Piombino, Italy: 11 Best and Fun Things to Do
The Italian city of Piombino on the Tuscan coast may be best known by some travellers for its connections to Elba and the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. However, with Roman and Etruscan ruins, an archaeological park, wild beaches and even a link to Leonardo da Vinci, Piombino has plenty to discover beyond its convenient ferry crossing location.
As a frequent visitor to Italy and someone who travels without a car, I’ll provide you with all the details of what to do in Piombino along with key information on how to get there (and beyond) so that you can save time on planning your own trip.
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Where is Piombino?
At one time gifted to his sister, Elisa Bonaparte, by Napoleon, Piombino later became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Located in the province of Livorno, Tuscany, Piombino is a city on the west coast of Italy.
At just over an hour from Pisa by train and a few hours from Florence and Rome, it’s a great place to spend time exploring if you’re in the region.
Is Piombino Worth a Visit?
Piombino is worth a visit, even though many travellers use it as a point of transit to get the ferry to Elba. There are archaeological parks, rugged beaches, hiking routes and historical streets to explore.
How to Get to Piombino
The nearest international airport to Piombino is Pisa, in Tuscany. You can also fly into Rome or Florence but these airports are further away.
Pro Tip: I regularly use Skyscanner to find great prices on flights.
There is a train station in the centre of Piombino and at the harbour, Piombino Marittima (for onward travel by ferry to Elba, Corsica and Sardinia).
Trains run from Pisa to Piombino and, having made the journey myself, are comfortable and fast. Journey time is from one hour and twenty minutes.
If there isn’t a direct train from Pisa to Piombino at the time you want to travel, an alternative option is to travel from Pisa to Campiglia Marittima station by train and then change to bus #2A which goes to Piombino (bus journey time is 20 minutes). Check the Autolinee Toscane website for up-to-date bus details.
It’s also possible to get the train from Rome and Florence to Piombino. Journey time is just under three hours from both cities.
Alternatively, you could hire a car. Discover Cars comes highly recommended by many travellers for their wide range of local and international options and great prices.
Things to Do in Piombino
1. Enjoy Sunset at Piazza Bovio
As the sun sets, casting a warm, golden glow over Piombino, there’s no better place to witness this spectacle than at Piazza Bovio.
One of the most picturesque elements of Piazza Bovio is the iconic neo-Gothic lighthouse that stands proudly at the very end of the promenade. The towering structure not only adds a touch of elegance to the scene but is also a photographer’s dream. Don’t forget to bring your camera or phone. For inspiration on how to caption your photos, check out my article on top travel photo captions.
If you’re seeking panoramic views, you won’t be disappointed. The balconies overlooking the sea offer a stunning vantage point to gaze out at Elba Island. This is the perfect setting for a romantic evening stroll or take a seat on one of the benches that line the promenade and stay a while.
While you’re at Piazza Bovio, take a moment to look down and find the decorative compass on the floor. The design serves as a symbolic reminder of the town’s seafaring heritage.
2. Find the Statue of Icarus and the Torrione
As you wander the picturesque streets of Piombino, look out for the statue of Icarus – a symbol of ambition and adventure. Located on Via Leonardo da Vinci, near the Torrione e Rivellino, this statue provides a cool photo opportunity.
While in the area, don’t miss the chance to explore the historic Torrione e Rivellino. The Torrione, dating back to the early 13th century, is one of Piombino’s oldest landmarks, a testament to its enduring past.
3. Take a Break at the Torre dell’Orologio
Walk to the Torre dell’Orologio, the clock tower on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. This 16th-century tower, next to the Town Hall, was restored in the 1930s and is surrounded by a pretty pedestrian area with plenty of places to stop for a drink and enjoy the pavement café atmosphere in the historical centre of Piombino.
Whilst you’re in the area, walk along to Casa delle Bifore on Via Ferruccio Francesco. This picturesque house is believed to date back to the 14th century. It’s now home to the Historical Archive of Piombino. It’s worth taking a look at the architecture and the pretty windows.
4. Hike the Piombino Coastline and Explore the Piombino Beaches
From the centre of Piombino, you can get out of the city and explore the surrounding coastline. There are beautiful wild beaches to discover on the way, like the Spiaggina at Marina di Salivoli, Calamoresca and Spiaggia Lunga. Stop off on the way to enjoy the views around Punta Falcone. You could even take a look through the telescope at the observatory here. The trek to Spiaggia Lunga via Punta Falcone takes around one and a half hours.
5. Visit the Archeological Park of Baratti and Populonia
Located on the Etruscan coast, the Archeological Park of Baratti and Populonia offers an expedition into the rich history of this coastal area and the importance of metalwork and iron production in the region.
