The Gulf of Baratti is located between the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian seas, near Piombino, and happens to be one of the dreamiest coastlines in all of Italy. With pristine beaches, beautiful natural surroundings and a rich historic and cultural heritage that goes back to the Etruscans, it is an exceptionally picturesque and fascinating spot.
While there are plenty of activities to enjoy, from diving to listening to live music and swimming to digging for archaeological treasures, this is really the place to go for some serious relaxation.
Almost tropical in appearance and vibe, a villa with pool in Baratti will allow you to have a holiday that borders on the exotic in Italy.
While there are plenty of activities to enjoy, from diving to listening to live music and swimming to digging for archaeological treasures, this is really the place to go for some serious relaxation.
Almost tropical in appearance and vibe, a villa with pool in Baratti will allow you to have a holiday that borders on the exotic in Italy.
The area was once home to the ancient town of Populonia, an important Etruscan settlement that dates back to c.900 BC and the remains of which can be viewed at the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia.
Populonia was one of the most important Etruscan ports of the Tuscan coast, a populous and active place for the exchange of goods and, not least, ironworking.
Even today, the sand of the beaches will twinkle black-silver in the rays of the sun due to the remnants of ancient ferrous iron working which still remain. If you dig around, you might even find whole chunks to bring away as historic and unique mementos of your visit.
Populonia was one of the most important Etruscan ports of the Tuscan coast, a populous and active place for the exchange of goods and, not least, ironworking.
Even today, the sand of the beaches will twinkle black-silver in the rays of the sun due to the remnants of ancient ferrous iron working which still remain. If you dig around, you might even find whole chunks to bring away as historic and unique mementos of your visit.
However, the main draw to this area is the seaside experience it offers. It is a sun-worshiper's paradise and divers love it too for the clear water and more traces of those pesky Etruscans which can be found underwater. One of the pluses here is that you don't have to pay to use the beach, as you do on much of Viareggio and the Italian Riviera but you can still rent lounge chairs and umbrellas readily. For the kids, it's a great place to go swimming or foraging like Indiana Jones and, for adults, there are beach bars located in the area where you can grab fresh mojitos and take in live music while hanging out in hammocks or at picnic tables. In fact, the Gulf of Baratti is kind of like the Caribbean in Tuscany with its chilled out atmosphere and great natural beauty.
If you want to holiday in Tuscany but are tempted by the azure seas and palm trees of locations further afield, the Gulf of Baratti is just the place for you.
If you want to holiday in Tuscany but are tempted by the azure seas and palm trees of locations further afield, the Gulf of Baratti is just the place for you.
Photo credits
Picture 2: Francesco Ianett / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 3: LigaDue / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 2: Francesco Ianett / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 3: LigaDue / CC BY-SA 3.0
