Piombino - the trip is worth it!
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Most people only know Piombino as the ferry port to Elba – unfairly so. This port city on the southern tip of the Etruscan Coast boasts a compact, well-preserved old town high above the sea, one of the most beautiful panoramic terraces on the Tuscan coast, and a large market on Wednesdays. Those who plan to spend a few hours here before or after their ferry trip will be rewarded.
Where is the city?
Piombino belongs to the province of Livorno and has around 33.000 inhabitants. The town is situated on a promontory opposite the island of Elba . To the north lie the Gulf of Baratti and the Etruscan site of Populonia; neighboring municipalities are San Vincenzo , Campiglia Marittima, Suvereto, and Follonica.
From the highway, the large steelworks dominates the cityscape – Piombino has been an industrial center for over a hundred years. The blast furnaces are now shut down. Hidden behind the industrial complex lies an old town built on the cliffs above the sea.
The old town of Piombino: Sights
The most beautiful route leads right through the old town to the sea – in this order:
- Torrione und Rivellino: Das alte Stadttor ist das älteste erhaltene Bauwerk der Stadt. Der Turm stammt aus dem frühen 13. Jahrhundert, das halbrunde Vorwerk (Rivellino) wurde 1447 zur Verteidigung gegen Kanonen angebaut.
- Corso Vittorio Emanuele II: Die Fußgängerzone ist die Einkaufsstraße der Altstadt mit Geschäften, Bars und Eisdielen – abends flaniert hier die ganze Stadt.
- Torrione and Rivellino: The old city gate is the oldest surviving structure in the city. The tower dates from the early 13th century, while the semicircular outer bailey (Rivellino) was added in 20 for defense against cannons.
- Concattedrale di Sant'Antimo: The church, dating from 1374, combines Romanesque and Gothic styles. Worth seeing are the baptismal font by Andrea Guardi and the Renaissance cloister with its marble columns and the coats of arms of the Appiani, the former princes of Piombino.
- Piazza Bovio: The viewing terrace at the top of the old town juts out into the sea like the prow of a ship. On clear days you can see Elba, Montecristo and other islands of the Tuscan Archipelago – the best place in Piombino for sunset.
- Marina and Porticciolo: Below Piazza Bovio lies the small historic harbor with fishing boats. The medieval fountain Fonte dei Canali is also located here.
- Castello e Fortezza: The fortress was built around a Pisan city gate dating from 15 and was rebuilt several times until the 19th century. Today it houses a museum, which includes medieval ceramics.
- Castello e Fortezza: Die Festung entstand rund um ein pisanisches Stadttor von 1235 und wurde bis ins 19. Jahrhundert mehrfach umgebaut. Heute ist hier ein Museum, unter anderem mit mittelalterlicher Keramik.
Allow two to three hours for the tour. Parking is available on the edge of the old town; the alleys themselves are best explored on foot.
Market in Piombino: Wednesday
Every Wednesday morning from about 8 am to 13 pm, the large weekly market takes place on Via Ferrer . You'll find fruit, vegetables, cheese, sausages, and porchetta, as well as clothing, shoes, and household goods. The market is very popular, so it's best to arrive early. Other markets nearby include San Vincenzo (Saturday), Venturina Terme (Friday), and Suvereto (Monday).
Beaches around Piombino
- Salivoli: A bay near the city with a marina and small stretches of beach, good for a quick dip in the sea.
- Gulf of Baratti: Semicircular bay with sandy beach and pine forest, right next to the Etruscan site of Populonia – one of the most beautiful beaches on the Etruscan coast.
- Sterpaia: Long, unspoiled sandy beaches in the coastal park between Piombino and Follonica, with plenty of space and shade in the pine forest.
You can find more tips on the beaches of Tuscany.
From Piombino to Elba
Several ferry companies operate year-round services from the port of Piombino to Portoferraio, and during the high season also to Rio Marina and Cavo. The crossing to Portoferraio takes about an hour. During the summer holidays, it's advisable to book in advance for car or campervan trips. Find out more about traveling to Elba here.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Piombino
When is the market in Piombino?
The weekly market takes place every Wednesday morning, from about 8 am to 13 pm, in Via Ferrer.
What is there to see in Piombino?
The old town with Torrione and Rivellino, the pedestrian zone Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the Piazza Bovio viewing terrace overlooking Elba, the small fishing port, the Concattedrale di Sant'Antimo, the Cittadella with the Archaeological Museum, as well as Castello and Fortezza.
Is the old town of Piombino worth visiting?
Yes. Many people only drive through to catch the ferry to Elba, but the compact old town can easily be explored on foot in two to three hours – especially Piazza Bovio at sunset.
Where can you swim near Piombino?
Near the city in Salivoli, north in the Gulf of Baratti and along the long sandy beaches of Sterpaia towards Follonica.
How do I get from Piombino to Elba?
Several ferry companies operate year-round services from the port of Piombino to Portoferraio, and during the high season also to Rio Marina and Cavo. The crossing to Portoferraio takes about an hour; during the summer holidays, you should book in advance if you are traveling with a car or campervan.
