, while the other coves, such as Cala dello Zurletto, can be reached by sea or by land. Cala Rossa, instead, is what remains of an ancient volcanic cone. It is here that you can witness the most amazing contrast of the whole island: sanguine rocks reflected in the crystal clear sea! If you are interested in the wilder side, you cannot miss the western side. Here you will witness a majestic natural spectacle: cliffs eroded by the wind and lapped by the sea with a mysterious cave with two entrances in the middle are just some of the wonders you will find there! This island is certainly a paradise for divers and others. Clear seabed, crystal clear water, and many different kinds of fish: from the wrasse to the Carabiniere, from the dentex to the black sea bream, groupers, bream, scorpion fish, amberjacks, tuna, barracudas, croakers and common dolphins passing just off the coast. And who knows, maybe you will also encounter sunfish or chestnut fish or spot the fin whale or sperm whale offshore. Another activity that is sure to leave you breathless, given the shape of the island, is trekking. Walking through the Mediterranean maquis to the mountain peaks, meeting mouflons, wild rabbits, whitetails and birds of all kinds is an unforgettable experience! The walk will take you to the Stagnone, the only natural freshwater lake in the entire Archipelago, to the Piano, an ancient Roman settlement, or to the former prison, which can now be visited freely.
Capraia Island: what to see
What to see on Capraia Island depends a lot on both your interests and the time you dedicate to stopping over. However, it’s enough to search the Internet and scroll through Capraia’s photos to immediately understand what attracts you most. If you search for Capraia on Tripadvisor, you’ll get great suggestions to start your visit. Surely you will be suggested to see Cala dello Zurletto and Cala di San Francesco, but also Forte San Giorgio and many other historical and naturalistic attractions.
Of course, if you are more attracted by beaches and the naturalistic side, in addition to the 2 coves mentioned above, you cannot miss Cala della Mortola, and above all you cannot miss the opportunity to go diving in Capraia, since it holds one of the most beautiful and richest seas in the Tuscan archipelago. Do you love walking and discovering new territories? Then decide to visit Capraia on foot by taking part in one of the many excursions offered on the island and treat yourself to a taste of the delicious food cooked in at least one of these restaurants: La Garitta, il Carabottino, le Sughere. Do you love seafood cuisine combined with folklore? Then try to be on the island at the time of the Capraia squid festival, i.e. during the All Saints’ Day long weekend.
How long to stay in Capraia?
Only you can answer this question, depending on what you intend to experience of the island. You can opt for a short holiday in Capraia, even one day, or you can decide to dedicate a few more days to your stay on the island. There are not many hotels on Capraia, given its size, but it is possible to find a place at the Beppone di Capraia guesthouse, for example, perhaps booking well in advance.
Island of Gorgona
Pappasole-village
Buca delle Fate
Island of Gorgona
Gorgona, together with Pianosa, is the other island of the archipelago that until recently housed a penal colony. It was the last to be opened to the public and can now be reached by ferry from Livorno. The coast is characterised by numerous inlets. The most striking are Cala Scirocco, Cala Maestra and Cala Martina. There are also two fortifications on the island: the Torre Vecchia and the Torre Nuova.
How do I visit the island of Gorgona?
To reach the island of Gorgona, the ferry leaves from Livorno. There are departures twice a week and the ferry takes 1 hour to reach the island. If you are interested in visiting this natural heritage site, plan to get up early and be back by dinner time, because there is only one thing to go and one thing to come back. And if you have thought about sleeping on the island, be warned that this is not possible, because as it houses a prison, Gorgona has no hotels.
What to do on the island
Gorgona is the other island of the archipelago that until recently hosted a penal colony. It was the last to be opened to the public and now accessible by ferry from Livorno. The coast is characterized by numerous inlets. The most suggestive are Cala Scirocco, Cala Maestra and Cala Martina. On the island there are also two fortifications: the Old Tower and the New Tower.
