Follonica Beaches
Discover Follonica's pristine beaches, from the renowned Cala Violina to family-friendly Blue Flag shores, offering Tuscan coastal charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Follonica Beaches
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Follonica's pristine beaches, from the renowned Cala Violina to family-friendly Blue Flag shores, offering Tuscan coastal charm.
"Cala Violina is the most beautiful beach in the region, a true paradise worth the walk and booking."
🚗 Book Cala Violina Parking
Reserve your spot online for Cala Violina parking & beach access. Costs apply in peak season.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the 2km walk to Cala Violina through the woods. Sneakers are best!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cala Violina
Scarlino
A remote, stunning beach with fine sand and crystal-clear waters, reached by a scenic forest walk.
Follonica's Blue Flag Beaches
Follonica
Awarded the Blue Flag for its clean waters and commitment to sustainability, perfect for families.
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Gulf of Follonica
Follonica
Enjoy golden beaches, clear waters, and a vibrant town atmosphere with shops and cafes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Cala Violina in Advance
Prepare for the Walk
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Book Cala Violina Parking
Reserve your spot online for Cala Violina parking & beach access. Costs apply in peak season.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the 2km walk to Cala Violina through the woods. Sneakers are best!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited food options at Cala Violina, especially off-season. Pack essentials!
🦟 Mosquito Repellent
Recommended for the walk through the nature reserve to Cala Violina.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Book Cala Violina Parking
Reserve your spot online for Cala Violina parking & beach access. Costs apply in peak season.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the 2km walk to Cala Violina through the woods. Sneakers are best!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited food options at Cala Violina, especially off-season. Pack essentials!
🦟 Mosquito Repellent
Recommended for the walk through the nature reserve to Cala Violina.
☀️ Pack an Umbrella
Little natural shade at Cala Violina; an umbrella is a must for comfort.
📸 Capture Sunset Views
Follonica offers stunning sunset vistas over the sea.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Follonica's beaches, particularly Cala Violina, are lauded for their stunning natural beauty, soft sand, and crystal-clear waters, offering a serene escape. However, access to Cala Violina requires advance booking and a walk, and facilities there are basic. Some visitors note overcrowding and less-than-ideal restrooms even with reservations.
"The most beautiful beach in the region. But be careful — between June 1st and September 30th, you need to make a reservation on their website. The cost is about 16 euros and includes parking. Part of the road is unpaved. After you park the car, you need to enter the forest and walk to your right for about 2 km. It’s better to wear sneakers because the path is a bit rough. There’s only one food truck during the high season, nothing else. During the low season, you need to bring water and other supplies.
Being in the Mediterranean, the water is a bit warmer than in Lisbon and very calm. It’s almost like a big pool, but in the sea."
Lucélia Vieira
"A stunning beach with fine, soft sand and crystal-clear water. Cala Violina is about a 1.5 km walk from the nearest parking lot. When we visited in May, parking was free, but it’s usually €7 per day. The lot likely fills up early. The path to the beach leads through a forest and feels more like a pleasant walk with a few gentle hills. There were quite a few mosquitoes in the woods, but as long as you’re moving, it’s manageable. The beach itself had plenty of space, even in the afternoon. The surrounding trails are also popular with cyclists. Highly recommended for a peaceful beach day in nature."
Jan Bacílek
"A stunning beach. Don't be put off by the walk to get there. It's a max half hour stroll on a very beautiful path through the nature reserve. It's worth the effort. The sea is crystal clear and it all feels like paradise. Plan in advance and book online on the Scarlino website."
Margo Sugarman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Follonica is accessible by car via the SS1 Aurelia highway. The nearest train station is Follonica, with connections from major Tuscan cities like Florence and Pisa.
No direct public transport reaches Cala Violina. You'll need to drive to the designated parking area in Scarlino and then walk.
The most convenient way is by train, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Driving is also an option, taking about 1.5 hours.
Yes, Follonica's main beaches are well-signposted and easily accessible from the town center. Cala Violina requires a specific approach.
The trails around Cala Violina are popular with cyclists, and many of Follonica's coastal paths are bike-friendly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For Cala Violina, reservations are mandatory between June 1st and September 30th for both parking and beach entry.
Parking at Cala Violina typically costs around €10-€16, with an additional €1 per person for beach access during the reservation period.
Generally, Follonica's main town beaches do not have entrance fees. Cala Violina is the exception due to its protected status.
Reservations are typically available for specific time slots throughout the day during the restricted period. Check the official Scarlino website for exact times.
It is highly recommended to book online in advance as there's a limit on visitors and parking spots, and availability can run out quickly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Main Follonica beaches offer amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby cafes. Cala Violina has very limited facilities, with only a snack bar during high season.
Yes, Follonica's Blue Flag beaches are very child-friendly due to their sandy shores and calm, shallow waters. Cala Violina's walk might be challenging for very young children.
The waters are generally calm and clear, making them excellent for swimming. Snorkeling is also popular, especially around rocky areas.
Cala Violina has very little natural shade. Bringing your own umbrella is highly recommended.
Restroom facilities at Cala Violina are reported to be basic and can be in poor condition.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Follonica town offers numerous restaurants, trattorias, and cafes serving local Tuscan cuisine and seafood.
During high season, there's a small snack bar near Cala Violina selling drinks and sandwiches. Off-season, you'll need to bring your own food.
Picnics are welcome at most Follonica beaches. Remember to take all your trash with you to keep the beaches clean.
Look for fresh seafood, 'pici' pasta, and local Maremma specialties. Wine tasting is also popular in the region.
Yes, Follonica has beach clubs offering services like sunbed rentals and dining, though specific 'Marula Beach Club' or 'Follonica Beach Club' details are less prominent in general travel advice.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the golden sands and clear waters of Cala Violina, the scenic coastline, and the vibrant sunsets over the Gulf of Follonica.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the natural beauty of Cala Violina.
Drone regulations vary by location and season. Always check local rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone near beaches or protected areas.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture details of the coastline. Waterproof protection is advisable for beach photography.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be respectful of other visitors' privacy. Specific restrictions might apply in certain private beach club areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 While Cala Violina is stunning, the walk might be a bit much for very young children, and its limited facilities require more preparation. Stick to the town beaches for easier access and more amenities like nearby cafes and shops. 🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Cala Violina: The Jewel of Scarlino
Planning is crucial for Cala Violina. Between June 1st and September 30th, access is restricted, requiring online reservations for both parking and entry. The cost typically includes parking and a per-person fee. It's essential to book in advance as spots are limited and fill up quickly. During the off-season, parking might be free, but facilities are minimal, so bringing your own water and supplies is advised.
While the beach itself is a natural paradise, amenities are scarce. There's a single snack bar operating during the high season, and restroom facilities are basic. Visitors are strongly encouraged to bring their own umbrellas for shade, as there is very little natural cover. Despite these minor inconveniences, the breathtaking beauty and tranquil atmosphere make Cala Violina a must-visit destination for beach lovers seeking an unspoiled Mediterranean escape.
Follonica's Blue Flag Beaches: Family-Friendly Shores
+1Beyond their natural beauty, Follonica offers a vibrant seaside town experience. The town itself boasts a lively atmosphere with numerous shops, cafes, and boutiques, perfect for a stroll after a day at the beach. Many of these beaches are easily accessible from the town center, offering convenience for visitors.
While Cala Violina requires a bit more planning and effort, Follonica's town beaches provide a more straightforward and amenity-rich experience. They are a great option for those seeking a relaxing beach holiday with easy access to town facilities and a guarantee of high environmental and water quality.
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