This coastal town on the Gulf of Follonica draws visitors to its long sandy beaches and clear waters. Known for its 19th-century iron works and summer festivals.
Follonica stretches along the western coast of Tuscany, facing the Tyrrhenian Sea. You'll find an 8-kilometer coastline with public and private beaches, a medieval fortress perched on the hillside, and the MAGMA museum - a converted 19th-century iron foundry. Swim at Pratoranieri Beach in the morning, walk through pine forests in the afternoon, and try fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants in the evening.
Swimming and Beaches in Follonica
The 8-kilometer coastline includes several distinct beaches. At Pratoranieri Beach, the water stays shallow - less than one meter deep - for the first 50 meters from shore, making it safe for children. To reach Cala Violina, walk 20 minutes through pine forests to find a quiet cove where your footsteps make violin-like sounds in the sand. The main town beach divides at the canal, with the Calaviolina nautical club marking the split. Pine trees grow right up to the northern beaches, creating shaded areas to escape the summer heat.
Local Food Scene
Seafood forms the core of local cooking, especially cacciucco - a tomato-based stew combining five types of fish. Try tortelli di patate, local pasta filled with potatoes and topped with tomato sauce. For dessert, sample torta di riso, a rice pudding cake with lemon zest and vanilla. Restaurants along the waterfront promenade serve dishes using ingredients from local farms and daily catches from fishing boats.
Iron Production and Museums
Walk through the MAGMA museum in the old Forno San Ferdinando building to learn about Follonica's iron-working history. Interactive exhibits show how the iron industry grew under Leopold II of Tuscany in the 19th century. Look for cast iron decorations throughout town, particularly on the Church of San Leopoldo and the Ex Ilva gate - both examples of local metalworking skill.
Getting Around and Day Trips
You can walk across the town center in about 15 minutes. A coastal cycling path connects the different beaches. Trains depart hourly to Pisa (2-hour journey) and Rome (3-hour journey). Visit the Maremma Regional Park, which covers 8,000 hectares of pine forests and coastal dunes where you might spot deer and wild boar.
Summer Activities and Events
From June to September, the town fills with cultural events. During the Festa della Madonna in mid-August, decorated boats sail through the gulf and fireworks light up the evening sky. Beach clubs and bars on the promenade host music and dancing until midnight. Near Pratoranieri Beach, water sports centers rent equipment - kayaks cost €15 per hour, and you can also rent windsurfing gear and sailboats.
