Scarlino Scalo: Railway, Pyrite and Nature

Scarlino Scalo has a local history closely tied to the railway and the transport of pyrite. Visitors wishing to explore this industrial history further can combine it with archaeology in the surrounding area and the region’s natural attractions. If you are looking for a hotel, Scarlino Scalo is a clear destination; you can choose which excursions to focus on based on your interests.

Railway and pyrite as local history

The development of Scarlino Scalo was linked to the construction of the railway line, the station and the facility for unloading and storing pyrite. In 1912, a facility for receiving and loading the ore was built near the station, serving as a cableway station for the Gavorrano mine. This makes the connection between rail transport and the cableway tangible in the town’s history.

A new branch of the cableway was added in 1921: it connected the collection centre at Scarlino Scalo, crossing the wetland, with funnel-shaped ore-storage silos in the Bay of Portiglioni. Scarlino Scalo became a hub for the cableway from Gavorrano and the connection towards Portiglioni. On 26 March 1926, a fire destroyed the pyrite collection and sorting facility. It was quickly rebuilt using iron and reinforced concrete, with additional rooms for a chemical laboratory.

In the transport heritage of the Parco Nazionale delle Colline Metallifere, Scarlino Scalo is listed as a storage and shipping centre. Together with the dates, this helps put the town’s historical role in pyrite transport into context.

Archaeology in the surrounding area

Near Scarlino Scalo, the Museo Archeologico del Portus Scabris displays finds from underwater excavations. These took place in 2000 and 2001, before a marina was built in the Bay of Portiglioni, in the area of Puntone di Scarlino. The finds attest to intensive trade by merchant ships as early as the 3rd century BC. The museum thus offers a different historical perspective from the story of pyrite: the focus is now on the archaeological traces of trade at sea.

The museum offers educational workshops and excursions. Check the current dates before you travel if you plan to take part in one of these activities.

Wetland, coast and sport

In January 2026, Padule di Scarlino was added to the Ramsar List as a wetland of international importance. In January 2026, Padule di Scarlino had boardwalks and equipped paths for independent walks. Check whether access will be possible on your planned visit date.

Cala Martina is also nearby. Access is mainly by sea or on foot or by bicycle via Via delle Costiere; conditions may vary seasonally. This is a separate excursion destination, with different access options from a museum visit or a walk in the wetland.

For exercise locally, the renovated sports facilities in Scarlino Scalo include an outdoor padel court and an equipped fitness trail. Padel and the trail are two different options for active recreation, while the information about Cala Martina and Padule describes a natural setting.

Getting there and accommodation

Public transport runs from Follonica station to Scarlino, Scarlino Scalo and Puntone. Check current connections and timetables before travelling. Scarlino station is served exclusively by regional trains; check the timetables separately here as well.

This makes it easier to decide whether to focus your trip on local history, the sports facilities or excursions in the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Il Casone, Puntone

For the broader travel overview: Scarlino.