Sunshine, beaches and water sports make Follonica a thrilling seaside vacation destination. However, there is even more going on in the Tyrrhenian town behind its attractive shoreline. Explore archeological ruins, trek through a natural park and learn about the area’s industrial history.
Take your pick of the wide sandy beaches at the front of the town. Sunbathe, swim and take part in water sports at Il Lido, Pratoranieri Beach or Ponente Beach. On clear days you can see the island of Elba on the horizon. This is where the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to in 1814.
If you are looking for even more fun in the water go to Acqua Village, a tropical-themed waterpark with pools, slides and an aquatic playground for younger children.
Although principally a summer vacation destination thanks to its warm Mediterranean climate and beaches, Follonica has a number of other fascinating attractions that can be visited year-round. Learn about the area's industrial history by studying the exhibits at the Museum of Iron and Cast Iron. See artifacts from the Etruscan period to the present day.
Uncover more history at the Archaeological Area of the Furnaces of Rondelli. The site features the remains of an ancient Etruscan settlement, including an industrial section with metalworking ovens. Be sure to tour the early 19th-century Church of San Leopoldo. It features a pediment and columns made with cast iron from a local foundry. Above the town, find the ruins of the 9th-century Castle of Valli.
For nature lovers, there is much to take advantage of during a stay in Follonica. Go walking and cycling in the pine forests near the town. A short drive away is the Natural Park of Montioni, a protected area of rivers, wooded hills, wildlife and archeological sites that extends for about 17,300 acres (7,000 hectares).
An easy way to get to Follonica’s beaches and historical sites is to fly into Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport, about 69 miles (111 kilometers) north. You can also arrive by train from Rome, Florence and Bologna.
