The Scoglio dello Sparviero (or Troia) and the Scogli Porchetti (or Porcellini), Punta Ala, Castiglione della Pescaia. Author and Copyright Marco Ramerini

Punta Ala: renowned seaside resort on the coast

in Castles, towers and fortresses, Maremma coast, Maremma Grossetana, Province of Grosseto, Sea 444 Views

Punta Ala is a seaside holiday resort located in the municipality of Castiglione della Pescaia along the road that connects Castiglione della Pescaia to Follonica. This worldly center of the Maremma coast rises along a wooded promontory located between the Forte delle Rocchette and the port of Punta Ala. Along the promontory there was the border between the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Principality of Piombino, the three present towers bear witness to this.

The promontory delimits the Gulf of Follonica to the south. In front of the tip there are some islets, the largest of which is the Isolotto dello Sparviero or Isolotto della Troia. On the Isolotto della Troia there is the Torre degli Appiani, a medieval watchtower built by the Appiani lords of the Principality of Piombino.

Punta Ala is a famous and exclusive tourist resort with a well-equipped port, a source of pride for the national yachting industry. The port is dominated by the Torre Balbo or Torre di Troia Nuova, dating back to the second half of the sixteenth century, which is located on the top of the Capo Troia promontory. The tower was built by the Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo I de’ Medici between 1562 and 1563.

Boats in the port of Punta Ala, Castiglione della Pescaia .. Author and Copyright Marco Ramerini — Boats in the port. Author and Copyright Marco Ramerini

On another hill, that of Punta Hidalgo, which dominates the port, rises the Hidalgo Tower, also known as Torre del Barbiere. This is a fortification from the second half of the sixteenth century that was included in the defense system of the Principality of Piombino which reached its southern limits in this area. Not far from Punta Ala there is also the splendid beach of Cala Violina.

HOW TO GET

Punta Ala is located about 20 km from Castiglione della Pescaia. Coming from the north, it is advisable to exit the 4-lane Aurelia road in Follonica and from there, following the signs for Castiglione della Pescaia, continue for around 10km along road No. 322 to the junction for Punta Ala. Then from here you have to travel another 9 km to reach this renowned location. Coming from the south, instead you must exit the Aurelia at Grosseto Sud and from here take the road n ° 322 and follow it for about 30 km until the crossroads for Punta Ala.

Written by Marco Ramerini.