At the foot of the village of Populonia, opposite the famous Etruscan necropolis, is the beach of Baratti. The shallow water and rocky reefs make this spot an ideal summer location for windsurfing and kitesurfing. In fact, during the summer months the gulf is crossed by hot winds generated almost daily by the marked difference between daytime and night time temperatures.
The site is also very popular on days when the tramontana blows, giving rise to strong winds and calm seas. As for surfing, this is practiced on days when there is a diminishing south or west swell. The waves generated in the centre of the bay are of various heights and are easy and rounded, suitable for longboard disciplines and for beginners.
When the sea gets up on the left side of the bay, near a small jetty, a steep wave is formed known as the “Dado” (‘dice’), so-called because of the shape of a nearby rock.
type of sport: windsurfing, surfing and kitesurfing
level of difficulty: easy
how to get there:
from the north: Approaching on the main SS1 Aurelia road towards Grosseto, take the San Vincenzo Nord exit and head for Piombino. Turn left heading for the SP39 – Via Aurelia Nord, go through San Vincenzo, take the SP39, then at the roundabout take the first exit and continue on the SP23 – Via Roma, and then on the SP23 – Via della Principessa for about 10 km. Then turn right at Baratti.
from the south: Approaching on the main SS1 Aurelia road towards Livorno, go past Venturina and follow for Piombino - Isola D’Elba. Continue on the SS398 – Via Val di Cornia, and then on the SP23bis – Via della Base Geodetica. At Fiorentina take the SP23 and proceed for about 4 km. Turn left and carry on for about 1 km to Baratti.
facilities: Car parking, beach with facilities, restaurants and bars.
Parchi Val di Cornia
Via G. Lerario, 90
Piombino
tel. 0565 226445
fax 0565 226521
www.parchivaldicornia.it
prenotazioni@parchivaldicornia.it
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