Follonica Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip to the coastal town in Tuscany
Table of Contents
Follonica
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Latest page update: 24 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Follonica
Follonica has a wide range of established hotels, reflecting its popularity as a modern seaside resort on Tuscany’s Maremma coast. Most accommodation is within easy reach of the beach and promenade, with properties praised for cleanliness, facilities and friendly service.
Hotel Parrini is a leading choice, set directly on the seafront with a restaurant, private beach area and panoramic terrace, earning excellent reviews for comfort, location and hospitality (€€€). Hotel Ausonia provides well-equipped rooms near the promenade, featuring a restaurant and garden, appreciated for its convenience, value and welcoming staff (€€). Another strong option is Hotel Giardino, located close to both the beach and town centre, offering modern rooms, a restaurant and free parking, noted for its comfort and reliable service (€€).
Hotel Parrini is a leading choice, set directly on the seafront with a restaurant, private beach area and panoramic terrace, earning excellent reviews for comfort, location and hospitality (€€€). Hotel Ausonia provides well-equipped rooms near the promenade, featuring a restaurant and garden, appreciated for its convenience, value and welcoming staff (€€). Another strong option is Hotel Giardino, located close to both the beach and town centre, offering modern rooms, a restaurant and free parking, noted for its comfort and reliable service (€€).
Where is
Where is Follonica?
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The seaside town of Follonica is situated on the Ligurian Sea in the Province of Grosseto. It has a population of around 21,000 residents while the main highlights include the MAGMA Museum, Acqua Village and some Blue Flag Beaches.
Places of interest nearby include the port town of Piombino, Punta Ala, Massa Marittima and Le Rocchette. |
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Comune di Follonica
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Province: Grosseto
Region: Tuscany Population: 20,319 (in 2024 - source) Size: 56 km² Highlights: MAGMA Museum, Acqua Village Water quality: Blue Flag Beach 2024 - 2025 Close by: Piombino, Punta Ala, Massa Marittima, Le Rocchette Recommended accommodation: Hotel La Pineta |
What People Ask About Follonica, Tuscany
Is Follonica worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Follonica?
How do I get to Follonica?
What is Follonica known for?
When is the best time to visit Follonica?
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Discover
Discover Follonica
Follonica lies on the Gulf of Follonica along the Tyrrhenian Sea in southern Tuscany, opposite the island of Elba. The town occupies a flat coastal plain framed by low hills and long sandy beaches, with pine forests and Mediterranean scrub along the shoreline. Its modern layout and wide seafront promenades make it one of the main coastal centres of the Maremma, combining residential areas with a busy summer atmosphere.
Historically, Follonica developed around its nineteenth-century ironworks, which formed part of the Grand Ducal Ironworks of Tuscany. The Magma Museum now occupies the restored industrial complex, tracing the region’s metallurgical heritage. The town’s position offers easy access to the Punta Ala and Scarlino coastlines, as well as routes inland to Massa Marittima and the Metalliferous Hills. Ferries and leisure boats operate from nearby ports, linking the area with the Tuscan Archipelago.
Historically, Follonica developed around its nineteenth-century ironworks, which formed part of the Grand Ducal Ironworks of Tuscany. The Magma Museum now occupies the restored industrial complex, tracing the region’s metallurgical heritage. The town’s position offers easy access to the Punta Ala and Scarlino coastlines, as well as routes inland to Massa Marittima and the Metalliferous Hills. Ferries and leisure boats operate from nearby ports, linking the area with the Tuscan Archipelago.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Follonica
- Spiaggia di Follonica is a wide sandy beach stretching along the bay, known for its shallow, calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere. The beach is backed by a mix of pine groves and promenades, with both free areas and equipped lidos. Its clean water and soft sand make it a popular destination during summer months.
- Centro Storico and pedestrian area form the heart of the town, with tree-lined streets, small piazzas, and a variety of shops and cafés. The area was developed during the 19th century when Follonica became an industrial centre. Visitors can explore its modern layout and enjoy open-air dining and evening strolls.
- MAGMA – Museo delle Arti in Ghisa della Maremma is located in a restored 19th-century foundry and traces the industrial history of Follonica. Exhibits focus on cast iron art, foundry techniques, and the social history of the workers. The museum uses interactive displays and original machinery to illustrate the town’s transformation.
- Parco di Montioni is a natural park located inland from Follonica, offering hiking and cycling trails through forests and hilly terrain. It contains the ruins of a former alum mining village and a hunting lodge built for Elisa Bonaparte. The park is home to wildlife such as deer and wild boar and includes marked nature routes.
- Boat trip to Cala Violina and nearby coves departs from Follonica’s port and visits secluded beaches along the coast, including the famous Cala Violina. Tours usually include time for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing on board. Some options also include commentary on the marine environment and local history.
Tours and Activities
Follonica Tours and Activities
Tuscany Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Follonica
By Rail: Follonica has its own railway station on the Pisa–Grosseto–Rome line operated by Trenitalia. Regional and intercity trains connect the town to Pisa in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, to Grosseto in around 35 minutes, and to Rome in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The station is located close to the town centre and within easy walking distance of the seafront and main amenities.
By Road: The town is located on the Tuscan coast between Piombino and Grosseto. From Grosseto, the distance is about 45 kilometres, with a driving time of roughly 40 minutes via the SS1 motorway. From Pisa, the journey is around 110 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, while from Florence, it is approximately 160 kilometres with a drive of just over 2 hours. Public car parks are available near the beach and throughout the town centre.
Nearest International Airports:
Ferry Connections:
Elba Island: During the summer season, passenger and vehicle ferries to Portoferraio and other Elba ports depart from nearby Piombino, about 35 kilometres away. Crossings typically take between 40 and 60 minutes, with several daily departures operated by multiple ferry companies.
By Road: The town is located on the Tuscan coast between Piombino and Grosseto. From Grosseto, the distance is about 45 kilometres, with a driving time of roughly 40 minutes via the SS1 motorway. From Pisa, the journey is around 110 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, while from Florence, it is approximately 160 kilometres with a drive of just over 2 hours. Public car parks are available near the beach and throughout the town centre.
Nearest International Airports:
- Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport: Located about 115 kilometres from Follonica, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 40 minutes. It offers numerous European and seasonal intercontinental flights.
- Florence Peretola Airport: Approximately 165 kilometres away, the journey takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. It provides domestic and European flight connections.
- Rome Fiumicino Airport: Roughly 210 kilometres from Follonica, with a driving time of around 2 hours and 40 minutes. It serves a wide range of international and national destinations.
Ferry Connections:
Elba Island: During the summer season, passenger and vehicle ferries to Portoferraio and other Elba ports depart from nearby Piombino, about 35 kilometres away. Crossings typically take between 40 and 60 minutes, with several daily departures operated by multiple ferry companies.
Private Transfers
Follonica Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a smooth and comfortable way to reach Follonica or continue your journey to other destinations in Tuscany and central Italy. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken directly to your destination by a professional driver, without the need to arrange public transport or navigate coastal routes yourself.
From Follonica, transfers can connect you with Pisa International Airport and Florence Airport, while longer routes are also available to Rome Fiumicino Airport and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. They are equally convenient for shorter journeys to nearby towns such as Massa Marittima, Castiglione della Pescaia, and Piombino, or for travelling further across the Maremma coastline and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Follonica, transfers can connect you with Pisa International Airport and Florence Airport, while longer routes are also available to Rome Fiumicino Airport and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. They are equally convenient for shorter journeys to nearby towns such as Massa Marittima, Castiglione della Pescaia, and Piombino, or for travelling further across the Maremma coastline and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
