Overlooking the azure Gulf of Follonica, Follonica is home to a fascinating cast iron museum and beautiful stretches of sand. It’s also near nature reserves and the hot springs of Cascate del Mulino.

Things to do

Discover Follonica’s steel-making history at the MAGMA Museum of Arts Cast Iron Maremma, which is located within an old foundry. Learn about the art of casting iron and its cultural significance in Maremma while getting hands-on with the interactive and multimedia exhibits that help bring the old furnace to life.

Wander along the walking trails of Poggio Tre Cancelli Nature Reserve, which meander through oak forests and wildlife-filled heather where badges, roe deer and hedgehogs roam. It’s also an excellent birdwatching destination, with regular sightings of kestrels, buzzards and turtledoves, as well as nightingales and owls.

Relax on the white sands of Spiaggia Carbonifera, a beautiful beach backed by an emerald pine forest within Parco Costiero della Sterpaia. Swim in the idyllic waters or rent a mask and snorkel to explore the underwater reef, then play on the inflatable attractions of the nearby GeoMare WiBit Water Park.

Make a day trip to the Cascate del Mulino hot springs near the village of Saturnia, where natural sulphuric waters bubble on the site of an old mill. Enjoy a soak in the therapeutic waters and admire the stunning travertine pools that have been carved over centuries.

Getting around

Follonica is just over an hour’s drive from Pisa International Airport and around two hours from Florence Airport. Trains connect Follonica to towns and cities across the region, while the downtown area is easily explored on foot.