Campiglia Marittima
Pappasole-village
Buca delle Fate
Why visit Campiglia Marittima
Campiglia Marittima is located on a hill and preserves in its historic centre numerous testimonies of the ancient medieval village. Among the most interesting architectural works are: the churches, including the Pieve di San Giovanni, a splendid example of the Romanesque-Tuscan style, and the Church of San Lorenzo, dating back to 1200, built within the city walls; the 19th-century Teatro dei Concordi, cosy and charming, home to important theatrical performances.
Not to be missed
Campiglia Marittima is also home to the San Silvestro Archaeo-mineral Park. At the entrance to the park, you can visit the Temperino Mine, exploited in Etruscan and modern times, or take Via delle Ferruzze and see the remains of the early 20th-century mining railway bridge, the Buca della Faina Etruscan mine, and many other open-pit shafts and quarries. Continuing along Via dei Lanzi we reach the medieval mining village of Rocca San Silvestro: in the castle there are still old ovens for baking bread, oil mills, shops, houses, cisterns and the noble palace. After passing through the Valle dei Manienti, with its remains of medieval mines and ancient marble quarries, you reach the “Etruscan Mines” workers’ village, built at the beginning of the 20th century. If you want to go as far as Campiglia Marittima, take Via delle Fonti, which takes its name from the remains of the ancient aqueduct on arches that until not long ago supplied the town of Campiglia Marittima with water. The park also houses the Mineralogical and Archaeo-mineralogical Museum, which displays material from the excavations at the Rocca di San Silvestro and a collection of minerals from the area. Since July 2006, a train has been taking visitors through a mining tunnel from the exit of the Temperino mine to the Valle dei Lanzi, where the Rocca di San Silvestro stands. It is also possible to visit the Miners’ Museum and the Mining Machinery Museum at Pozzo Earle.
Campiglia Marittima a forgotten treasure
Campiglia Marittima is one of the many villages to visit in Tuscany. It is located in the heart of this region and is perched on Monte Calvi, a few kilometres from the sea. This is one of the many characteristic villages in Tuscany that offers wonderful views to each of its visitors. Therefore, expect to be greeted by characteristic, mostly uphill streets, small squares, steps and staircases, and houses typical of an era long gone. Campiglia Marittima is one of the villages near Suvereto and has lived in its shadow until today. Although these two villages are similar, each offers its own particularities that you will discover during your visit.
Campiglia Marittima, history
Knowing hints of a town’s history makes you realise immediately what to expect when you arrive. In Campiglia you will encounter a medieval past that is clearly evident alongside an earlier past of Etruscan and Roman origin.
Campiglia Marittima sea
This title is meant to be a provocation, because although Campiglia is one of the villages in Tuscany close to the sea, the nearest coast is still a few kilometres away.
Campiglia Marittima, what to see
The major attractions offered by this village are:
- San Silvestro archaeo-mineral park,
- The fortress of San Silvestro.
- Fortress of Campiglia,
- Parish church of San Giovanni.
The San Silvestro archaeo-mineral park is the guardian of this territory’s mining past. Tourists can visit the Temperino mine by going through the Lanzi gallery. The park houses the museum of mining machines located near what is known as the Earle pit. Continuing along Via dei Lanzi, you will reach the beautiful San Silvestro fortress: an ancient medieval village where you can still see old bread ovens, old oil mills, old houses and the town’s stately castle. Returning to the town centre, you cannot miss a visit to what remains of the Rocca di Campiglia. This building was the residence of the Della Gherardesca family. The parish church of San Giovanni, located outside the town walls, is nothing more than a model Romanesque church surrounded by tombstones. Apart from the architectural structure itself, what fascinates every visitor the most is the magic square housed here. Also called the Square of the Sator, it is a Latin inscription containing a palindromic phrase whose meaning is still unknown today.
