Holidays in Piombino
Piombino might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of the Val di Cornia and its parks. The city is mainly known for its industrial past, including the steelworks and landfill sites, and as the embarkation point for the Island of Elba. But what if we told you that planning your next holidays in Piombino could pleasantly surprise you and make you forget about all the negative stereotypes?
Exploring Piombino’s historic centre
When you arrive in Piombino, you usually turn left at the traffic lights and head straight to the port for the Island of Elba. But if you turn right or go straight, after just a few hundred meters, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the city’s historic centre. Here, an ancient military complex, the Torrione and Rivellino, welcomes you with its high tower dating back to 1212.
Strolling through the centre’s ancient palaces, shops, and excellent restaurants, you’ll come across the Palazzo Comunale and its Clock Tower, which dates back to 1598. But what lies beyond is the real gem of Piombino: Piazza Bovio, Europe’s largest seafront square and one of the most beautiful in the world. Built on a natural cliff, the square offers the most spectacular view of Elba Island along the Tyrrhenian coast.
Exploring Piombino’s fortresses
From Piazza Bovio, you can head right to the Porticciolo, with its Fonti dating back to 1248, or left to the Medicean Fortress of Piombino Castle, built in the 13th century. Here you can admire a magnificent panorama of the Tuscan Archipelago, including Elba Island, Palmaiola and Cerboli islets, Giglio, Montecristo, Capraia, and even Corsica if you’re lucky.
The Mura Leonardesche, which defended Piombino for eight hundred years, are just a short walk from the fortress. Finally, you can visit the Archaeological Museum of the Populonia Territory in Piazza della Cittadella, where the silver amphora found in 1968 between Baratti and San Vincenzo and the exquisite Roman fish mosaic stand out among the museum’s treasures.
Nature lovers’ paradise
Turning right at the famous traffic light, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will discover a whole new world. Once you reach the Lungomare, follow it to Salivoli Harbour and then to the fantastic Punta Falcone Park, a natural oasis with a breathtaking landscape overlooking the sea, an astronomical observatory, and a military battery dating back to World War I.
Through paths suitable for trekking, mountain biking, and running, you can explore the coastline and its beaches, such as CalaMoresca, Spiaggia Lunga, Fossa alle Canne, and Buca delle Fate, until you reach the beautiful Gulf of Baratti with its Etruscan Archaeological Park. Above Baratti, Populonia, the only Etruscan city built on the sea, stands out.
Discovering Piombino’s surroundings
The Piombino territory also includes the Sterpaia Park and partly the Montioni Park. Here, visitors can choose between beaches, hills, and fantastic nature reserves. Moreover, just a few minutes from the city, there are splendid medieval villages like Suvereto and Campiglia Marittima, thermal centres like Calidario in Venturina Terme, and much more to discover.
Piombino is the perfect place for an active holiday with loads of exciting adventures to discover. Trek along the coastline for stunning views, take unforgettable horseback rides through the beautiful countryside, or cycle through the winding trails on a mountain bike, e-bike or by cycle tour. If you fancy a spot of tennis or want to pump some iron, there are plenty of sports centres around catering to all levels of ability.
Don’t miss the chance to see the beautiful Val di Cornia from a different perspective. Piombino’s got it all!
