Sterpaia Coastal Park
Sterpaia Coastal Park: beaches, access points and parking
Sterpaia Coastal Park (Parco Costiero della Sterpaia) is a protected natural area in Tuscany, in the municipality of Piombino, overlooking the gulf between Piombino and Follonica. It offers about 8 km of sandy beaches backed by dunes and an age-old pine forest, with shallow, clear water: all its beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag.
Access points are spread along the coast, from Perelli to Torre Mozza, letting you choose between free beach, beach clubs and quieter areas. Below you will find the beaches one by one, with parking, facilities and tips.
Where Is Sterpaia Coastal Park?
The park stretches along the eastern coastline of the Municipality of Piombino, in the southern part of the Province of Livorno. It extends from the Perelli area to Torre Mozza, close to the border with the Municipality of Follonica.
It is part of the Val di Cornia Parks system, which includes natural and archaeological sites across Piombino, Campiglia Marittima, San Vincenzo, Suvereto and Sassetta. Sterpaia’s coastline features approximately 8 kilometres of beach, 124 hectares of dune and back-dune habitat, and 155 hectares of woodland and agricultural clearings.
The main road leading to the park’s various entrances is the Geodetica, a local route connecting Piombino and Riotorto. From here, smaller roads branch off towards the beaches and their respective parking areas.
Why Visit Sterpaia Coastal Park?
Sterpaia lets you combine a day at the beach with the discovery of a coastal environment that still clearly retains its natural structure. Between the road and the sea you pass through pine forests, shaded areas, patches of woodland and belts of dunes separating the beach from the inland landscape.
The beaches are generally wide and sandy. In many stretches the seabed slopes gently, a feature families appreciate, although you should always pay attention to sea conditions and the information displayed on site.
The park is also well suited to those who like to alternate swimming and walking. The back-dune trails can be explored on foot or by bike, letting you see different natural environments without leaving the coast.
The Main Beaches of Sterpaia Coastal Park
The coastline is not a single beach with one entrance. Instead, it is divided into several distinct areas, each with its own access points, parking facilities and services. Before setting off, it is worth choosing the beach that best suits your plans for the day.
Perelli
Perelli is located in the western section of the park, towards Piombino. It offers long stretches of sandy shoreline, free beach areas and private beach clubs. Seasonal facilities and services make it a practical choice for visitors planning to spend the entire day by the sea.
Facilities: free beach, beach clubs, refreshment kiosks and nearby parking.
Carlappiano
Carlappiano features a sandy beach bordered by pine woods and small dunes. It is ideal for those looking for a balance between free beach areas, natural shade and essential visitor services. Food outlets in the area are generally seasonal, so it is advisable to check opening times outside the peak summer months.
Features: sandy beach, pine forest, dunes and free beach sections.
Mortelliccio
Mortelliccio is one of the most convenient access points for visitors staying near Riotorto. The beach is wide and largely free to access, with pale sand and natural vegetation behind the shoreline. Parking areas and visitor facilities are available nearby.
From Villaggio Mare Verde, the beach is approximately 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) away by car, with an average journey time of around 7 minutes. It can also be reached on foot via a walk of approximately 2.5 kilometres (1.6 miles), taking around 30–40 minutes depending on the chosen route and walking pace.
Distance from the village: approximately 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) by car.
Il Pino
Il Pino is a predominantly free beach characterised by dunes and Mediterranean vegetation. Compared with access points that have a higher concentration of beach clubs, this area offers a more natural and less developed setting. Visitors are advised to bring water, sun protection and everything needed for the day, while checking locally for the availability of seasonal services.
Carbonifera
Carbonifera takes its name from the 19th-century tower standing near the coast, linked to the area’s mining and transport history. The beach is sandy, with generally shallow waters close to the shore and a pine forest immediately behind it.
The area includes free beach sections, beach clubs and seasonal refreshment facilities. During the busiest periods, it is advisable to arrive at the car park early in the morning.
Torre Mozza
Torre Mozza marks the eastern end of the park, close to Follonica. The beach is easily recognised by the coastal tower standing directly beside the shoreline. Offshore lies a submerged structure running parallel to the coast, generally believed to be part of an ancient Roman road or harbour construction.
The area includes free beach sections, beach clubs and food services. The historic tower and the shallow seabed make this one of the park’s busiest beaches during the summer.
Busiest period: weekends and the peak weeks of July and August.
Access Points and Parking
The beach entrances can be reached via secondary roads branching off from the Geodetica road. Each beach area has its own parking facilities, organised to manage access to the coastline.
Parking regulations, fees and opening periods may vary from season to season. Before your visit, it is advisable to check the latest updates published by Parchi Val di Cornia or the Municipality of Piombino.
