Cala Violina
Halfway between Follonica and Punta Ala, Cala Violina is the most famous beach in the Maremma area of Tuscany.
Cala Violina, How to get there
THE BEACH OF TUSCAN MAREMMA
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Maremma and Tuscany, Cala Violina is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, fine white sand, and the Mediterranean vegetation that surrounds it. It is located within the Bandite di Scarlino Natural Reserve.
The beach is located halfway between Follonica and Punta Ala, about 10 kilometers from both towns.
How to reach Cala Violina beach?
By car from the north:
Travel towards Livorno, then continue on the SS1 Aurelia and take the exit for Follonica Nord. From here, continue on the SP152 Aurelia Vecchia. After passing the first roundabout, follow the signs for the center (Via Verdi). Pass another larger roundabout, and at the next intersection, turn right. The road will lead to a new roundabout, at which point take the second exit onto Viale Europa and continue following the signs for Castiglione della Pescaia. After another roundabout, you will come to a large intersection. Turn right here and take Via Cassarello until you reach the intersection with Via della Repubblica. Turn left onto Via della Repubblica and then onto the SP158 litoranea delle Collacchie coastal road. Continuing in the direction of Castiglione della Pescaia, you continue for another 3 km until you reach the tourist port of Puntone di Scarlino, where you pass the canal and start a short uphill stretch that, after 3 km, will lead to the junction for Cala Violina and its parking lot.
By car from the south:
Get to Civitavecchia and continue on the A12 until Tarquinia, then take the SS1 Aurelia until Grosseto. Get to Civitavecchia and continue on the A12 until Tarquinia, then take the SS1 Aurelia until Grosseto. After 6 km, turn right at the crossroad and pass a roundabout until reaching a second roundabout at the beginning of the town of Castiglione della Pescaia. Take the second exit at the roundabout and continue uphill on Strada Circonvallazione and Via della Pace until you reach the intersection with the S158 delle Collacchie coastal road. Turn right and after about 9 km, turn left at the junction and continue towards Cala Violina until you reach the parking area.
By train and bus:
The reference station is Follonica, easily reachable from Pisa, other important cities in the north, and Rome. Regular Tiemme bus services operate from Follonica station square to Cala Violina parking area during summer. The bus stops at Podere Laschi, from where it is necessary to walk about 500 meters to reach the dirt road leading to the parking lot.
Cala Violina, the parking
THE PARKING AREA OF CALA VIOLINA
The parking lot of Cala Violina is a paid and restricted parking area. During peak season and busiest hours, for safety reasons, once the maximum number of cars has been reached, it is no longer possible to park. The parking fee at Cala Violina is €7 for the whole day and €3.5 for the afternoon. The parking lot is limited in number and is subject to a fee during high season. Once the maximum number of cars is reached, it is not possible to park for safety reasons.
After leaving the car, you can continue on foot by following the path through the woods for about 1.5 km (approximately 20 minutes walk). The path is quite easy and shaded, however, it is recommended to wear sneakers and bring insect repellent.
It is also possible to park for Cala Violina at the Viale Garibaldi parking lot, located at the tourist port of Puntone. In summer, parking at Viale Garibaldi near the Puntone Tourist Port is subject to a fee. The cost of the tariff for vehicles is as follows:
- 0.50 euros per hour (residents: 0.30 euros per hour).
- Subscriptions: 30 euros per week.
- Resident pre-paid card: €13.50 (valid for 10 stops without time limits).
To reach the tourist port, from Follonica continue along Strada delle Collacchie until you reach the Puntone locality, here, just after the traffic light, turn right and continue along the Lungomare Garibaldi and the tourist port. Around the area of the restaurant “Il Cantuccio” is where you can leave your car. After a few meters, you will find a barrier beyond which the path begins that will lead you, whether on foot or by bike, to Cala Violina. The trail reaches Cala Francese and Cala Martina after 2 kilometers, and after another 2 kilometers it leads to Cala Violina.