Campiglia Marittima, curiosities
Immersed in unspoilt nature is the Student’s hostel Gowett in Campiglia Marittima. It is known for being the only youth hostel in the area and for being suitable for all ages. The beauty of this place is the landscape that surrounds it as well as the building that houses it. Campiglia Marittima also has the honour of hosting Apriti Borgo – ABC Festival, which is nothing other than an international festival of micro-theatre and street theatre that takes place in the week of Ferragosto (mid-August). During those days, Campiglia becomes an open-air theatre where every visitor will encounter music, magic, figure theatre and circus acrobatics. You won’t find stages and walls because every square and corner of the town will be the theatre itself.
Suvereto
Pappasole-village
Buca delle Fate
Why visit Suvereto
Suvereto is an Orange Flag town, an award given by the Italian Touring Club. This small village is an open-air work of art, because the buildings that make it up date back to 1200 and are beautifully maintained. In addition to the architectural beauties, don’t miss the view from the fortress: from the top you will enjoy hills that will bring your gaze down to the sea, in a whirlwind of shapes and colours.
Suvereto, one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany
There are many beautiful villages in Tuscany, from Anghiari to Capalbio, but also Giglio Castello and Lucignano, and of course Suvereto. Together with Massa Marittima and Campiglia Marittima, Suvereto is one of the villages near Follonica that offers a breathtaking panorama stretching from the hills to the sea in a whirlwind of colours that leaves even the coldest person on earth spellbound. Here we want to tell you about Suvereto, just a few kilometres from Pappasole, the ideal place to retrace the less recent history of this region. After all, you can find as many medieval villages in Tuscany as you like, but Suvereto is well worth a visit because it is perfectly preserved and walking through its cobbled streets really does take you back to a distant era, perfect for unplugging and living a few hours in total relaxation. This town was first mentioned in a document in 937, which attests to its existence and life since the early Middle Ages. It is precisely this era that is imprinted in the walls and architecture of this village. Here you find stone houses, arches, the Palazzo Comunale dating back to 1200, the Rocca Aldobrandesca, the convent of San Francesco, everything speaks to you of the dark ages of human history. It is no coincidence, therefore, that Suvereto has been included among the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Suvereto and the area’s wine and food tradition
In addition to the historical fascination it arouses in every traveller, Suvereto is highly appreciated for its culinary tradition and passion for wine. Since far-off 1968, this village has celebrated the Sagra del cinghiale (wild boar festival) every December, attracting many people to the area from towns near and far. During these festive days in the village you will taste the typical products that local companies provide for this occasion. You will taste oil, wine, wild boar dishes of course, but also dishes based on other game available in the area.
All this is available throughout the year, so even in summer, with the difference that you do not breathe in the festive air, but it is still worth a try. To experience the festive and folkloristic atmosphere, just participate in the Palio di Suvereto, also known as the Palio delle Botti, held in May and August. Or you can take part in one of the mediaeval evenings held in July and experience the town populated by people dressed in period costumes, attend performances by musicians and jugglers, and why not stop for an excellent typical dinner in one of the town’s many restaurants. If you are looking for a hotel in Suvereto, you will not find many, as it is easier to find agriturismi or similar things, but our advice is still to sleep with us and still enjoy a visit to the town.
Cala Violina
Pappasole-village
Buca delle Fate
Why visit Cala Violina
Cala Violina is very famous not only for its beauty, but also for the reason of its name. Coarse-grained sand due to the decomposition of quartz grains, if it is stepped on in a certain way, it emits the sound of a violin bow. If you can’t hear this magical sound, don’t worry, it will still be worth the visit, as it is an earthly paradise surrounded by Mediterranean maquis overlooking the clearest sea.
Discovering Cala Violina in the Heart of the Maremma
Cala Violina, also known as the Violin Beach, is a small bay located between Follonica and Punta Ala, inside the Bandite di Scarlino Nature Reserve. Surrounded by the Mediterranean maquis typical of this area, it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Maremma, and a place where one can find true relaxation.
Why is it called Cala Violina?
