The only Etruscan city built on the sea, above a perfect bay
On the promontory of Piombino, the Gulf of Baratti is a sweeping crescent of sand backed by umbrella pines, with clear water and a small harbour. Above it rises Populonia, the only great Etruscan city built directly on the coast, a centre for smelting the iron ore brought from Elba.
The Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia reveals the necropolis of San Cerbone, with its round tumulus tombs and aedicule tombs right next to the beach, once buried under metres of iron slag that were mined again in the twentieth century. On the acropolis, the remains of temples and Roman buildings overlook the sea. The medieval village of Populonia Alta, with its castle tower, offers views to Elba.
Tip: the trail along the cliffs from the acropolis to Buca delle Fate, a wild cove, is spectacular; end the day at Baratti beach for sunset.
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