The park is divided into two main areas: the Necropolis, located on the lower section, and the Acropolis of Populonia, perched on the higher part. In the Acropolis section, you’ll uncover the remnants of Roman temples, exquisite mosaics and Roman roads, all bearing witness to the ancient civilizations that once thrived here.
Whether you’re exploring independently or prefer to be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, the Archeological Park caters to all preferences. In the summer, guided tours offer a deeper understanding of the site’s historical significance.
The park spans a vast area, with multiple trails winding through its historic landscapes. Make sure you’ve got your comfortable shoes on. A full day is ideal for exploring it all thoroughly and you can refuel at the onsite restaurant at San Cerbone.
Entrance costs €27 for adults, €22 reduced entry.
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays) during summer, and 10 am to 5 pm on weekends only during winter.
6. Archaeological Museum of Populonia, Piombino
If you’re planning a visit the Archaeological Park of Populonia then you’ll also want to visit the Archaeological Museum of Populonia in Piombino to expand your knowledge and understanding and to view many of the finds from the area.
The museum offers a journey through the history of Populonia, from Palaeolithic times to Late Antiquity, with an emphasis on the Etruscan and Roman eras. Located in the historic Palazzo Nuovo (built in 1807), this museum boasts over 2,000 ancient artefacts plus multimedia experiences. A highlight of the museum is the ancient Amphora of Baratti, a pure silver vase with intricate oval decoration.
Entrance costs €8 for adults, €6 reduced entry.
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm, weekends only during winter.
7. Climb Populonia Castle and Tower (Rocca di Populonia)
The ancient Etruscan village of Populonia was believed to have been built around the year 300. One of the top attractions here is the Medieval tower which forms part of the Castle of Populonia. The 12th-century construction played an important role in the strategic coastal defence of the area. Don’t miss going up the tower, for a few euros you can get fantastic views overlooking the sea.
8. Discover the Etruscan Museum of Populonia Gasparri Collection
This small museum on Via di Sotto in Populonia houses ancient Etruscan treasures. Items include impressively decorated coins and funerary goods discovered in the surrounding necropolises and a two-metre-high terracotta pot used to transport wine amongst other uses.
The museum is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm (except from mid-January to March when it’s only open from 10 am to 6 pm on Fridays to Sundays).
9. Relax on Baratti Beach
When in Italy, a trip to the beach is always top of my list and Piombino is no exception. There are several beaches near Piombino to choose from. Head to Baratti beach for a day out at the seaside. This is a rustic kind of beach, where the archaeological park meets the long stretch of golden beach by the sea.
To get to Baratti, take the #2A and then the #31 bus. Or get a local taxi to drive you the 15-minute journey if you don’t have your own transport. Alternatively, you could hire a bike and cycle there in 35 minutes.
Pro Tip: Before your trip, download the ‘at app’ (Autolinee Toscane) to check the latest bus times and buy tickets.
10. Go on a Trip to the Picturesque Village of Suvareto
Suvereto, perched in the Tuscan countryside, is a hidden gem of an Italian village waiting to be discovered. Wander through Medieval streets, covered passageways and ancient churches.
As you stroll through this idyllic village, sip a glass or two of the local wine and take in the views. Don’t forget to explore the historic Rocca Aldobrandesca castle ruins at the top of Suvereto.
Suvereto is just a 45-minute bus ride from Piombino; change buses at Campiglia Fs Cavalcavia.
11. Take the Ferry to Elba Island from Piombino Port
Piombino is the location of a large port, Piombino Marittima, from where you can take a ferry from Piombino to beautiful Elba Island, part of the Tuscan archipelago. The shortest crossing can be made in 20 minutes and the gorgeous beaches on Elba are well worth making the trip for. If Caribbean-style beaches like Padulella and Capo Bianco aren’t enough of an attraction, there’s also the iconic Monte Capanne cable car to take a ride in, an experience not to be missed.
Piombino accommodation: Where to Stay
There is a limited range of Piombino accommodation, so book in advance. Here are three top picks.
La Rosa dei Venti Resort
Located directly above one of Piombino’s beaches, La Rosa dei Venti Resort is a great option if you’re looking for comfort and convenience. Not only is there access to the beach on your doorstep but there’s also a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool. Enjoy a blissful breakfast on the terrace overlooking the sea during your stay.
La Vista Storica
A beautifully presented two-bedroom apartment with an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10 on Booking.com. Combining traditional and modern clean decor, la Vista Storica apartment is conveniently located right in the heart of Piombino and only 500 metres from the station. Free Wi-Fi is included.
Piombino 1428
Piombino 1428 is situated in a traditional building in the historic and quiet part of Piombino. Rooms are generously sized and clean with beautiful attention to design and details. Breakfast is available at a nearby cafè. This is a great value option.
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Piombino Map
I’ve created this Piombino map that shows the location of all the things to do in Piombino listed in this article. Click the arrow icon to the left of the map heading to view the list of places.
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