What to see in Punta Ala

Park your car in the public parking lot on Castle Street and go down to the marina. The waterfront is the heart of Punta Ala, with five-star restaurants and posh stores selling everything you need to sail in style. With its rows of yachts and pine forest in the background, Punta Ala looks like a small Monte Carlo. Pass the rows of pristine white umbrellas to reach the marina beach.
In the absence of sand, locals used polished stones the color of slate and ivory. The cliffs surrounding the beach are part of the Rocchette Nature Park. In summer, the bravest boys dive off these cliffs into the deep waters.
The island that can be seen from the marinais Sparrowhawk Islet: local rumors claim that you can swim there, but it is best to arrange a trip to the tourist office. The sea around the island is popular with divers, and the place is articularly popular with hikers and bird watchers. Italo Balbo’s lavish villa is strictly private, but the ruins of the medieval Appiani tower are open to the public. The nickname “Sparrowhawk” given to the tower refers to the hawks that nest in its ruins. Back in Punta Ala, the Hidalgo tower to the left of the marina is so well hidden that all you will be able to see is a hint of its square stones. It was built in the second half of the 16th century as a lookout point and is open to visitors, if you do not fear the hard walk required to reach it. The tower is famous for being one of the few that still has its original drawbridge.

The Beaches of Punta Ala

Punta Ala’s central beach offers a large area of free beach, including a dedicated area for dogs, known as Bau Beach Piastrone. This beach is easily accessible from the paid parking lot along the county road, and there is also a bar nearby.

Not far from the center of Punta Ala, at the foot of Punta Hidalgo, is Barbiere Cove. This small cove is accessible via a short path from a parking lot through the pine forest. Trees near the beach provide excellent protection from the sun. The beach is a combination of sand and pebbles. Two interesting facts: in 1973, the movie “The Orange Duck” was filmed here, and archaeologists discovered Etruscan and Roman artifacts in this area.

The Punta Ala Harbor Beach, as the name suggests, is located near the harbor. To reach it, it is necessary to cross the Punta Ala Marina. This beach is well bordered by rocks and is completely occupied by a bathing establishment, so access is only possible by renting umbrellas and deck chairs. This beach is well protected, sandy, and the water is shallow, so it is a good choice for families with children. From a scenic point of view, this beach offers a beautiful view: in the background you can see Elba, while closer you can admire the Sparrowhawk Islet. On the relief overlooking the beach, reached by a pleasant walk along a path, is Punta Ala Castle and a lookout located at the very tip of the promontory.

Passing the south side of the Punta Ala promontory, you reach Cala Tartana and Poggettone Beach. These beaches extend along the south coast of Punta Ala and are both somewhat difficult to reach. To get there, it is necessary to walk a rather challenging trail, so it is advisable to wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Poggettone in particular is a pebble and rocky beach, so it is best to be prepared with appropriate shoes. It is not the most child-friendly beach, but the place is beautiful and offers remarkable views. There are no bathing establishments.

How to get to Punta Ala

Getting to Punta Ala is relatively simple, whether you choose to travel by car, train, or plane.

By car: If you travel by car, Punta Ala is easily accessible via the A1 highway. If you are coming from the north, you should take the “Firenze Signa” exit and follow the FI-PI-LI freeway in the direction of Livorno to the “Grosseto Sud” exit. From here, follow the signs for Castiglione della Pescaia and Punta Ala.

If you are coming from the south, you should take the “Civitavecchia” exit and follow the SS1 Aurelia highway in the direction of Grosseto. Take the “Grosseto Sud” exit and follow the signs for Castiglione della Pescaia and Punta Ala.

By train: If you prefer to travel by train, the nearest train station is Follonica, which is about 20 km from Punta Ala. From Follonica, you can take a bus or cab to Punta Ala.