text Martina Olivieri
photo Dario Garofalo

July 29, 2026

What to see and where to eat in Punta Ala

Discover what to do in the “Pearl of the Maremma,” where you'll find the sea, breathtaking views, and places to enjoy the traditional cuisine of the Tuscan coast

Elegant, secluded, and nestled in the natural beauty of the Tuscan Maremma, Punta Ala is one of Tuscany’s most exclusive seaside destinations. Located in the municipality of Castiglione della Pescaia, in the province of Grosseto, this resort captivates visitors with its crystal-clear sea, long golden-sand beach, hidden coves, and marina, where yachts and sailboats create one of the coast’s most enchanting views.

Overlooking the Gulf of Follonica, across from the Island of Elba, Punta Ala is the ideal place for those seekinga relaxing vacation, but also for those who love sports, sailing, and walks through the Mediterranean scrub. Here’s what to see, which beaches not to miss, and where to eat.

What to see in Punta Ala

The Castle of Punta Ala

Among the town’s landmarks, the Castle of Punta Ala—also known as Forte Balbo—stands out. Built in the second half of the 16th century at the behest of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, it was designed to defend the coast against pirate raids. Although the interior is not open to the public, it’s worth making the trip to the headland to enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the Maremma: from here, the view stretches across the Gulf of Follonica, the Marina di Punta Ala, the Isolotto dello Sparviero, and the rocks known as Porcellini.

Hidalgo Tower

Not far away stands the Hidalgo Tower, also known as the Torre del Barbiere. Built in 1577 by the Principality of Piombino, it was part of the ancient coastal defense system and served as an important lookout point against attacks from the sea.

The Marina di Punta Ala

The marina is the elegant heart of the town. Strolling along the marina means admiring yachts, sailboats, and boutiques overlooking the water, stopping for an aperitif with a view. This marina is also well-known among sailing enthusiasts because it was the historic home port of Luna Rossa, the Italian yacht that competed in the America’s Cup.

Designer Villas

Strolling along the avenues nestled in the pine forest, you’ll come across some of the most iconic villas built between the 1960s and 1980s. Among the most interesting are Villa Lorenzini, Villa Di Salvo, and Villa Rusconi-Quiriconi—examples of modern architecture that blend seamlessly into the landscape.

The Church of the Consolata

The Church of the Signora della Consolata, designed in 1961 by architects Piemontese and Di Salvo, surprises visitors with its contemporary architecture. Not far away is the small Chapel of St. Anthony.

The Most Beautiful Beaches in Punta Ala

Whether you're looking for a beach equipped with all the amenities or a quiet cove where you can take a dip in crystal-clear waters, the beaches of Punta Ala are sure to satisfy every need.

Punta Ala Beach

This is the resort’s main beach, stretching for nearly six kilometers amid white sand, pine forests, and Mediterranean scrub. It features a mix of well-equipped beach clubs and long stretches of public beach, and is perfect for families thanks to its shallow waters and numerous amenities.

Cala del Barbiere

One of the most picturesque coves in the area, accessible via a short trail through the pine forest. Here, sand, rocks, and vegetation come together to create a peaceful, shaded spot. Fun fact: In 1973, several scenes from the film L'anatra all'arancia were filmed right here.

Spiaggetta del Porto

Small, secluded, and sheltered by rocks, Spiaggetta del Porto is perfect for those seeking calm waters and a spectacular view of the Isolotto dello Sparviero. Since it’s operated by a beach club, access requires renting umbrellas and lounge chairs.

Cala Tartana and Cala Tartanella

Hidden on the southern slope of the promontory are two of Punta Ala’s most beautiful coves. Reaching them on foot requires a challenging hike, which is why many choose to arrive directly by boat. The effort is rewarded by crystal-clear waters and a setting that remains unspoiled.

Poggettone Beach

It is one of the least crowded beaches in the area. Consisting mainly of pebbles and rocks, it is recommended for those seeking tranquility and who enjoy snorkeling.

Enjoy an Experience at the Punta Ala Golf Club

Nestled between the sea and the Mediterranean scrub lies one of Tuscany’s most picturesque golf courses. The Punta Ala Golf Club, opened in 1964, spans over 60 hectares among pine trees, holm oaks, cork oaks, and vegetation typical of the Maremma, featuring an 18-hole course set amid a spectacular landscape. Designed by architect Giulio Cavalsani, the course is prized not only for its technical quality but also for the panoramic views that accompany each hole: on one side, the blue of the sea; on the other, the green hills of the Maremma coast. An ideal experience for golf enthusiasts, but also for anyone wishing to discover one of the most refined and scenic corners of Punta Ala.

