Il Pelagone

We often discuss the Tuscan Coast as a perfect holiday destination that many international visitors might be less familiar with than some of the other, more famous coastal regions of the country. A major benefit of booking a villa on the Tuscan Coast is that it allows guests to enjoy all of the cultural and foodie delights for which the region is more famous while also getting to make the most of the sun, fun, and incredible beaches that are on offer. And there are some truly gorgeous beaches, indeed, that can be enjoyed while staying in one of our vacation rentals on the Tuscan Coast. Among them, the lovely Cala Violina is one of the most famous and beloved.

Why It Is Special

Cala Violina, known as the, “musical beach,” is located in the Maremma, halfway between Follonica and Punta Ala, in the municipal territory of Scarlino. Set within the Bandite di Scarlino Nature Reserve, the little beach is made up of white sand lapped by the emerald waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Amongst the white sand, there are tiny quartz crystals that make a unique sound at a particular frequency – between 500 and 2,500 hertz – that sounds somewhat like a violin when people walk on the sand or the water washes over it. Due to the enclosed shape of the cove in which the beach is found and its remote location, this sound is more prominent and obvious than it might be elsewhere. As a result, the beach gained its poetic name, the so-called, “violin cove.”

Tuscany is an inherently historic destination as it is a place where history is alive and well. Many towns have charming centres that remain relatively untouched by time, culture and art from the rich history of the region account for a vast majority of the most popular tourist attractions, and many ancient traditions persist to the current day. One such tradition is of large-scale local festivals, many of which involve processions and events while in historic dress that recreate the past. Among these various festivals and celebrations, usually referred to as sagre, there is the Balestro del Girifalco. This is a twice annual crossbow competition in the town of Massa Marittima that includes a grand procession in historical dress through the charming Old Town, medieval-style feasts, and more. So, if you love history and want to feel it truly come alive, or you simply love a spectacle, then be sure to attend this fantastical event if you have booked a villa on the Tuscan Coast and are spending time in the area around Massa Marittima.