Mortelliccio Beach

Mortelliccio Beach: sea, pine forest and free beach in the Sterpaia

Mortelliccio Beach is located in the municipality of Piombino, near Riotorto, along the Gulf of Follonica. It is part of the Sterpaia Coastal Park and features a wide sandy beach, a generally gently sloping seabed and a coastal pine forest immediately behind the shore. Its free beach areas, seasonal facilities and dog-friendly section make it suitable for a variety of needs: families with children, those looking for a free beach and those travelling with a dog. Its location also provides easy access to Carbonifera, Torre Mozza and the other beaches of the Val di Cornia.

Where Mortelliccio Beach is located

Mortelliccio lies on the eastern coast of the Piombino area, between the seaside locations of Sterpaia and Carbonifera. The reference address is Località Mortelliccio, 57025 Piombino, in the province of Livorno.

This stretch of coastline belongs to the Sterpaia Coastal Park, a natural area extending along the southern part of the Etruscan Coast. The park’s beaches are located in Perelli, Carlappiano, Mortelliccio, Il Pino, Carbonifera and Torre Mozza.

The area is easy to reach from Riotorto and is only a short distance from the border with Follonica. It can therefore be included in both a Val di Cornia holiday and an itinerary along the Gulf of Follonica.

What Mortelliccio Beach is like

The beach consists mainly of fine, pale sand. The shoreline is extensive and includes large free beach areas, with beach clubs and seasonal facilities in some sections.

The seabed generally slopes gently for the first few metres from the shore. This makes it popular with families with children and anyone who prefers to enter the water gradually. Conditions may nevertheless change when there is wind, strong currents or rough sea, so the usual care should always be taken when swimming.

Main features:

wide, sandy beach;
generally gently sloping seabed;
free beach areas;
beach facilities in some sections;
coastal pine forest behind the beach;
access to a dog-friendly section of free beach.

The pine forest immediately behind the beach

One of Mortelliccio’s most distinctive features is the pine forest of the Sterpaia Coastal Park, which extends immediately behind the beach. This coastal woodland forms a green belt between the sea, the dunes and the inland area, providing shaded spots during the hottest hours of the day.

Paths through the pine forest connect the car parks and main access points to the beach. Rest areas and equipped equipped spaces are available in some parts of the park, although their availability may vary depending on the access point chosen.

The nearby pine forest is particularly convenient for families and anyone wishing to alternate time in the sun with a break in the shade. However, it is advisable to bring everything needed for protection from the heat, as shaded areas can become very busy on the most crowded days.

The coastal vegetation, dunes and areas behind the dunes are delicate parts of the park. To help prevent erosion, visitors should follow the paths and boardwalks and avoid crossing the dunes outside the designated routes.

Access and parking at Mortelliccio

Access points to Mortelliccio Beach can be reached via local roads connected to the route that crosses the coastal area between Piombino and Riotorto. Signs in the area lead to the car parks and pedestrian entrances to the Sterpaia Coastal Park.

Parking: regulated parking is available near the park’s main beaches for cars and, in authorised spaces, caravans and motorhomes. Parking is normally subject to a fee during the bathing season. Rates, times and procedures may change, so visitors should check the signs displayed on site.

From the parking areas, the beach is reached on foot through the pine forest and along the access paths. The actual distance depends on the car park used and the chosen section of beach.

At weekends and during July and August, arriving in the morning is recommended. The car parks closest to the access points can become very busy around the middle of the day.

Free beach areas, beach clubs and facilities

Mortelliccio is best known for its extensive free beach areas. The area also has beach clubs, places to eat and other facilities that operate mainly during the summer season.

Bagno Elia is among the establishments located in Mortelliccio. This beach club offers equipment hire and refreshments. Availability and opening hours should be checked directly with the establishment, especially during the low season.

The Sterpaia Coastal Park is also home to Nano Verde, a food venue, bar and mojito bar. Set in the coastal woodland just a few steps from the sea, it provides seasonal food, drinks and aperitifs. Visitors should check its opening days and hours before planning a visit.

Facilities available in the area:

large free beach areas;
beach clubs in some sections;
sunshade and sunlounger hire at equipped establishments;
seasonal places to eat and drink;
regulated car parks;
walking paths through the pine forest;
shaded areas behind the beach.