- During summer, arriving early in the morning is strongly recommended.
- Avoid parking outside designated parking areas.
- Some beach entrances require a short walk through the pine forest before reaching the shore.
- If you plan to visit several beaches in one day, travelling by car is the most practical option.
- Cycling is a convenient way to move around locally, although care should be taken on roads shared with motor vehicles.
Facilities Available in the Park
Available facilities vary depending on the beach you choose. The better-equipped areas offer beach clubs, seasonal kiosks or restaurants, toilets and showers. Other sections remain largely natural, with mainly free beaches and fewer nearby services.
The park also features picnic areas, walking and cycling routes, and shaded pine forests. The availability of facilities depends on the season and on individual operators.
What to bring: water, sunscreen, a hat, suitable footwear for walking trails and a bag to take your rubbish away with you.
Accessibility
In the central section of Sterpaia, pathways and rest areas have been created to improve accessibility. Accessible toilet facilities are available in the Carlappiano and Mortelliccio areas.
However, the condition of pathways, boardwalks and beach access routes may change due to maintenance work, coastal erosion or seasonal interventions. Official information also reports temporary restrictions affecting some facilities, so visitors with specific accessibility requirements should check current conditions before travelling.
Best Time to Visit Sterpaia Coastal Park
From June to September, the park is primarily visited for its beaches and the sea. July and August offer the widest range of services, but they also bring higher temperatures, busier car parks and larger numbers of visitors.
Late spring and September are ideal for those who prefer walking, cycling or spending time on the beach in generally quieter conditions. During autumn and winter, the park remains suitable for nature walks, although many beach facilities may be closed and weather conditions should be taken into account.
Best time to visit: June and September, when you can combine swimming, available services and more moderate visitor numbers.
How to Plan a Day at Sterpaia
If your main goal is a beach day, it is generally best to choose a single access point, especially during the peak summer season. Mortelliccio and Carlappiano are convenient options for visitors staying in Riotorto, while Carbonifera and Torre Mozza combine beach time with the opportunity to see the historic coastal towers.
Those wishing to explore the park’s natural environment in greater depth can spend the morning walking along the back-dune trails before relaxing on the beach later in the day. During the hottest months, walking is best done early in the morning or late in the afternoon, avoiding the hottest hours around midday.
The dunes should only be crossed using the designated boardwalks and marked paths. Back-dune vegetation plays a vital role in protecting the coastline and is highly vulnerable to trampling. Visitors should also follow all posted regulations, avoid lighting fires and never leave litter behind.
What to See Nearby
Sterpaia’s location makes it easy to include a beach day within a wider itinerary through the Val di Cornia area. Piombino has a historic town centre overlooking the channel separating the mainland from Elba Island. Heading north, you’ll find the Gulf of Baratti, Populonia and its Archaeological Park, dedicated to Etruscan history and ancient metalworking.
Further inland are the historic villages of Campiglia Marittima and Suvereto, both well suited to an evening visit or a half-day excursion. The San Silvestro Archaeological Mining Park offers an opportunity to explore the region’s mining heritage through guided visits and dedicated trails.
To the south, Follonica offers an urban seafront, a wide range of services and convenient access to other beaches along the Maremma coast. To avoid an overly busy itinerary, it is best to dedicate at least half a day to Sterpaia and visit nearby villages or museums separately.
Where to stay near Sterpaia Park
Villaggio Mare Verde is located in Campo al Fico, Riotorto, in the heart of Sterpaia Park. The nearest free beach is Mortelliccio: 3 km by car (7 minutes) or 2.5 km on foot (around 35 minutes). Carlappiano is about 4 km away.
In summer the village provides a beach train, running at weekends and every day from June to August. Discover the accommodation and the services for families and for those travelling with a dog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sterpaia Coastal Park
Where is Sterpaia Park?
In Tuscany, in the municipality of Piombino (province of Livorno), along the coast between Piombino and Follonica, opposite Riotorto.
What is the most beautiful beach in the Sterpaia?
It depends on what you are looking for: Mortelliccio and Carlappiano for free beach with pine forest, Perelli for facilities, Torre Mozza for its tower and shallow water.
Is entry to Sterpaia Park free?
Yes, access to the park and the free beaches is free of charge. Car parks, beach clubs and some seasonal services are paid.
Is Sterpaia Park suitable for families?
Yes, the beaches are sandy, with a gently sloping seabed and facilities at several access points. You should still always check the sea conditions.
Can you explore the Sterpaia by bike?
Yes, there are trails through the pine forest and behind the dunes that can be explored on foot and by bike.
Which beach is closest to Villaggio Mare Verde?
Mortelliccio: 3 km by car (7 minutes) or 2.5 km on foot. In summer there is also the beach train.
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