Follonica
Where is Follonica
Follonica is in Tuscany, in the province of Grosseto, in northern Maremma. The town sits at the centre of the Gulf of Follonica, between the Piombino promontory to the north and Punta Ala to the south. On clear days you can see the Island of Elba across the water.
It is a seaside town of around 20,000 inhabitants, with light sandy beaches, pine woods behind the shore and a town centre that is lively all year round. For anyone staying on the Etruscan Coast it is the nearest town to the south, handy for a day at the beach, an evening stroll along the seafront or a visit to Follonica’s ironworking heritage.
How to get there and distances
Follonica is easy to reach by car from the SS1 Aurelia and by train on the Tyrrhenian line Rome–Pisa–Genoa, which has a station in town.
- Grosseto: about 48 km, 40 minutes
- Livorno: about 107 km, just over an hour
- Florence: about 170 km, around 2 hours
- Rome: about 226 km, under 3 hours
- Villaggio Mare Verde (Riotorto): about 12 km, 15 minutes
From the town, roads also lead inland to the Colline Metallifere, with Massa Marittima about twenty kilometres away.
What the sea is like in Follonica
The sea in Follonica is clean and shallow: the water stays shallow for several metres from the shore and the gulf shelters the coast from the strongest waves. This makes it one of the most popular resorts for families with young children.
- Blue Flag 2026: Follonica is one of the five municipalities in the Maremma awarded this year by the FEE for the quality of its water and services.
- Green Flag: paediatricians have certified it as a child-friendly beach since 2012.
- Sand: fine and light, with the long, narrow beaches typical of the gulf.
In July and August the beaches near the centre fill up early. For a quieter day by the sea, choose Pratoranieri or Il Boschetto, or go in June or September.
The beaches of Follonica
Town centre beach and Senzuno
This is the town beach, right in front of the seafront promenade: beach clubs, free stretches, bars and restaurants just a few steps away. It is the most convenient choice if you want everything close by, but also the most crowded in high season.
Pratoranieri
To the north, less than 5 km from the centre and also reachable on foot or by bike along the cycle path. The sand is golden and fine, the beach is largely free and the water stays shallow for a long way out. There is also a stretch of beach for dogs here.
Il Boschetto
A beach with pine woods and a dune behind it, just outside the centre. It has facilities, bars and restaurants and an area for dogs. Ideal if you are looking for natural shade during the hottest hours.
Towards Puntone di Scarlino
Heading south, the coast becomes wilder, all the way to Puntone and the coves towards Cala Violina, where access is regulated in summer.
Free beaches: you will find them all along the coast, especially at Pratoranieri and on the stretches between the beach clubs.
With your dog: every year the Municipality designates stretches of beach and times when dogs are allowed. Check the current beach ordinance before you go. If you are travelling with your dog, Villaggio Mare Verde has pet-friendly accommodation.
Gulf of Follonica
Parking, beach access and the best time to go
There are frequent beach access points all along the coast, many with boardwalks or ramps. Near the centre almost all parking is paid and fills up early in summer. At Pratoranieri and Il Boschetto it is easier to find a space, especially if you arrive by 9:30.
- Best time to go: June and September, with warm sea and fewer crowds.
- Crowds: busy at summer weekends and around Ferragosto (15 August).
- Facilities: beach clubs, equipment hire, bars and restaurants all along the seafront.
Things to do in Follonica: the iron town
Follonica grew up around the grand-ducal ironworks of the 19th century, and traces of that history can still be seen in the centre.
- MAGMA – Museum of Cast Iron Art in the Maremma: housed in the former San Ferdinando furnace, it tells the story of the foundry in an interactive way. It is suitable for children too.
- Church of San Leopoldo: a neoclassical church consecrated in 1838, with a portico, columns and cast-iron decorations.
- Former Ilva site: the complex of the old foundries, now restored, with its monumental cast-iron gate and the Teatro Fonderia Leopolda.
The seafront and the evening stroll
The seafront promenade is the heart of Follonica in summer. By day it links the town centre beaches; in the evening it fills with people strolling past ice-cream parlours, restaurants and shops that stay open late. The best time is sunset, with the sun going down towards the Piombino promontory and Elba.
One day is enough for a full visit: the beach in the morning, MAGMA or the centre in the afternoon, then dinner and a stroll along the seafront in the evening.
Things to see around Follonica
To the north are Riotorto, Torre Mozza, the Parco della Sterpaia and Piombino. To the south are Scarlino, Puntone and Cala Violina.
Inland, Massa Marittima, Suvereto and Campiglia Marittima are perfect for a half-day trip.
Follonica from Villaggio Mare Verde
Villaggio Mare Verde is in Riotorto, in the Campo al Fico area, about 12 km from Follonica, 15 minutes by car. Staying here means having the Sterpaia beaches a few minutes away, with the beach train in summer, and Follonica a quarter of an hour away for the evening, shopping or a day in town.
From the village you can also easily reach Torre Mozza, Baratti, Populonia and the whole Etruscan Coast. Discover our accommodation and request a quote.
Frequently asked questions about Follonica
Where is Follonica?
Follonica is in Tuscany, in the province of Grosseto, at the centre of the gulf of the same name between Piombino and Punta Ala, facing the Island of Elba.
Which province is Follonica in?
Follonica is in the province of Grosseto, in northern Maremma, on the border with the province of Livorno and the Etruscan Coast.
What is the sea like in Follonica?
Clean, calm and shallow, with a sandy seabed. In 2026 Follonica was awarded the Blue Flag, and it has held the paediatricians’ Green Flag since 2012.
Are there free beaches in Follonica?
Yes, especially at Pratoranieri, which is largely free, and on several stretches between the beach clubs all along the coast.
Can you take your dog to the beach in Follonica?
Yes, on the designated stretches and at the times set by the Municipality’s beach ordinance, which should be checked every year.
How far is Follonica from Riotorto?
About 12 km, 15 minutes by car from Villaggio Mare Verde.
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