One of the great beauties of Tuscany is a beach that may have escaped your attention. Cala Violina is one of the best beaches in the country and endlessly tops lists that back this claim up.
A stunning soft white sand half-moon cove, it is located in the Golfo di Follonica right in the heart of the Riserva Naturale delle Bandite di Scarlino and the Le Costiere di Scarlino Area Naturale Protetta di Interesse Locale. As such, this Maremma gem is rather unlike many of Italy's other more built-up beaches in that it is completely unspoiled.
Most beaches in Italy require fees to be paid for their use and the use of their special facilities but Cala Violina is a “spiaggia libera", (literally a “free beach”) a public beach, that is devoid of the rows of bars, sunbeds and parasols that dot other shores.
A stunning soft white sand half-moon cove, it is located in the Golfo di Follonica right in the heart of the Riserva Naturale delle Bandite di Scarlino and the Le Costiere di Scarlino Area Naturale Protetta di Interesse Locale. As such, this Maremma gem is rather unlike many of Italy's other more built-up beaches in that it is completely unspoiled.
Most beaches in Italy require fees to be paid for their use and the use of their special facilities but Cala Violina is a “spiaggia libera", (literally a “free beach”) a public beach, that is devoid of the rows of bars, sunbeds and parasols that dot other shores.
However, don't think this means it will be empty. The beach is not a well-kept secret and crowds descend in summer.
The water of the Tyrrhenian Sea that laps the shores of the beach is crystal clear with plenty of small fish visible, making it a wonderful snorkeling location. Additionally, the surrounds really add to the beauty of this particular beach: it is hugged by rolling hills of lush green trees.
However, the most unique and beautiful element of the beach is given away by the name: when you walk upon the sand it emits musical notes that sound like a violin. While this is not a loud phenomenon and doesn't sound exactly like a violin, it is close enough to be rather astounding and immeasurable pretty. It is also only really possible to hear it when you get to the beach early or visit in winter, as the large crowds make it very difficult to pick out the sound.
The water of the Tyrrhenian Sea that laps the shores of the beach is crystal clear with plenty of small fish visible, making it a wonderful snorkeling location. Additionally, the surrounds really add to the beauty of this particular beach: it is hugged by rolling hills of lush green trees.
However, the most unique and beautiful element of the beach is given away by the name: when you walk upon the sand it emits musical notes that sound like a violin. While this is not a loud phenomenon and doesn't sound exactly like a violin, it is close enough to be rather astounding and immeasurable pretty. It is also only really possible to hear it when you get to the beach early or visit in winter, as the large crowds make it very difficult to pick out the sound.
The beach is only accessible on foot, by bike or on horseback: you can leave your vehicle in the pay-and-display parking area and then you must walk for about 2 kilometres along a path through Mediterranean vegetation in the heart of the Bandite di Scarlino Nature Reserve. This car park located is at the end of a dirt road on the SS322 between Marina di Scarlino and Pian d’Alma and is clearly sign-posted, so it should be easy to find.
If you have found a villa by the coast and are visiting Tuscany, this example really is a must – I mean, it is the best beach in the country!
If you have found a villa by the coast and are visiting Tuscany, this example really is a must – I mean, it is the best beach in the country!
Photo credits
Picture 1: troita_<>< / CC BY 2.0
Picture 1: troita_<>< / CC BY 2.0
