26 Jan Sterpaia Coastal Park
The Sterpaia Coastal Park is formed by a beautiful forest and beaches with characteristic fine sand dunes. The park extends over 296 hectares situated along the stretch of coastline between Piombino and Follonica, at the northern of Maremma. A paradise for those who love long walks on the beach, just 5 km from Follonica. The Sterpaia Coastal Park is part of the Val di Cornia Parks. The system includes also Rimigliano Park, the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia, the Archaeological Mines Park of San Silvestro, the Natural Park of Montioni and the Forestry Park of Poggio Neri.
The long beach of Sterpaia
The Sterpaia Coastal Park is also known for its crystal- clear sea waters and sandy bottoms, and for its long wide beach of fine golden sand, hidden in the nearby pinewoods accessible by trails through a vast forest of age-old trees oaks, tamarisks, cork oaks and ashes. The Sterpaia Coastal Park has a long free beach provided with all the facilities required to have a pleasant holiday: snack areas, wooden tables and several services for disabled people. An ideal place where to find a little peace between the green of the pine forest and the dunes.
The Carbonifera
The name of Carbonifera Beach comes from the presence of an ancient commercial point, a tower from the 19th century, when coal was here carried by railway from the mines to sea. The tower which stands on the beach marks the spot where the railway ended.
Sterpaia Coastal Park
Departure point is easily reached by leaving the SS1 Variante Aurelia at the Vignale-Riotorto junction and carrying on towards Piombino: after 2 km turn off to the left to the Sterpaia Coastal Park.