Cala San Quirico: how to reach the beach on the Piombino headland
A pebble cove between scrubland and cliffs, reachable only on foot
Cala San Quirico is a small pebble beach on the coast of the Piombino headland, between Populonia and Piombino. You can only get there on foot, along trails that wind through holm oak woods and Mediterranean scrub: that’s why it remains one of the most peaceful coves on the Etruscan Coast, with clear water, a rocky seabed and rocks perfect for snorkelling.
Near the cove you’ll also find the remains of the ancient monastero di San Quirico (San Quirico monastery), which gives this stretch of coast its name.
Where is Cala San Quirico
The cove belongs to the municipality of Piombino and lies on the side of the headland facing the open sea, south of the Buca delle Fate. The trails start from the Reciso car park, on the road that climbs from Baratti to Populonia.
Approximate driving time to the Reciso: about half an hour from Campiglia Marittima and Venturina Terme.
Request a quoteHow to get to Cala San Quirico
From the Reciso to the cove
Leave the car at the Reciso car park and take the dirt road with signposts for the headland’s trails. The first stretch follows the route to the Buca delle Fate, which you reach in about 20 minutes; from there, continue along the coast following the signed turn-offs for Cala San Quirico.
Distances and times
The full loop Reciso – Buca delle Fate – Cala San Quirico – Cala del Lupo, there and back, is just under 5 kilometres and takes about 2 hours of walking, not counting stops. Cala San Quirico lies along the route, before Cala del Lupo.
Difficulty
The trail is uneven and steep in the first section and the way back is uphill: you’ll need hiking shoes. For safety, stick to the headland’s signed trails (numbered 300 to 305).
What the Cala San Quirico beach is like
- Surface: pebbles and large stones, with no sandy stretches.
- Sea: clear water and a rocky seabed, ideal for snorkelling when the sea is calm.
- Facilities: no beach clubs, bars or toilets; there is a picnic area near the cove.
- Shade: little on the beach, some shelter in the scrub behind it.
You’ll need water shoes to get into the sea and to move about on the pebbles.
When to go
June to September for swimming: even in high summer the cove is less crowded than other beaches in the area, precisely because it can only be reached on foot. April, May and October are the best months for hiking on the headland, with mild temperatures and the colours of the scrub.
The San Quirico monastery and Cala del Lupo
The monastero di San Quirico
Along the trail, in a clearing at the foot of Poggio Tondo, you come across the remains of the monastero di San Quirico, a Benedictine complex that remained active until the late 16th century. Abandoned by the monks, it was later turned into a stable; today its ruins lie hidden in the woods, an evocative stop before heading down to the sea.
Cala del Lupo
If you still have energy, you can continue to Cala del Lupo, a small beach of stones and sand, more hidden and harder to reach: the last stretch of trail is the most difficult part of the route.
What to see nearby
The Buca delle Fate
The first cove on the route, 20 minutes from the Reciso, with the ancient Etruscan quarries along the trail: see our guide to the Buca delle Fate.
Populonia
From the car park it takes just a few minutes to walk up to the village of Populonia, with its Rocca (fortress) and views over the gulf.
The Golfo di Baratti
At the foot of the headland lie the Golfo di Baratti (Gulf of Baratti) and the Archaeological Park with its Etruscan necropolises.
Practical tips for your visit
- Hiking shoes for the trail and water shoes for the sea.
- Plenty of water: there are no drinking fountains on the headland.
- Set off early in summer, to walk while it’s cool and find a parking space at the Reciso.
- Check the weather and sea conditions before you go.
- Stay on the signed trails and take your rubbish home: this is a protected natural area.
A perfect stop on your holiday
Cala San Quirico is the ideal outing if you want to combine hiking and the sea in a single morning. In the afternoon you can head down to the Golfo di Baratti for a swim from the sand or visit the necropolises, then go up to Populonia in the evening for the sunset.
From Campiglia Marittima and Venturina it’s about half an hour away, and it pairs well with easier beaches such as Rimigliano Beach and the Parco della Sterpaia.
Plan your stay
Plan your experience with Ama Campiglia Marittima
On the Ama Campiglia Marittima portal you can discover where to stay, where to eat and which experiences to enjoy among the sea, villages and nature of the Val di Cornia, half an hour from the coves of the headland.
Get a quoteFrequently asked questions about Cala San Quirico
How do you get to Cala San Quirico?
Only on foot. Park at the Reciso, on the road between Baratti and Populonia, and follow the headland’s signed trails, passing the Buca delle Fate.
How far do you have to walk?
The Reciso – Buca delle Fate – Cala San Quirico – Cala del Lupo loop, there and back, is just under 5 km, about 2 hours’ walk.
Is the beach suitable for children?
For children who are used to walking and have suitable shoes. The trail is uneven and you enter the water over pebbles and rocks.
Are there any facilities?
There are no beach clubs, bars or toilets. There is a picnic area near the cove.
Can you go snorkelling?
Yes, the rocky seabed and clear water are ideal when the sea is calm.
What is the San Quirico monastery?
The remains of a Benedictine complex, active until the late 16th century, which you pass along the trail at the foot of Poggio Tondo.