Facilities are not evenly distributed along the entire beach. Visitors choosing a free section away from the establishments should bring water, a sunshade, sun protection and everything else required for the day.

Mortelliccio’s dog-friendly beach

Mortelliccio has a section of free beach where dogs are allowed. This is one of the features most frequently sought by visitors planning a holiday with pets in the Riotorto and Piombino area.

The area should not be confused with an equipped beach club: it is a free beach section subject to local regulations and ordinances. Before visiting, it is therefore advisable to check the latest provisions issued by the Municipality of Piombino and read the signs displayed at the access point.

Owners must keep their dogs under control, pick up after them and respect other beachgoers. It is useful to bring water for the dog, a bowl, waste bags and sun protection, while also considering the shaded areas available in the pine forest.

Visiting Mortelliccio with children

The sand, the width of the beach and the generally gently sloping seabed make Mortelliccio a practical choice for families. The pine forest behind the beach also provides a place to take a break from the sun during the hottest hours.

When visiting with young children, it is advisable to choose an area that is not too far from the access point and facilities. On busy days, it can be helpful to identify easily recognisable landmarks between the beach, pine forest and car park.

Shallow water does not eliminate the risks associated with the sea. Children must be supervised at all times, particularly when it is windy or there are currents and waves.

When to visit Mortelliccio Beach

Best time for swimming: from June to September, depending on weather conditions and the seasonal opening of facilities.

June and September are suitable for visitors who prefer generally milder temperatures and fewer crowds than during the height of summer. July and August offer the widest availability of facilities, but they are also the months when the beach and car parks are likely to be busiest.

Spring and early autumn are ideal for walks along the beach and through the pine forest. Outside the bathing season, however, beach clubs, bars and food venues may be closed or operate limited opening hours.

What to see near Mortelliccio

The location provides easy access to other beaches in the Sterpaia Coastal Park. Heading south, visitors will find Il Pino, Carbonifera and Torre Mozza. The latter is distinguished by its coastal tower near the water’s edge.

Towards Piombino, visitors can explore Perelli and Carlappiano. For a day away from the beach, the main destinations in the Val di Cornia include Piombino, the Gulf of Baratti, Populonia, Campiglia Marittima and Suvereto.

The Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia offers an insight into the area’s Etruscan history, while the Archaeological Mines Park of San Silvestro, near Campiglia Marittima, focuses on the mining activities that shaped the local landscape.

Practical tips for your day at the beach

arrive in the morning on summer weekends;
check the rates and times displayed in the car parks;
bring water and sun protection when visiting the free beach areas;
check the opening hours of food and drink venues in advance;
follow the boardwalks and paths through the pine forest;
do not walk on dune vegetation;
check the latest ordinances when visiting with a dog;
take all rubbish away or use the designated bins.

From Villaggio Mare Verde to Mortelliccio

Mortelliccio is the nearest free beach to Villaggio Mare Verde, in Località Campo al Fico, Riotorto: about 3 km by car (7 minutes) or 2.5 km on foot (around 35 minutes). In summer the village also runs a beach train, operating at weekends and every day from June to August.

From the village you can also reach Carbonifera, Torre Mozza and the other beaches of the Sterpaia Park in just a few minutes. If you are travelling with a dog, the village offers pet-friendly accommodation, a few minutes from Mortelliccio’s dog-friendly stretch of beach.

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Frequently asked questions about Mortelliccio Beach

Where is Mortelliccio Beach?
In the municipality of Piombino, near Riotorto, along the Gulf of Follonica and within the Sterpaia Coastal Park.

Is Mortelliccio a free beach?
Yes, it has extensive free beach areas, with some beach clubs and seasonal places to eat and drink.

Is there a pine forest near the beach?
Yes, the Sterpaia pine forest lies immediately behind the beach and is crossed by the paths leading to the sea.

Are dogs allowed on Mortelliccio Beach?
There is a section of free beach where dogs are allowed. Rules may change: check the ordinances issued by the Municipality of Piombino and the signs on site.

Where can you eat at Mortelliccio?
There are seasonal places to eat and drink, including Bagno Elia and Nano Verde, a bar and food venue in the Sterpaia woodland. Opening days and hours should be checked with the establishments.

How far is Mortelliccio from Villaggio Mare Verde?
About 3 km by car (7 minutes) or 2.5 km on foot (around 35 minutes). In summer there is also the village beach train.

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