What to see around Punta Ala

If you have a few days to spare, Punta Ala is also an excellent starting point for exploring some of the most fascinating places in the Tuscan Maremma.

Just a 20-minute drive away is Castiglione della Pescaia, one of Italy’s most beautiful seaside villages. Stroll through the narrow streets of the medieval historic center, climb up to the castle to admire the view of the sea, and treat yourself to a break at one of the many restaurants overlooking the harbor.

A little further north, Scarlino—a quaint medieval village perched on a hill—is well worth a visit. From its castle, you can enjoy a splendid view of the Gulf of Follonica and the Tuscan Archipelago.

For those who love the sea, Cala Violina and Cala Civette—two of Tuscany’s most famous beaches—are not to be missed. Crystal-clear waters, light-colored sand, and unspoiled nature make them perfect for a relaxing day. Cala Violina, in particular, owes its name to the distinctive sound produced by the quartz sand when walked upon.

About 20 kilometers away is Follonica, a lively seaside town ideal for a stroll along the boardwalk, an aperitif with a view of the sea, or a day of shopping among boutiques and bars.

History buffs, on the other hand, can visit Vetulonia, one of the most important Etruscan archaeological sites in Tuscany. The village is home to an interesting archaeological museum and numerous artifacts from the ancient Etruscan civilization.

If you love nature, it’s worth spending a day at the Maremma Natural Park, where you can hike along trails through the Mediterranean scrub, spot local wildlife, and reach some of the most beautiful wild beaches on the Tuscan coast.

Finally, on clear days, you can treat yourself to a boat trip to Elba Island or the other gems of the Tuscan Archipelago, which are easily accessible from nearby ports.

Punta Ala Equestrian Center

The Punta Ala Equestrian Center (CIP) is a premier destination for lovers of horseback riding and polo. A historic venue for major national and international competitions, its polo field hosted some of the sport’s greatest stars in the 1970s and 1980s, and has now been revitalized thanks to a revitalization project promoted by Gaia Bulgari, president of the organizing committee of the Punta Ala Polo Cup.

The Punta Ala Polo Club offers a season dedicated to sport, elegance, and camaraderie, featuring top-tier facilities, regulation-size polo fields, and dedicated spaces for horses and riders. The center also features a riding school open to riders of all levels—from beginners to competitive riders—offering show jumping lessons and personalized training programs. Among its prestigious partnerships is one with Michaela Ricci, an international-level rider and instructor specializing in dressage and training horses up to Grand Prix level. It is a place where a passion for horses meets the exclusive charm of Punta Ala, in a perfect balance of sport, nature, and tradition.

Where to eat in Punta Ala

A-MARE Ristorante
Via del porto
ph. +39 350 1991202

Overlooking the Punta Ala Marina, A-MARE offers refined seafood cuisine, where fresh catches meet Mediterranean tradition. With its selection of raw seafood, fish dishes, and influences from Roman and Sicilian cuisine, it’s the perfect stop for those seeking quality and authentic flavors.

La Vela Beach Club
Via della Dogana, 6
ph. +39 0564 072001

Overlooking the sea and nestled among the pine trees of the Maremma coast, La Vela offers an experience that combines cuisine, views, and ambiance. The menu follows Mediterranean tradition with seafood dishes prepared using fresh, local ingredients, complemented by fragrant pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. From breakfast with a sea view to dinner at sunset, the restaurant captivates guests with its picturesque setting, characterized by its iconic sail-shaped architecture and panoramic terrace.

Ristorante da Bruno
Sp61, Km. 0.100, 58043 Pian D'alma (GR)
ph. +39 0564 923096

Nestled amid the lush greenery of the Maremma, in the village of Pian d'Alma, the Ristorante Da Bruno is a historic, family-run restaurant where Tuscan cuisine meets the finest seafood specialties. The menu features dishes prepared with local ingredients, ranging from the famous spaghetti with lobster to tagliolini alla pirata, as well as grilled and fried seafood, not to mention meat dishes and homemade desserts. The warm and casual atmosphere is ideal for a romantic dinner or a lunch with friends, accompanied by a carefully selected list of local wines.

