Cala Violina

From Punta Ala, the coast that continues towards the port of Puntone and the Gulf of Follonica is characterized by the inlets of the Bandite di Scarlino Nature Reserve, the most famous of which is certainly Cala Violina, so called for the peculiar violin-like sound coming from the trodden sand when there are no other sounds around. Its reputation makes it a very popular destination in the summer, often leading to overcrowding of the beach, especially at weekends. Less known but equally beautiful are the nearby sister beaches of Cala Civette and Cala Martina, which have the advantage of having fewer summer visitors. You can reach the three bays by following the road that connects Castiglione della Pescaia to Follonica and taking the unsurfaced road on the left where indicated, to reach the large car park (payment required). From here, you’ll have to leave your car and continue on foot for two kilometres through the scrub. Don’t forget to take everything you need for the day: in these areas and on the beaches there are no bars or other facilities.