Coastal tour: Bibbona-Follonica
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Between Bibbona and Follonica, the Tuscan coast becomes more rural: long sandy beaches with pine forests, wine villages like Bolgheri in the hinterland, the seaside resort of San Vincenzo, the Etruscan bay of Baratti, the ferry port of Piombino, and finally Follonica on the Gulf of Follonica. Here you will find information on stages of the route, beaches, and market days in these towns.
The route at a glance
- Route: Marina di Bibbona – Marina di Castagneto – San Vincenzo – Baratti/Populonia – Piombino – Follonica (around 70 km with a detour to Piombino)
- Blue Flags 2026: Marina di Bibbona, Marina di Castagneto Carducci, San Vincenzo, Parco della Sterpaia (Piombino), Follonica
- Markets: San Vincenzo Sa, Piombino Wed, Venturina Terme Fri, Riotorto Sa, Follonica Fri (Parco Centrale)
- Ferry to Elba: from Piombino to Portoferraio in about 1 hour
Data from OpenStreetMap - Posted under ODbL
Bibbona, Bolgheri and Castagneto
Bibbona and Marina di Bibbona
The old town of Bibbona, with its winding streets, sits atop a hill in the hinterland. On the coast lies the seaside resort of Marina di Bibbona, boasting a wide sandy beach in front of the Tomboli pine forest – awarded the Blue Flag in 2026. Numerous campsites are located around Marina di Bibbona. Regarding market days: According to the regional market calendar, Bibbona has its market on Thursdays, while Marina di Bibbona holds its market on Wednesdays during the season. However, the municipality occasionally changes market dates, so it's best to check with the tourist office or your campsite for the most up-to-date information.
Bolgheri and Marina di Castagneto
A worthwhile detour leads along the famous cypress avenue to Bolgheri, home of renowned red wines (more information under Wines of Tuscany ). On the coast lies Marina di Castagneto Carducci with its long sandy beach, also awarded the Blue Flag in 2026.
San Vincenzo and the Gulf of Baratti
San Vincenzo
San Vincenzo (population around 7.000) invites visitors to stroll along its marina, beach promenade, and pedestrianized town center; the town is a member of the Cittaslow movement. The weekly market takes place on Saturdays from approximately 8 a.m. to 13 p.m. in Piazza Giovanni XXIII. South of the town begins the Rimigliano Coastal Park with its kilometers of free beach – more information can be found under Quiet Beaches of Tuscany.
Baratti and Populonia
The semicircular bay of Baratti, with its pine-fringed beach, is one of the most beautiful spots on the coast. Above it rises Populonia, the only Etruscan city directly on the sea, whose wealth was based on the smelting of iron ore from Elba. In the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia, you can visit necropolises with burial mounds and the remains of the acropolis.
Left picture: Follonica, Wikipedia IT. Middle picture: San Vincenzo, Wikipedia IT. Right picture: Scarlino, Cala Violina, Wikipedia IT
Piombino and Follonica
Piombino: Gateway to Elba
Piombino liegt an der Spitze des Vorgebirges und ist vor allem als Fährhafen nach Elba bekannt (Portoferraio in ca. einer Stunde, in der Saison auch Rio Marina und Cavo; Details unter Anreise nach Elba). Lassen Sie sich vom Stahlwerk am Hafen nicht abschrecken: Die Altstadt mit der Piazza Bovio hoch über dem Meer und der Kirche Sant’Antimo aus dem 14. Jahrhundert lohnt den Besuch. Markt ist mittwochs vormittags in der Via Ferrer. Am Golf von Follonica liegt der Naturstrand im Parco della Sterpaia, 2026 mit Bandiera Blu.
Follonica
Follonica ist eine junge Stadt ohne mittelalterlichen Kern, die mit der Eisenverhüttung im 19. Jahrhundert gewachsen ist. Daran erinnert heute das Museum MAGMA (Museo delle Arti in Ghisa nella Maremma) auf dem Gelände der ehemaligen Hütte. Die Stadt lebt vom Badetourismus: Ein langer Sandstrand mit Promenade zieht sich durch den Ort, 2026 erneut mit Bandiera Blu. Der Wochenmarkt findet freitags vormittags im Parco Centrale statt.
South of Follonica, via Puntone and the port of Portiglioni, you can reach the coves near Scarlino, including the famous Cala Violina (reservations required in summer 2026). We describe coastal hiking trails under Hiking by the Sea . The coastal tour continues with Scarlino – Grosseto.
Weekly markets between Bibbona and Follonica
| Location | Market day | Location/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bibbona | Thursday | Check according to market calendars on site |
| Bibbona | Wednesday | Season, according to market calendars |
| San Vincenzo | Saturday | Piazza Giovanni XXIII |
| Piombino | Wednesday | Ferrer Street |
| Venturina Terme | Friday | Fair Street |
| Riotorto | Saturday | morning |
| Follonica | Friday | Central Park |
You can find more markets by day of the week under Markets in Tuscany , and campsites on this coast under Campsites by the sea . Previous section: Coastal tour Livorno – Cecina.
Find accommodation in San Vincenzo
Frequently asked questions about the coast between Bibbona and Follonica
When is the market in Follonica?
The weekly market in Follonica takes place on Friday mornings in the Parco Centrale, from about 8 am to 13 pm.
When is the market in Bibbona and Marina di Bibbona?
Regional market calendars list Thursdays for Bibbona and Wednesdays for Marina di Bibbona during the season. Since markets are occasionally moved, it's best to check locally.
When is the market in San Vincenzo?
Saturday mornings in Piazza Giovanni XXIII.
Which beaches between Bibbona and Follonica have been awarded the Blue Flag?
In 2026, Marina di Bibbona, Marina di Castagneto Carducci, San Vincenzo, the Parco della Sterpaia near Piombino and Follonica will wear the FEE's Bandiera Blu.
How long does the ferry from Piombino to Elba take?
About an hour to Portoferraio. Several ferry companies operate year-round, and during the season also to Rio Marina and Cavo.
