Parco della Sterpaia: beaches, pine woods and how to get there
The sea in the woods between Piombino and Follonica
The Parco costiero della Sterpaia (Sterpaia Coastal Park) is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Tuscany: 8 kilometres of fine, pale sandy beach, 6 of them free public beach, sheltered by a belt of dunes and a woodland of centuries-old pines, holm oaks, oaks and ash trees. That’s why the park describes itself as the sea in the woods.
Around 300 hectares of nature rescued from illegal building and returned to the public in 1995, today managed by Parchi Val di Cornia. Since 2008 the park’s beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for the quality of their environment and services.
Where is the Parco della Sterpaia
The park overlooks the Golfo di Follonica (Gulf of Follonica), in the municipality of Piombino, in the province of Livorno. The coast runs from Perelli, towards Piombino, to Torre Mozza, on the border with Follonica, passing Carlappiano, Mortelliccio, Il Pino and Carbonifera.
Approximate driving time: about 20 minutes from Campiglia Marittima and Venturina Terme.
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How to get to the Parco della Sterpaia
By car
The beaches are reached from the road known as the “Geodetica”, which links Piombino to Riotorto, running parallel to the coast. Along the Geodetica you’ll find the turn-offs for the park’s various spots, each with its own car park.
Parking
The park has a network of paid car parks for cars and campervans, spread across Perelli, Carlappiano, Mortelliccio, Il Pino, Carbonifera and Torre Mozza. Fees, opening times and concessions change from season to season, so it’s worth checking them on the Parchi Val di Cornia website before you set off.
In July and August the car parks closest to the facilities fill up early: arriving by mid-morning makes everything easier.
By bike
Behind the beach run several cycle paths linking the different areas of the park: a good way to get from one beach to another without taking the car again.
The Sterpaia beaches
The Sterpaia beach is long, wide and sandy, with a gently sloping seabed and clear water. Each spot has a slightly different character, but the landscape stays the same: sand, dunes and pine woods behind.
Free beach and beach clubs
Of the 8 kilometres of coastline, 6 are free public beach. Along the remaining stretches you’ll find beach clubs with umbrellas, sunloungers and equipment hire, as well as snack bars and restaurants.
Facilities and accessibility
The park has public toilets and showers, also accessible to people with disabilities, together with dedicated beach access points, picnic areas and small shops. During the bathing season there are lifeguard stations along the whole beach, some with a defibrillator.
Dog beach
The park has a stretch of beach reserved for dogs, shown on the park map. The pine woods are also a pleasant place to walk your dog during the hottest hours of the day.
The woods, the dunes and the wetlands
Behind the beach runs a narrow belt of dunes, covered with pioneer vegetation able to live in the salty sand and shaped by the wind. Since 2010 the dunes have been the focus of conservation work, so it’s important to use the marked paths and not create new openings.
Behind the dunes are patches of stone pine woodland, where you can shelter from the sun to the song of the cicadas, and a rare wet woodland with ash trees and oaks whose trunks measure several metres around, holm oaks, cork oaks and tamarisks, interspersed with clearings and small wetlands.
The sea in front of the park is part of the Pelagos Sanctuary, the Mediterranean protected area dedicated to safeguarding marine mammals.
Things to do at the Parco della Sterpaia
A seaside day with children
Fine sand, shallow water and pine shade just a few steps away make the Sterpaia one of the most convenient beaches on the Etruscan Coast for families with children.
Walks and cycling
You can walk for kilometres along the shoreline, or follow the trails and cycle paths through the pine woods. At sunset, the walk towards Torre Mozza offers one of the finest views over the gulf.
Picnics in the shade
The picnic areas in the pine woods let you spend the whole day at the seaside without having to leave the park.
When to go to the Parco della Sterpaia
During the summer bathing season the beach clubs, snack bars and lifeguard stations are open. June and September are the best months: warm sea, fewer people and easier parking.
In spring and autumn the park is perfect for walking and cycling in the pine woods, with the beach almost deserted.
Practical tips for your visit
- Parking: check fees and times on the Parchi Val di Cornia website and arrive early at summer weekends.
- Choose your spot: if you want facilities, head for the areas with beach clubs and snack bars; for a quieter beach, walk away from the main car parks.
- Respect the dunes: always use the marked paths.
- Shade: the pine woods are just steps away, but on the free beach you’ll need an umbrella.
- Rubbish: you’re in a protected area, so take everything back with you.
What to see near the Sterpaia
Piombino
Just a few kilometres from the park, Piombino offers its historic centre, Piazza Bovio looking out towards Elba Island, and the port where ferries leave for the islands.
The Parco di Montioni
Inland, between Piombino and Follonica, the Parco di Montioni (Montioni Park) is perfect for swapping the sea for a day in the woods.
Baratti, Populonia and the coves of the headland
On the other side of the headland you’ll find the Golfo di Baratti (Gulf of Baratti), the village of Populonia and small coves such as the Buca delle Fate and Cala San Quirico.
A perfect stop on your holiday
The Sterpaia is the ideal beach if you’re staying in the Val di Cornia: from Campiglia Marittima and Venturina Terme it takes about 20 minutes to get there.
You can alternate it with other beaches, such as Rimigliano Beach in San Vincenzo, with a visit to the Parco Archeominerario di San Silvestro (San Silvestro Archaeological Mining Park) or with a relaxing afternoon at the Venturina thermal baths. More ideas on our beaches page.
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, historic villages and nature, for a holiday just minutes from the Parco della Sterpaia.
Get a quoteFrequently asked questions about the Parco della Sterpaia
Where is the Parco della Sterpaia?
On the Golfo di Follonica, in the municipality of Piombino, in the province of Livorno. The park’s coastline runs from Perelli to Torre Mozza, on the border with Follonica.
How do you get to the Parco della Sterpaia?
By car along the “Geodetica” road between Piombino and Riotorto, following the turn-offs for the park’s different spots: Perelli, Carlappiano, Mortelliccio, Il Pino, Carbonifera and Torre Mozza.
Do you have to pay for parking?
Yes, the park’s car parks for cars and campervans are paid. Fees and times are published on the Parchi Val di Cornia website.
Are the Sterpaia beaches free?
Mostly, yes: of the 8 kilometres of beach, 6 are free public beach. Along the remaining stretches there are fully equipped beach clubs.
Can you go to the Parco della Sterpaia with your dog?
Yes, the park has a stretch of beach reserved for dogs, shown on the park map.
Is the Sterpaia suitable for children?
Yes, the fine sand, the gently sloping seabed and the shade of the pine woods make it ideal for families.
Are there facilities accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, the park has toilets, showers and beach access points that are also accessible to people with disabilities.
Does the Parco della Sterpaia have a Blue Flag?
Yes, the park’s beaches have held the Blue Flag since 2008.
When is the best time to go?
June and September for the sea, with fewer crowds. Spring and autumn for walks in the woods and along the beach.
Photo credits (via Wikimedia Commons): Roberto Baroni (Costaetrusca): The Parco della Sterpaia beach with the pine woods and Torre Mozza (CC BY-SA 4.0), Wetland and pines in the Sterpaia Coastal Park (CC BY-SA 4.0); Giorgio Galeotti: Maritime pines on the dunes of the Parco della Sterpaia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
