Punta Ala: Coast, Marina and History

Punta Ala brings together a range of travel-planning interests: a sheltered marina, beaches, a special protected area, as well as water sports, horse riding and cycling. Several buildings with different historical functions are also among the attractions.

Marina and beaches

Marina di Punta Ala is a marina protected by a breakwater. It comprises three basins, 13 piers and 1,200 metres of quays. If you are interested in Punta Ala’s maritime side, these details give you a clear sense of the size and layout of the marina infrastructure.

Spiaggetta del Porto di Punta Ala is a smaller beach with a sandy seabed that slopes gently into the sea, making it suitable for children too. Punta Ala’s public beach stretches for almost six kilometres, reaching Cala Civette and Cala Violina. Beachgoers can therefore consider different features: the seabed at Spiaggetta and the length of the public beach.

Cala Barbiere can be reached via a path that starts at an unpaved parking area. Path conditions may vary, so check the path’s condition before your visit.

Coastal landscape and protected area

The Punta Ala e Isolotto dello Sparviero Special Protection Area covers 337 hectares of land. Its habitats include Mediterranean maquis, holm oak forests and vegetation along rocky coasts. These details give the destination’s natural environment a distinct profile: alongside the beaches, a range of Mediterranean and coastal habitats are also a focus.

Courses and activities

Centro Velico Punta Ala offers catamaran, sailing and windsurfing courses for different experience levels, from beginners to experienced sailors. Centro Ippico Punta Ala offers group and private horse-riding lessons for beginners, intermediate and experienced riders, as well as competitive riders.

Different details are relevant when comparing the two providers: at Centro Velico, you can consider the listed water sports and experience levels; at Centro Ippico, you can also take into account whether lessons are in a group or private, and the rider’s level. If you are planning to include an activity in your trip, check the current availability of the offerings in advance.

Punta Ala Trail Center offers bike rentals, shuttle rides and guided tours. Trails begin a few minutes’ ride from the Trail Center’s location, ranging from flowing singletrack sections to challenging enduro routes. Trail conditions may vary; you should also check the Center’s offerings for availability before your trip.

Buildings with different histories

Castello Balbo, also known as Forte di Punta Ala, dates back to the second half of the 16th century. The Grand Dukes of Tuscany had it built to defend against repeated Turkish incursions. Torre Hidalgo, also called Torre del Barbiere, was built in 1577 as a coastal watchtower. The Chiesa della Signora della Consolata adds a different era to these historic buildings: it was built in 1961 in a modern style. The attractions mentioned here thus differ both in their function and in the period in which they were built.

Discover more destinations: Tirli, Roccamare, Buriano, Vetulonia.

Back to the broader travel overview: Castiglione Della Pescaia.