Scarlino Beaches

Overview

Scarlino offers a beach experience unlike any other in Tuscany, trading bustling promenades for pristine nature. The charming medieval village of Scarlino sits perched in the hills, a short drive from a coastline renowned for its wild, protected coves nestled within the Bandite di Scarlino nature reserve. This destination is perfect for those who see a scenic walk or bike ride through Mediterranean scrub as part of the adventure, a rewarding journey to a beautiful stretch of sand. It’s a place where the focus is less on beach clubs and more on the unspoiled beauty of the Maremman coast.

The coastline's crown jewel is unquestionably Cala Violina, a world-famous cove known for its unique quartz sand that sings underfoot and its stunningly clear water. Access to this popular beach is limited to preserve its natural state, so booking your visit in advance is essential. For a quieter but equally wild experience, its neighbors Cala Martina and Cala Civette offer a peaceful escape into nature. In contrast, for those seeking convenience and classic beach day fun, Puntone di Scarlino Beach serves as the area's main coastal hub, offering easier access and a great spot for watersports.

Beyond the most famous coves, the area has other fantastic options. Spiaggia La Polveriera is a long, sandy beach favored by locals, providing a more relaxed atmosphere with shallow waters perfect for families. It strikes a balance between natural beauty and easy accessibility, with a pleasant pine forest backing the dunes. These highlights are just the beginning of what the Scarlino coast has to offer. For more hidden gems and detailed information, be sure to explore our complete guide to the region's beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Scarlino a good destination for a classic beach holiday?

Scarlino is fantastic for a nature-focused beach holiday, but it's important to know that the charming medieval village of Scarlino is located about 7 kilometers inland from the coast. The area's most famous beaches are a series of stunning, wild coves within the Bandite di Scarlino nature reserve, which require some walking or cycling to reach. For a more traditional beach experience with easy access and amenities, you would look to the nearby beaches of Puntone or the neighboring town of Follonica.

Do I really need to book to go to Cala Violina beach?

Yes, booking is mandatory to visit Cala Violina from June 1st to September 15th. Access is limited to 700 people per day to protect the natural environment. You must reserve your spot online in advance through the official booking website, which requires a small fee. It is also highly recommended to book your parking space at the same time, as the dedicated car park also has limited availability.

Cala Violina

How difficult is the walk to Cala Violina?

From the main car park, the walk to Cala Violina is approximately 1.5 to 2 kilometers (about 20-30 minutes) along a well-trodden path through a shaded pine forest. The trail is generally considered easy to moderate, with some gentle inclines. While many people do it in flip-flops, wearing sneakers or comfortable walking shoes is recommended. The path is beautiful and part of the experience of reaching this secluded cove.

Cala Violina

What are the best beaches in Scarlino for families with young children?

For families with children, the beaches of Puntone di Scarlino and La Polveriera are the best options. These are long, sandy beaches with very shallow, calm water, making them safe and enjoyable for little ones. They are also much easier to access than the more famous coves, with paid parking located just behind the pine forest that backs the beach, requiring only a short walk to the sand.

Spiaggia La Polveriera

Is it better to stay near the historic town of Scarlino or closer to the beaches?

This depends on your holiday preference. Stay in or near the historic town of Scarlino for panoramic views, medieval atmosphere, and a tranquil, romantic setting, but be prepared to drive to the coast each day. Stay in the coastal area of Puntone or near Follonica to be within walking or cycling distance of the beaches and marina, offering more convenience for a beach-focused trip but with a more modern resort feel.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

What's the difference between Cala Violina, Cala Martina, and Cala Civette?

These are the three main coves in the Bandite di Scarlino reserve. Cala Violina is the most famous, known for its unique quartz sand and stunningly clear water, but it requires booking and is often crowded. Cala Martina, just north of it, is a rocky and pebble beach, making it quieter and excellent for snorkeling but less ideal for sunbathing. Cala Civette, to the south, is a sandy beach considered a wilder, more secluded, and free-access alternative to Cala Violina.

Cala Violina

Cala Martina

Cala Civette

Should I choose Scarlino or Follonica for a beach trip?

Choose Scarlino for a holiday centered on nature, hiking, and discovering pristine, undeveloped coves that feel like a reward after a walk. Choose Follonica for a more traditional seaside town experience, with long, wide sandy beaches lined with beach clubs (bagni), restaurants, and promenades, offering more amenities and easier access, but also larger crowds.

Are there beach clubs with sunbeds and umbrellas, or are the beaches free?

The famous coves like Cala Violina, Cala Martina, and Cala Civette are entirely natural and do not have any beach clubs ('bagni') with sunbeds or umbrellas for rent; they are free-access public beaches. You need to bring your own equipment. The more accessible beaches like Puntone and La Polveriera are mostly free, but you may find some establishments offering rentals, especially closer to the Follonica side.

Cala Violina

Cala Martina

Cala Civette

Spiaggia La Polveriera

People Also Ask

When is the best time to visit Scarlino's beaches to avoid crowds?

To avoid the biggest crowds, especially at popular spots like Cala Violina, it's best to visit in late spring (May and June) or early autumn (September). The weather is still pleasant for swimming and sunbathing. If you must visit in the peak months of July and August, try to go on a weekday and arrive either very early in the morning or later in the afternoon (after 4 PM), when many families start to leave.

Cala Violina

Can you swim comfortably in the sea at Scarlino? What is the water like?

Absolutely. The waters along the Scarlino coast are known for being exceptionally clear and clean, especially in the coves which are protected from boat traffic. The water temperature is comfortable for swimming from late June through September, typically peaking in August. The beaches at Puntone and La Polveriera have very shallow entry, which is great for wading, while the coves have a slightly quicker drop-off into beautiful turquoise water.

Spiaggia La Polveriera

Where is the best place to park for the beaches in Scarlino?

For Cala Violina, you must use the designated pay-and-display car park at Val Martina, which should be booked online in advance with your beach ticket. For the easier-to-access beaches like La Polveriera and Puntone, there are several large, paid car parks located on the inland side of the coastal road, with boardwalks leading through the pine forest to the beach.

Cala Violina

Spiaggia La Polveriera

Are there any good beaches in Scarlino that don't require a long walk?

Yes, the beaches of Puntone di Scarlino and La Polveriera are perfect if you want to avoid a long trek. These beaches are located right off the main coastal road (SP158) and are accessible via a short walk through a pine grove from the nearby car parks. They offer long stretches of sand and shallow waters without the hiking required for the more famous coves.

Spiaggia La Polveriera

The town of Scarlino is inland. How do you get to the beaches from there?

From the medieval hilltop town of Scarlino, the beaches are about a 10-15 minute drive away. You will need a car to travel between the historic center and the coast. Follow the signs down towards the coast for 'Puntone' or 'Follonica'. Public transport options are limited, so having your own vehicle is highly recommended for exploring the different beaches in the area.

What is the 'violin sound' at Cala Violina?

The beach gets its name from a unique natural phenomenon. The sand is composed of tiny quartz granules which, when walked on under dry conditions, emit a faint, high-pitched sound that some say resembles the notes of a violin. To hear it, you need to be there on a quiet day and shuffle your feet firmly on the dry sand.

Cala Violina

Are there any dog-friendly beaches in the Scarlino area?

Yes, there is a specific dog-friendly beach in the area. The beach at Puntone di Scarlino, in the section south of the river Pecora, has an area designated for dogs, often called a 'bau beach'. Here, dogs are allowed to play and swim. Always look for the specific signage indicating the designated area.