Val di Cornia is a territory of hills and coast where archaeology, mining history and still-intact landscapes coexist. The Val di Cornia Parks system (UNESCO Global Geopark) encompasses archaeological sites, museums, natural areas and walking and cycling routes linking the Piombino headland to the Maremma hinterland.
The Baratti and Populonia Archaeological Park stretches between the Gulf of Baratti and the hill of upper Populonia, the only Etruscan city built directly on the sea. You can visit the acropolis with views over the archipelago, the necropolises (including the San Cerbone area with tumulus and aedicula tombs) and evidence of metalworking linked to Elban ore. The park offers themed trails such as the Iron Route and the Quarries Route, suitable for families and history enthusiasts.
The surrounding villages deserve a dedicated stop: Suvereto, Orange Flag and one of Italy's most beautiful villages, with stone alleys, wine bars and seasonal festivals; Campiglia Marittima, with its hilltop historic centre and Rocca; inland, Massa Marittima and its cathedral. Don't miss Rocca San Silvestro, a medieval mining village immersed in woodland within the San Silvestro Archaeo-mining Park, accessible on guided tours.
To plan your day, check online for opening times, fees and bookings at archaeological sites; in high season it's worth booking ahead for the busiest areas and pairing morning visits to the park with afternoons in the village or at the sea.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water: many routes are on trails and in full summer the sun can be intense even at midday. If you visit the archaeological park, consider a combined ticket with the museum and guided tours for the necropolises.
As an alternative to the car, in summer weeks you can reach Baratti and upper Populonia on the free 15E shuttle from Parcheggio Caldanelle, easily reached on foot from Agricampeggio Tognoni on Via delle Caldanelle.
