Coastal Hikes

TO THE SAILOR IN SAN VINCENZO

 (San Vincenzo)

Length: about 6 km total. 

Start: Podere l’Agave. 

Exit Podere L’Agave, turn right and walk down towards the roundabout. Continue along the bike path towards San Vincenzo until you reach the town center. Here you can decide whether to go through the pedestrian area and maybe do a little window shopping, or to go through the marina and admire the boats. The entrance to the promenade is in Via G. Marconi along the breakwater that embraces the port. The best time for this walk in summer is early in the morning with the fresh air, the sun peeping out from behind the hill, the fishermen returning to the port after a night at sea. In spring and autumn, the sunset is the most beautiful moment for this walk “in the middle of the sea” along the breakwater. It is a must to take a photo with the sailor’s statue and then return to the Podere. In case of very rough sea and wind, the breakwater is not accessible.  

RIMIGLIANO PARK

(SAN VINCENZO)

Percorso verde 

Length: about 6 km if you get to Bau Beach and turn back, if you continue up to the Torraccia instead, you add 4 kilometers to your round trip. 

Start: drive to Rimigliano and then park along the road (via della principessa) near access n. 1. 

This is a marked trail within the park that runs from entrance #1 to #9. The path is unpaved but beaten, you can walk or run, paying attention to tree roots and a few stones here and there. In the silence of nature, along the way, there are also areas where you can work out. You can breathe in the sea air and the sound of waves lulls you as you go. In summer, the trees shelter you from the sun. In autumn and spring, when it is not very hot, it is also beautiful to walk or run along the shoreline, the beach is not very crowded, and the sunset is a magical moment. Not recommended after a rainy day or in winter when it is very humid. Once you get to access n. 9, take a moment to look out to the sea, rest and gather energy for the return trip.  

From the Bau Beach to Torraccia 

Length: about 10 km round trip. 

Start: drive to Rimigliano and leave the car at the Bau Beach’s parking lot. 

The trail starts from the Dog Beach along the southbound bike path on via della principessa, the first stretch is on tarmac. Near the first entrance of the Nature Reserve Parco di Rimigliano you can choose whether to enter the park and continue on the Percorso Verde trail or continue on the tarmac along the bike path. You go through the whole park up to entrance n. 9 near Ristorante Oceano Mare where you can stop for some refreshments! From this point onwards continue on the tarmac, walking past the trattoria Al Tramonto, straight to the Torraccia. Snap a pic, then get back where you came from.  

VIA DEI CAVALLEGGERI  

(populonia) 

Length: about 25 km round trip. 

Start: drive to the Reciso parking lot in Populonia and leave your care there. 

This used to be a strategic military route built by Grand Duke Cosimo I de Medici that went from Livorno to Piombino and garrisoned by the military corps of Cavalry, who had the task of countering the incursions of pirates and prevent the landing of unauthorized goods. From the Reciso parking lot follow the indications for Buca delle Fate, along the way you will find some Etruscan tombs. Before arriving at the beach, turn where the sign is and continue on the Via dei Cavalleggeri, along the entire promontory up to Cala Moresca (Piombino): this path overlooks the sea with unforgettable views. Follow path n. 302 towards Cala di San Quirico for a dip or for a photo of the sea with its spectacular colors. Continuing on, you’ll arrive at Cala del Lupo, a hidden corner of the cliff love by divers. Also, famous is the Fosso alle Canne a bit further on, where wooden sculptures guard the cove made of stones and gravel. Continuing on, you can see in the sea a rock with a cross on it, locals call it the “rock of death” because in 1989 a diver was attacked and killed by a white shark. You’ll know you’ve reached your destination (Calamoresca) when you spot a long stretch of sand. It is not a difficult trail, but you must be equipped with comfortable shoes and enough water. Doing the whole trail takes time and also a little training, but nothing prevents you from being able to do only a short stretch and then go back, it is still worth it! Not recommended on days when temperatures are particularly high. 

Baratti – Caletta Ricchi Baratti   

(Gulf of baratti)

Length: about 4 km round trip. 

Start: drive to the central parking in Baratti and leave the car here. 

Near the Ristorante Demos, there is a short trail that runs along the north side of the gulf and leads to the Ricchi Baratti cove where you can swim, fish or simply relax in the sun. Follow the indications for Casa Saldarini, a dinosaur-inspired structure built in 1962 and Casa Esagono, a sustainable house built in 1957, both by the architect Vittorio Giorgini. The trail goes through the two houses and continues into the woods, it is suitable both on foot and by mountain bike. Along the way, nature opens up to the gulf and the views are spectacular. After 20 minutes or so, you’ll arrive at the Ricchi Baratti cove where you stop and relax. If you prefer a little shade instead, pine grove backs the beach.