Molo G
Via del porto, Punta Ala (GR)
ph. +39 340 5643379

Overlooking the harbor of Punta Ala, Molo G is a restaurant with an elegant and relaxed atmosphere where the sea takes center stage. The menu features fresh seafood specialties, raw fish, tartare, and dishes inspired by Mediterranean tradition, creatively reimagined with a focus on high-quality ingredients. An ideal spot for a sunset dinner, thanks to its view of the harbor and refined ambiance, it’s perfect for those seeking a dining experience that blends Tuscan flavors with the charm of the sea.

Porticciolo
Via Cala del Pozzo, Punta Ala (GR)

Overlooking the small marina at Punta Ala, Il Porticciolo is the ideal place to experience the magic of summer evenings amid the sea, sunsets, and fine dining. It offers a relaxed and charming setting where you can enjoy an aperitif or a leisurely dinner, all in the elegant yet informal atmosphere typical of the Tuscan coast.

Ristorante Bernardo
Località Gualdo, Punta Ala, Castiglione della Pescaia (GR)
ph. +39 0564 920269

Bernardo Restaurant offers refined seafood cuisine that highlights local flavors. Set in a tastefully decorated setting, with a spacious garden featuring elegant pagodas, it is the ideal place for al fresco dining during the summer months. The menu showcases fresh local seafood and traditional Mediterranean recipes reimagined with creativity—from homemade gnocchi to seafood specialties—accompanied by a carefully curated selection of wines.

Ristorante Hidalgo
Via della Dogana, Punta Ala (GR)
ph. +39 334 758 8005

Located in Punta Ala, the Hidalgo Restaurant is a refined dining destination where the sea and the land come together in a cuisine that emphasizes the quality of its ingredients. In an elegant and welcoming setting, it offers dishes inspired by Mediterranean tradition, with a special focus on fresh seafood and the flavors of the Tuscan coast.

Lo Scalino
Il Molo, Al Porto, Banchina Centrale (Castiglione della Pescaia, GR)
ph. +39 335 137714

A historic restaurant in Punta Ala that opened in the 1970s, Lo Scalino is a go-to spot for lovers of traditional Italian seafood cuisine. Since 2007, under the management of Roberto and Lara, it has been serving simple, authentic dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant, renovated with a contemporary design featuring iron and wood, also offers a covered and heated outdoor seating area with views of the sea and the harbor—perfect for any season.

La Trattoria Enrico Bartolini
Località Badiola, Castiglione della Pescaia, GR
ph. +39 0564 944322

At Trattoria Enrico Bartolini, located within L’Andana, the cuisine celebrates the fusion of Tuscan tradition and contemporary creativity. The chef draws on the authentic flavors of his childhood memories and the finest local ingredients to create refined yet balanced dishes, where seasonality, simplicity, and technique come together in a culinary experience that captures the very soul of the Maremma.

Locanda La Luna
Via del Podere, 8, Tirli (GR)
ph. +39 0564 945854

In the medieval village of Tirli, nestled among the hills of the Maremma just a few kilometers from the sea at Punta Ala, you’ll find the Locanda La Luna. Here, Maremma tradition meets a more creative cuisine, with dishes prepared according to the seasons and showcasing local ingredients. Among the specialties worth trying are the Florentine steak, homemade tortelli, and a rich selection of Tuscan wines.

How to get to Punta Ala

The easiest way to reach Punta Ala is by car, which is the most convenient way to get around freely along the coast and reach nearby beaches and towns.

By Car

From Florence, the trip takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes: the recommended route is via the SGC Florence-Pisa-Livorno and then the SS1 Aurelia toward Grosseto, following the signs for Castiglione della Pescaia and Punta Ala.

From Siena, the trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes via the SS223, while from Arezzo, it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Those arriving from the coast can take the A12 highway to Rosignano Marittimo and then continue on the SS1 Aurelia.

By train

Punta Ala does not have a train station. The nearest stop is Follonica, which is connected to the Pisa-Grosseto-Rome Tyrrhenian railway line and is about 20 kilometers from Punta Ala. From the Follonica station, you can continue by local bus or taxi; the trip takes about 30 minutes.

By Plane

For those arriving from farther away, the main airports are Pisa Galileo Galilei and Florence Peretola, both connected to the Tuscan coast via highways and state roads.

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