Scarlino: Rocca Pisana, Cala Violina and One-Day Itinerary

Scarlino combines a panoramic medieval village with wild coves on the Maremma coast. This guide covers Rocca Pisana, Cala Violina and Cala Martina, including parking, local food, walking routes and a rainy-day alternative.

What to see in Scarlino

• Rocca Pisana: the landmark fortress above the village, with views towards the Gulf of Follonica.
• Historic centre: stone lanes, arches and small squares climbing up the hill.
• San Donato Church: a Romanesque church with a raised presbytery and crypt.
• Riccardo Francovich centre: an introduction to local history and archaeology.

Suggested one-day itinerary

Morning: village and fortress

Park outside the narrow centre and allow about two hours for the old town, church and Rocca Pisana. Start early in summer and wear suitable shoes.

Lunch: where and what to eat

Choose a trattoria, agriturismo or restaurant in the village or around Puntone. Look for Maremma tortelli, acquacotta, wild-boar sauces, local cheeses and seafood near the coast. Book ahead on summer weekends.

Afternoon: choose one cove

Pick Cala Violina for sand and swimming, or Cala Martina for a freer, rockier coastal walk. Fitting both into a short afternoon usually makes the day rushed.

Cala Violina: booking, access and parking

The beach lies in the Bandite di Scarlino reserve and is reached only on foot, by bicycle, horse or sea. From 1 June to 15 September, access is limited to 700 people a day and advance booking is required.

• Pian d’Alma: use the dedicated parking area, then continue on foot.
• Puntone di Scarlino: a longer, more demanding route after Portiglioni, also suitable for mountain bikes.
• Take all rubbish away; bins are not provided.
• The beach has no lifeguard service.

Check access and booking on the official Cala Violina website.

Cala Martina and coastal trails

From Puntone marina allow at least 45 minutes on foot. The closest recommended parking is around Via Lungomare Garibaldi. The free cove has no food outlet and its mainly rocky seabed is good for snorkelling.

What to do when it rains

Stay in the historic centre, visit the church and documentation centre if open, and postpone the natural trails because stones and paths can become slippery. Massa Marittima and its museums make a useful alternative.

With children and practical advice

With young children combine the village with only one beach. Ordinary pushchairs are unsuitable for coastal trails. Carry water, sun protection and proper footwear, and check opening times and trail conditions.

Official sources

• Visit Tuscany – Scarlino
• Visit Tuscany – Cala Violina

Information checked on 1 October 2026. Access, booking, parking and services may change.

Scarlino in photographs

Fortress photo: Marco Travagli / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cala Violina photo: Petitverdot / Wikimedia Commons, public domain.