Cala Violina is a charming part of the Maremma Grossetana, it's located in the heart of the Natural Reserve of the Bandite di Scarlino, within the Protected Area of Local Interest of the Costiere di Scarlino. The Bandite di Scarlino is a forest complex of large size (about 8,700 hectares), which are part of the municipalities of Castiglione della Pescaia, Gavorrano, Scarlino and Follonica. The name Bandite, which may be confuse being in the Maremma, is derived by the announcements that were made for the sale of lots of woods. The Bandite have an adequate and efficient network of marked trails for hiking and mountain biking. The most beautiful path of the area is undoubtedly the Costiere, which access is allowed only on foot, horseback or bicycle, it reaches rocky coves of unquestionable beauty, like that of Cala Francese, Cala Martina and Cala Violina. Cala Violina is reached along a scenic and easy trail (flat) along the coast, allowing beautiful views over the bay of Follonica, the promontory of Piombino, Elba island, the island of Cerboli, the island of Montecristo, the peninsula of Punta Ala and if the day is clear even the mountains of Corsica.
Coming from Follonica, take the main road between Follonica and Castiglione della Pescaia (Road of Collacchie) direction of Castiglione della Pescaia, arrived at Puntone, immediately after the traffic lights turn right into the Lungomare Garibaldi, in the direction of the Tourist Port. From here continue straight on and just before the restaurant Cantuccio you can park your car. After a few tens of meters to the restaurant is a gate where start the path n°1 that leads to Cala Violina beach, the trail is either on foot or by bicycle.
The distance to be covered on foot to reach Cala Violina beach is about 4 km, which takes approximately one hour (round trip: 8 km, 2 hours). After the gate, the trail enters the maquis, with fine views over the bay and "Le Costiere", after little more than 2 km you will reach Cala Francese and Cala Martina, here a stone into the sea and a monument beside the path remind Giuseppe Garibaldi. In 1849 Garibaldi, escaped from papal guards, rested near Scarlino, before resuming the escape sailing precisely from Cala Martina. Cala Martina is a corner of green and transparent sea, surrounded by beautiful Mediterranean vegetation.
Continuing along the trail for about 2 km you will reach Cala Violina beach.
You can reach Cala Violina also through the dirt road of Val Martina, from Puntone will continue by car for several miles along the road of Collacchie towards Castiglione della Pescaia, then approximately 400 m before the gasoline station of Pian d'Alma, turn right on a gravel road (sign for Cala Violina), here at the Farm Laschetti there is a large parking area (fee). From the car park a path of about 2 km leads to Cala Violina.
Continue to the Beach of Cala Violina.
SEARCH FOR ACCOMMODATION IN SCARLINO:
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Cala Violina beach, Scarlino, Grosseto |
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Cala Martina, Scarlino, Grosseto |
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Map of the path for Cala Violina (click to enlarge) |
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The starting point of the path for Cala Violina, Scarlino, Grosseto |
Cala di Terra Rossa, Scarlino, Grosseto |
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Panorama of the Gulf of Follonica, Scarlino, Grosseto |
Cala Francese and Cala Martina, Scarlino, Grosseto |
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The Monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, Cala Martina, Scarlino, Grosseto |
Clarity of the waters of Cala Martina, Scarlino |
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The coast towards Punta Ala |
The trail just before reaching Cala Violina, Scarlino, Grosseto |
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