Populonia

A magical village overlooking the sea, and the most remote history.

The ancient Etruscan town of Populonia, with its splendid horizons overlooking the Gulf of Baratti and its mysterious traces of history, is the perfect setting for an outdoor weekend on the Etruscan Coast.

This is Populonia, an influential city of ancient Etruria, the decisive hotbed of Italian civilization. Beyond the mighty bulk of its walls dating back to the fifteenth century, located on the upper part of the city, a wind that smells of salt and blows from afar is felt: Populonia is the only Etruscan town settled on the sea, unique as the atmosphere that you can relive visiting the alleys of this town and looking at the horizon from its ancient lace. Known and visited for the magnificent archaeological park of Baratti and Populonia, the town still keeps surprises for the traveller who seeks the mysterious atmosphere of Etruscan cities.

Baratti Populonia

The seabed is rich in flora and fauna, ideal for snorkelling and for children, with depths that gradually increase towards the open sea. The evocative and characteristic colour of the sand is due to the residues of the metallurgical activity of the Etruscans, who at the time used to monopolize the iron trade: in this area stood the furnaces in which the metal was worked.

The lush Mediterranean vegetation embraces the beach, and with its pine forests offers a pleasant break from the sun; bordering is the archaeological park, and the place is also equipped with catering services, stretches of beach, and parking.

Populonia beaches

Walking in the history overlooking the sea of Populonia one may want to dive into the deep blue waters that bathe this stretch of Tuscan coast. The beach of Baratti is a long tongue of red sand located in the homonymous gulf, on which gentle waves of clear blue sea break.

Populonia Campsites

If you stay in campsites in the area, you can visit the acropolis located in the village of Populonia Alta, reachable by car or on foot. The necropolis instead, are located in different sites of the promontory and the Gulf of Baratti. These traces of Etruscan civilization are part of the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia that gives the chance to walk among well-preserved evidences of cities and ports that once had thousands of inhabitants.

Populonia High

On the northern tip of the promontory of Piombino, Populonia dominates the Gulf of Baratti and its beautiful beach – an ideal place to dive during the summer season, but also rich in vegetation that hosts wildlife: in fact, it’s a stopping point for the migration of a very rare and protected species. Walking through the pine forests and holm oak groves, you can see birds with long beaks, bizarre appearance, and iridescent plumage – these are hermit ibises that fly over the area and sometimes stop there, so that it’s not uncommon to see them on the beautiful lawn next to the beach.

Nature and remote history merge in Populonia and its surroundings, and one can immerse in both completely. From the beach you can reach the archaeological areas with a short walk.

Populonia – what to see

In this short list we want to summarize the main attractions that you cannot miss if you pass by Populonia. Of course, this does not pretend to be a complete list, but at least indicates the main most visited attractions. If you are travellers who like to discover the less conspicuous but valuable sides of these places, it’s advisable to visit the Val di Cornia, which is located inland from Populonia. While there, you can also taste the renowned wine of the Val di Cornia that will surprise you.

Here is what you should not miss:

Tower of Populonia

The magnificent medieval tower, perfectly preserved, is located in a strategic place. You can climb to the top, and admire the Gulf of Baratti, the Val di Cornia, Elba, Capraia, Corsica. To the north, you can see San Vincenzo, and Versilia.

Monastery of San Quirico

It’s located near Buca delle Fate, and is surrounded by vegetation.

Davide Mancini" Centre of Experimental Archaeology

It houses the reconstruction of a Bronze Age hut.

Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia

The Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia deserves its own page for the richness of its contents.

Populonia Weather

Populonia has a predominantly mild climate. In summer, the maximum temperature hardly exceeds 30°C in the months of July and August, thanks to the fresh sea breeze, and in winter it hardly falls below 10°C. Only the minimum winter night-time temperatures can drop to around 7-8° C.

Where to stay: Puntala Camp & Resort

Map of Populonia