Scarlino
Halfway between Follonica and Punta Ala, Cala Violina is the most famous beach in Maremma Tuscany.
Scarlino
Scarlino, il borgo nel cuore della Maremma Toscana
Scarlino is a town in the province of Grosseto, in Tuscany, located on the Tyrrhenian coast. This ancient medieval village is characterized by a beautiful hilly landscape, with a breathtaking view of the sea.
The history of Scarlino dates back to the Etruscan period, as evidenced by the presence of numerous chamber tombs in the surrounding area. Over the centuries, the village has been ruled by various noble families, including the Aldobrandeschi, the Pannocchieschi, and the Medici.
Today, Scarlino is a highly appreciated tourist destination, thanks to its strategic location between hills and sea, and its rich history and culture. Among the main tourist attractions of the municipality, we find the Castle of Scarlino, a majestic medieval fortress built by the Aldobrandeschi in the twelfth century, and the Church of San Donato, a sacred building of Romanesque origin.
The historic center of Scarlino is a true architectural gem, with its stone streets, medieval-style houses, and artisan shops selling typical products of the region. The weekly Thursday market is one of the main attractions of the village, with stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, and other typical products of Tuscan Maremma.
But Scarlino is not just a medieval village, it is also an ideal destination for sea lovers. In fact, the municipality overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea, offering tourists the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful beaches of Tuscan Maremma, including the famous Cala Violina, characterized by golden, fine sand and crystal-clear waters.
But not only beaches: the municipality of Scarlino also offers numerous opportunities for trekking and nature lovers. In fact, the surrounding territory is crossed by numerous nature trails that allow discovering the beauties of Tuscan Maremma, including the Scarlino Natural Reserve, an oasis of peace and biodiversity that hosts numerous animal and plant species.
Furthermore, Scarlino is famous for its food and wine, with a rich culinary tradition ranging from seafood to land cuisine. Among the typical dishes of the municipality, we find the stewed wild boar, the chickpea soup, the escarole pie, and the DOC Monteregio di Massa Marittima red wine.
In conclusion, Scarlino is a must-see tourist destination for those who want to spend a holiday immersed in culture, nature, and sea, surrounded by a breathtaking landscape and the suggestive atmosphere of Tuscan Maremma.
Tips
How to visit Scarlino
In Scarlino there are numerous tourist attractions to visit. Here are some of the main ones:
- Scarlino Castle: a majestic medieval fortress built by the Aldobrandeschi in the 12th century, located on top of a hill with a panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding countryside. Today, the castle is used as a venue for cultural events and exhibitions, but it is possible to visit its imposing towers, battlements, and frescoed chambers.
- Chiesa di San Donato: Located in the historic center of Scarlino, this Romanesque church has been restored over the centuries. Inside, visitors can admire valuable works of art and frescoes, including those by the Sienese painter Francesco Vanni.
- Historic center: The medieval village of Scarlino is a true architectural treasure, with its stone streets, medieval-style houses, and artisan shops selling typical regional products. The weekly market on Thursdays is one of the main attractions of the village, with stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, and other typical products of the Maremma Toscana.
- Scarlino Nature Reserve: This oasis of peace and biodiversity is located in the surrounding hills of Scarlino. The reserve is home to numerous animal and plant species, including deer, wild boar, badger, and peregrine falcon. Visitors can explore the reserve through the many natural trails that run through it.
- Food and Wine: Scarlino is famous for its food and wine, with a rich culinary tradition ranging from seafood to land-based dishes. Typical dishes of the town include stewed wild boar, chickpea soup, escarole cake, and the red DOC Monteregio di Massa Marittima wine.
How to reach Scarlino
COME INIZIARE LA LEZIONE
Alcuni passaggi sono dettagliati per iniziare le lezioni di surf.
By car
Scarlino can be reached via the SS1 Aurelia state road, which connects Livorno to Rome. From the north, the A12 motorway can be taken to the Rosignano Marittimo exit, and then continue along the SS1. From the south, the A12 motorway can be taken to the Civitavecchia exit, and then continue along the SS1.
By Train
By train, the nearest railway station to Scarlino is Follonica, which is located about 10 kilometers away. From here, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Scarlino.
By plane
The nearest airports to Scarlino are those of Pisa and Florence. From the Pisa airport, you can take a train to Follonica or rent a car to reach Scarlino. From the Florence airport, you can take a train to Grosseto and then a bus to Scarlino.
Traveler Review
"Scarlino è stata una piacevole scoperta durante la nostra vacanza in Toscana. Il borgo medievale è un tesoro architettonico, con le sue mura merlate e le torri imponenti. La chiesa di San Donato è una vera e propria opera d'arte, con gli affreschi di Francesco Vanni che ti lasciano senza parole. Abbiamo anche fatto una passeggiata nella Riserva Naturale delle Bandite di Scarlino, che ci ha regalato momenti di pace e di bellezza naturale. Consiglio a tutti di visitare Scarlino"
John, Stati Uniti Surf professionale"Scarlino è stata una tappa del nostro tour della Maremma toscana, e non ci ha deluso. Il borgo medievale è molto ben conservato, con le sue botteghe artigianali e i ristoranti che offrono prelibatezze della cucina locale. Abbiamo anche visitato la spiaggia di Cala Violina, che ci ha regalato un tuffo nel mare cristallino della Toscana. Consiglio a tutti di visitare Scarlino e i suoi dintorni"
Laura, Francia Surf professionale"Scarlino è stato il nostro rifugio durante le vacanze estive. Il mare della Maremma toscana è uno spettacolo, e le spiagge di Scarlino sono state una piacevole sorpresa. Marina di Scarlino è una località balneare molto bella, con stabilimenti ben organizzati e spiagge pulite. Il borgo medievale di Scarlino è stato il nostro luogo di passeggiata serale, con le botteghe artigianali che vendono prodotti tipici della regione. Consiglio a tutti di visitare Scarlino durante le vacanze estive"
Marco, Italia Surf professionaleDove dormire a Cala Violina
Una selezione dei migliori hotel, agriturismi, bed & breakfast e campeggi intorno alla bellissima Cala Violina
"Non facciamo la tavola da surf. Facciamo la tavola da surf migliore"
Hendrik Morella
Allenatore di Surf
"Scarlino è un gioiello della Toscana. Il borgo medievale è molto ben conservato, con le sue case in pietra e le stradine tortuose che ti fanno sentire come se fossi tornato indietro nel tempo. La vista dal Castello di Scarlino è mozzafiato, con il mare tirrenico che si estende all'orizzonte. Consiglio a tutti di visitare Scarlino almeno una volta nella vita" -
Maria, Italia