Visiting Scarlino in a weekend

The Rocca Pisana - also known as Rocca Aldobrandesca - is an ancient medieval castle that dominates the town of Scarlino from above: it has an irregular five-sided plan and is connected to the city walls.
The Rocca is a place of great historical importance, freely accessible through alleys and characteristic stairways or through a scenic route that can be traveled by car.
From here the view is truly incredible: on one side the wild hills, on the other the crystal-clear sea and the coves of the gulf.

The Church of St. Donato has been located within Scarlino's city walls since the mid-14th century: it is a religious monument of important historical-architectural value, renovated several times over the years until it assumed its present form.
The structure has a gabled facade with a splayed rose window; with its characteristic Latin cross plan, it retains its Romanesque character also in the raised presbytery and crypt, located at the front.
Of particular note is the panel representing Christ dressed, crucified between St. Roch and St. Jerome.

The Etruscan Necropolis of Poggio Tondo is located at the feet of the hills that form the so-called Valle dell'Alma and houses four tumulus tombs dating back to the mid-7th and 6th centuries B.C.
The necropolis can only be accessed on foot, walking along a characteristic dirt road that encircles the slopes of the hillock.
Inside the archaeological area there are information panels to accompany the visitor during the whole visit.

Among the most striking places in the area and on the entire Tuscan coast, Cala Violina, Cala Martina and Cala Felice are three of Scarlino's most famous seafronts and are part of the Bandite Nature Reserve, a protected area immersed in the Mediterranean scrub all the way to the beach.
These wonderful beaches can only be reached on foot, through winding paths: the enchanting view, the crystal-clear water and the fine sand are nevertheless worth all the effort!