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

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.

Whichever path you choose, we advise you to wear comfortable shoes in order to make the most of the route you are about to take. After this walk, you will be ready to fully enjoy the sea of Cala Violina, which will flash before you in its unparalleled clarity.

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.

How do I get to Cala Civetta?

Cala Civetta or Cala Civette is a wild and isolated beach. It is the southernmost bay in the reserve and is only a 1.5 km walk from Cala Violina. It has no refreshment points and can be reached in two ways:

By bicycle
By parking your car in the Cala Violina car park

How to get to Cala Martina?
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