Why visit Buca delle Fate?

Right from the path leading to the cove, you will be immersed in an extraordinary setting. You will be surrounded by the scents, colours and flavours of the Mediterranean macchia. Under the shade of the holm oaks, you will see Etruscan remains that will capture your attention and deserve to be photographed. As you leave the scrubland, a panorama of indescribable beauty opens up: cliffs that reflect the sunlight and stand out against a blue sea that is as blue as can be. And then you will see the small beach where you can finally lie down and relax!

Where is Buca delle Fate?

Buca delle fate is located in the Gulf of Baratti, in the centre of Tuscany. Although there is a lot of confusion given the spread of this name, at least in Tuscany. Just think of the areas of Valdarno, Arezzo, Pisa and Pienza that boast one or more Buca delle Fate, which have nothing to do with the one found along the Costa degli Etruschi.

Where is the Gulf of Baratti?

This is usually the question that follows on from what was said earlier. Rightly so, not everyone is familiar with certain areas of Tuscany, small localities, which once encountered are very unpleasant to leave. This Gulf is located at the bottom of Populonia, in the territory of the municipality of Piombino, in the centre of Tuscany precisely.

How do you get to Buca della Fate?

This bay is hidden between two promontories, that of Populonia and that of Piombino. It can be reached in only two ways: on foot or by boat. As for the footpath, it must be said that there are several routes, one longer and one shorter. The longer one starts from Piombino, Calamoresca to be exact, and is 16 kilometres long. A beautiful walk that we recommend only to true lovers of trekking and nature. The other one, shorter but still beautiful, starts from Populonia and is 3.5 kilometres long.

How to get to Baratti beach?

This is the question some people ask themselves once they discover that there is a bit of a walk to reach the bay. In fact, it is more than understandable, since during the summer heat the desire to walk can be less. So yes, the solution is definitely to sit on the beach at Baratti. Fine, dark sand due to the iron deposits this land still contains, crystal-clear sea and behind it a unique and world-famous pine forest.

Where to park in Baratti?

Populonia and Baratti are often understood to be the same thing even though this is not the case. It is possible to park in Baratti to reach Buca delle Fate, but the journey takes a little longer. In fact, we recommend going early in the morning and grabbing a spot in the small car park in Populonia where the shortest path starts.

Why is this bay so fascinating?

Buca delle Fate is a very special place and a far cry from the well-known beaches along this same coast of the upper Maremma. The beach is coarse-grained, composed of pebbles and stones and surrounded by cliffs that stand out in the bluest sea there is. The shape of these large rocks is so peculiar that it catches the eye also thanks to its colour that seems to reflect that of the sun, in stark contrast to the blue of the evil and the sky blue. The bizarre shapes of the rocks are due to the incessant work of the sea and wind that constantly beat along this side of the coast. You will be fascinated by the wonder that Mother Nature has created in this enchanted place. Why do we speak of an enchanted place? Find out with us.

Fairy Hole Legend

Why is it called Fairy Hole? It is a question many people ask themselves, and indeed rightly so, since the name in itself evokes a forgotten, perhaps, but still evocative legendary story. In a distant and indefinite time, it is said that many fishermen used to approach this bay, entranced by what they saw. Every day an ever-changing spectacle presented itself before their eyes, lasting only a few seconds, so long that they thought they were in a dream. They saw mermaids, seahorses and dolphins playing carefree and told their villages all about it. A young man who was particularly intrigued by their stories, Valerio, decided to go and see for himself if what was being told was true, but on the way, the boat he was travelling on capsized and he found himself in a paradisiacal place made of seaweed and coral, populated by very young mermaids playing merrily. The fiancée, not seeing him return, went in search of her young fiancé and in desperation began to cry on the seashore. Each tear turned into a pearl when it came into contact with the dolphin that had approached to console her. A mermaid saw these precious pearls and asked the dolphin if she could have them. It was at this point that the dolphin proposed a barter: he would give the pearls to the mermaid if she would free the young fisherman. The young man was finally freed and a great feast was organised to celebrate this event