The beach of Cala Violina presents a peculiarity unique to these parts. The sand is characterised by quartz grains, which make this beach coarse and very light in colour. In the seldom crowded moments, take a walk and you will discover what the name of this bay is due to. As you step on the sand, in fact, you will notice a faint sound reminiscent of the bowing of a violin. To experience this magic for yourself, we recommend an excursion to the violin beach in early or late summer.
How do I get to Cala Violina?
How to get to Cala Violina beach is one of the most frequently asked questions. There are two ways to get there from Pappasole Camping Village: by bicycle and by car. We recommend using a bicycle only if you are very fit, as this beach is 19 km from Pappasole Camping Village. The safe route is along the coast, where there are 80% cycle paths. From Pappasole, you ride through the town of Follonica, along the pine forest to Puntone, and at that point you are almost at your destination.There are two paths to reach Cala Violina beach by bicycle or car:
- The first starts at Puntone and is the most sensational in terms of views. The macchia remains constantly on your left and accompanies you with its smells, sounds and colours. To the right, your eye is lost in the crystal-clear Tuscan sea from which various inlets peep out.
- The second access to Cala Violina is from Pian D’alma and is the one we suggest, for the convenience of the pay car park at the entrance. Walk for 1.5 km surrounded by Mediterranean scrub and after about 30 minutes a breathtaking scenery will open up before you. After the green and brown, the typical colours of this reserve, you will be dazzled by the blue of the sky and sea.
Do reservations need to be made for Cala Violina?
Many people wonder whether reservations are necessary for the beach or for parking. Starting in 2021, in order to avoid crowds and to comply with Coronavirus regulations, the Scarlino municipality has decided to make the entrance to Cala Violina, one of Tuscany’s most beautiful beaches, subject to a fee. A maximum turnout of 700 people per day has been set. In order to enforce this constraint, it will be compulsory to book access to the beach through a dedicated website. The visit also has a daily cost per person of 2 euro, only children up to the age of 12 will enter free of charge. There will be controls at every access both for those who reach the bay on foot or by bicycle, and for those who reach it by car. Those who go there by car must also consider the cost of parking, which is 10 euros per day.
Are there any hotels in Cala Violina?
There is a ban on free camping in Cala Violina, and being within a guarded nature reserve, it is best not to take any chances.
There is not much tourist accommodation or hotels in the immediate vicinity, but if you search for Cala Violina on Tripadvisor, a world opens up to you, although our suggestion is to sleep over. If you want a holiday in contact with nature, you can book a farm holiday near Cala Violina.
Are there any campsites in Cala Violina?
As above, there are no campsites in the immediate vicinity, but you can reach Cala Violina by camper van to spend your day relaxing. Just arrive early in the morning and use the pay car park in Pian d’Alma.
Are there any bars in Cala Violina?
The answer is: only one. In the pine forest in front of the beach there is a kiosk that sells a bit of everything from sandwiches to water to ice cream, there is an area equipped with tables and benches, and chemical toilets.
The other bays of the Riserva delle Bandite di Scarlino
This is certainly one of the most interesting and famous bays in the Riserva delle Bandite di Scarlino, but we recommend you also venture out to discover the other bays along the path to Cala Violina.
What are these beaches?
The other beaches near Cala Violina are Cala Martina and Cala Civette. Let us discover them together.
Cala Violina and Cala Martina are the two sisters of the Reserve. Cala Martina is the younger sister of Cala Violina. It is smaller in size and instead of having sand, is composed of gravel and rocks.It can be reached as follows
What are these beaches?
The other beaches near Cala Violina are Cala Martina and Cala Civette. Let us discover them together.
How do I get to Cala Civetta?
- By bicycle
- By parking your car in the Cala Violina car park
Cala Violina and Cala Martina are the two sisters of the Reserve. Cala Martina is the younger sister of Cala Violina. It is smaller in size and instead of having sand, is composed of gravel and rocks.It can be reached as follows
- By bicycle directly from Puntone
- Parking the car at the car park in Pian D’Alma and trekking from Cala Violina.
