Hiking on the Mediterranean coast

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Walking along the coast

  • Duration: 1/2 - 1 day / 8 kilometers
  • Map view: click here
  • Reachability: via country road / bus

Along the coast to the most beautiful beaches ...

... which can only be reached on foot, by bike or by boat. The nature reserve is called "Oasi Nauralistica Protetta Costieri di Scarlino", the route begins in Puntone Scarlino, at the small boat harbor with the sailing school. You can park a little above the boat harbor and start the path after the hotel “Parco delle Cale” (Lungomare Garibaldi 4), Locanda Portiglione.

The path goes along the sea from one bay to the other, divided by rocks protruding into the sea, which offer you unforgettable views of the vastness of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The bays have such melodious names as “Cala di Terra Rossa” or “Cala Le Donne” etc., right up to “Cala Violina”, which gets its name from the fact that when there is a light breeze the sand movements create sounds like a violin played. Many consider this bay with its clean, fine sand to be the most beautiful in Tuscany. You also come to Cala Martina, where there is the possibility of renting beach chairs at the bathing establishment in summer. You can also walk this beach path in midsummer and winter, so make sure you have drinks to take with you in summer.

achtung Please note that there are restrictions on dogs on beaches and in nature reserves in Italy. The hiking route passes through wooded areas, home to wild boar, but also red deer and porcupines. Dogs could pick up a scent and disappear into the woods. Dogs are only permitted on beaches where explicitly allowed. For example, Italy has designated dog beaches (Spiaggia per cani). However, we have often observed Italians hiking to Cala Violina with their dogs and even taking them onto the beach. It seems no one is entirely clear about what is and isn't allowed. Our conclusion: If you have a well-behaved dog that doesn't cause any trouble, no one in Tuscany will mind. However, if there are any issues, it could become expensive.

The entire path stretches for about 8 km, you can just lie anywhere in a bay in the fine sand or gravel and turn back after extensive water and sunbathing. Or you go about 5 km further via Cala Violina and Cala Civette and come to Punta Ala. From here you can take the public bus back to Puntone Scarlino.

We recommend our partner as an address for this beach excursion Dream Tuscany the houses with beach names, e.g. B. "Cala Etruscan“In Puntone Scarlino.

tuscany hiking nature park beachLeft picture: The hiking trails are well signposted. Middle: Cala Violina. Right: Puntone Scarlino marina. Picture above right: Overview of the nature reserve with the hiking trails. 

Last updated: 31.01.2024

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Last updated on November 20, 2025 at 14:31 PM. Please note that prices shown here may have changed since then. All information is provided without guarantee.

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