Surfing in the Gulf of Baratti

The perfect zone for surf/windsurf lovers is the Etruscan Coast. The main elements: wind and sea.   Libeccio wind creates the perfect waves and the sea water is limpid and clear. The beaches are equipped for professional and inexperienced surfers: surf schools, facilities and specilized shops. Have a break and discover the amusements of the towns, restaurants, shops and nightclubs, and take a look to the tourist places, they can offer history, culture and tradition. An extraordinary territory for unforgettable holidays.

Baratti
Piombino

At the foot of the village of Populonia, opposite the famous Etruscan necropolis, is the beach of Baratti. The shallow water and rocky reefs make this spot an ideal summer location for windsurfing and kitesurfing. In fact, during the summer months the gulf is crossed by hot winds generated almost daily by the marked difference between daytime and night time temperatures. The site is also very popular on days when the tramontana wind blows, giving rise to strong winds and calm seas. As for surfing, this is practiced on days when there is a diminishing south or west swell. The waves generated in the centre of the bay are of various heights and are easy and rounded, suitable for longboard disciplines and for beginners. When the sea gets up on the left side of the bay, near a small jetty, a steep wave is formed known as the “Dado” (‘dice’), so-called because of the shape of a nearby rock.

Type of sport: windsurfing, surfing and kitesurfing
Level of difficulty: easy
How to get there:

From the north: Approaching on the main SS1 Aurelia road towards Grosseto, take the San Vincenzo Nord exit and head for Piombino. Turn left heading for the SP39 – Via Aurelia Nord, go through San Vincenzo, take the SP39, then at the roundabout take the first exit and continue on the SP23 – Via Roma, and then on the SP23 – Via della Principessa for about 10 km. Then turn right at Baratti. From the south: Approaching on the main SS1 Aurelia road towards Livorno, go past Venturina and follow for Piombino - Isola D’Elba. Continue on the SS398 – Via Val di Cornia, and then on the SP23bis – Via della Base Geodetica. At Fiorentina take the SP23 and proceed for about 4 km. Turn left and carry on for about 1 km to Baratti.

Facilities: Car parking, beach with facilities, restaurants and bars.


Perelli - Carbonifera
Piombino

The shallow water and wide beach at Perelli, and at nearby Carbonifera, make it possible to practice windsurfing and kitesurfing in absolute safety. This site is very popular in summer with its hot winds, and can occasionally offer extraordinary days when unsettled conditions generate east winds and south-generated waves of up to two metres.

Type of sport: windsurfing and kitesurfing
Level of difficulty: intermediate
Facilities: car parking, beach with facilities, restaurants and bars.
How to get there:

From the north: Approaching on the main SS1Aurelia road towards Grosseto, go past Venturina, head for Piombino – Isola D’Elba and continue on the SS398 – Via Val di Cornia. Then take the SP23bis – Via della Base Geodetica, and at Fiorentina proceed on the SP23 towards Gagno. At Gagno take the coast road which leads to the spot. From the south: Approaching on the SS1Aurelia road towards Livorno, go past Venturina, head for Piombino – Isola D’Elba and continue on the SS398 – Via Val di Cornia. Then take the SP23bis – Via della Base Geodetica, and at Fiorentina proceed on the SP23 towards Gagno. At Gagno take the coast road which leads to the spot.