San Vincenzo
This city was once the most powerful of all the Etruscan settlements in the area. Enriched by the metals mined locally the Etruscans were able to build a wealthy and stable community that was quickly taken over by the Romans. Other individuals also had the same idea with invasions over the centuries leaving their marks on the town. Today it is a pleasant resort town with an excellent beach and popular with tourists during the summer. Check out the local bars Serendipity and Zanzibar in the marina to see how the locals hang out.

DAY TRIPS

Isola D’Elba
Most boat trips depart from Piombino by ferry. As a place to be exiled Isola d’Elba is one of the better ones. Home to France’s most famous ‘enfant terrible’, Napoleon, for a few years the island is now a haven of beaches, forts, harbours, mountains and hill walks. It is 27km long, 18km wide and 150km around. Portoferraio is the largest port and home to Napoleon’s pad the windmill villa. Crystal clear waters make diving a popular activity here.

Pisa, Siena, Florence
Our helpful staff in the info point will be only too pleased to organise a day trip to any of these cities or above locations, with bookings, tickets and timetables.

Populonia
This was the only ancient Etruscan city situated on the sea. Its core function was the smelting of the metals found on Isola d’Elba and Campiglia Marittima. Human evidence has been found that dates back to the Palaeolithic era but the actual fortifications you see are a little younger dating back to the 15th C. take in the sensational views from the top of the fortifications. Another face in the wall for you detectives to find. Located in the rock wall on the way down the hill to Baratti from Populonia Alta is supposedly the face of ‘Fufluns’ (honest!) the Etruscan god of wine and namesake of Populonia.

Vetulonia
Odd-ball origins 101, apparently this was the place where magisterial ‘lictors and fasces’ were discovered, when in 1898 a bundle of iron rods with a double axe in the centre was uncovered in an ancient necropolis. These items symbolised power and jurisdiction during Roman times. Vetulonia is still being excavated making it an appealing site for those with a special interest in archaeological finds.

Val di Cornia
This is basically an area of natural parks dedicated to activities such as swimming, sailing, hiking, diving, trekking, museums, archaeological parks and worth checking out are the many local festivals and imposing hill towns either by scooter, mountain bike or horseback.

Campiglia Marittima
A mediaeval thermal town, although the origins date from the Etruscans. This quaint little hilltop town has lovely views over the bay but the main drawcard is probably their thermal baths. The aquatic park in the Valle del sole boasts a set of spas and swimming pools with temps ranging from 36°C to 45°C. Just right for a spot of pampering with services that include mud baths, treatments and hydro massages.

Suvereto
A good place to base yourself for tackling those difficult tasks of tasting local products, wines, oils and traditional dishes. It’s hard work but someone has to do it. Local traditions and regular festivals throughout the year make this a great place to visit outside of the main tourist season due to the very mild climate.