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TUSCANY BY KAYAK

Beaches, castles and cliffs between Baratti and Piombino
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In Tuscany, the stretch of coast around Golfo Baratti is truly splendid: in particular, the promontory of Populonia, between Baratti and Piombino, is a pearl for sea kayaking enthusiasts.
It starts just south of San Vincenzo, in the area of the Princess and the beaches of Torre Nuova, with the aim of reaching the most beautiful and ancient part of Piombino.
For this purpose we left the double canoe from the Princess, then took the car to Piombino and went back from the kayak along 13 km with the folding bike, which we would then recover at the end of the day.

Foldable bike in Piombino, Tuscany
Piombino, the destination of our kayaking trip, with a great view over the island of Elba
The alternative is to use public transport ... and walk a little bit.
The long beach south of San Vincenzo is flat but full of surprises, especially from the Torre Nuova from which we left.
A canal leads to a castle in this part of Tuscany
Kayaking into a canal until a castle in the area of Torre Nuova
In fact, we found ourselves walking through a small port-canal that went under one picturesque castle.
A canal leads to a castle in this part of Tuscany
Lilies and the castle
A canal leads to a castle in this part of Tuscany
Paddling towards the castle of Torre Nuova
Curious as children, we entered the canal, which was surrounded by thick vegetation and beautiful lilies.
A canal leads to a castle in this part of Tuscany
Kayak parked in a canal, surrounded by lush vegetation

Finally we left this area after our exciting explorations and we continued paddling towards Golfo Baratti. The small promontory that separates the area of the Torre Nuova from the Gulf presents cliffs, clear water and beautiful views.
The beach of the Little Princess, near Torre Nuova
The beach of the Little Princess, near, the last part of the long beach south of San Vincenzo
The promontory north of Baratti Gulf
The promontory north of Baratti Gulf as seen from the kayak
We parked the kayak on a stony beach and, always driven by immense curiosity, we set off along a path that climbed into the vegetation.
The promontory north of Baratti Gulf
Beach on the promontory to the north of the Gulf of Baratti

We soon found ourselves in a fantastic field of sea-view poppies; we had traveled less than a kilometer kayaking in the desired direction, but our detours were giving us amazing views.
Poppies on the sea at Baratti
Poppies on the sea at Baratti
Red Tuscan poppy
Red Tuscan poppy
Near the field of poppies there were also ancient ruins, I believe Etruscan, in part excavated and then left in abandonment. We then continued our kayak tour, passing under wild cliffs.
Cliffs to the north of the Gulf of Baratti
Cliffs to the north of the Gulf of Baratti

The Gulf of Baratti presents a very long beach, very popular in the summer. To make this part of the coast particularly awesome, the beautiful vegetation behind it, some ancient buildings on the sea and, of course, the two headlands nearby.
Hobie Cat and pine trees at Baratti Gulf
Hobie Cat and pine trees at the beach of Baratti Gulf
Baratti Gulf, Tuscany
Baratti Gulf, Tuscany
The promontory to the south is considerably larger and more impressive and is that of Populonia; there are also ancient Etruscan ruins.
Baratti Gulf, Tuscany
Picturesque church on the beach of Baratti Gulf
We left behind Golfo Baratti and continued south, towards our destination, Piombino. We were two hours behind schedule, because in Baratti we had decided to eat spaghetti with seafood, but not for this we renounced to explore every stretch of coast.
Baratti Gulf, Tuscany
Leaving Baratti Gulf and nothern part of the coast of Tuscany
The whole promontory between Golfo Baratti and Piombino is a succession of cliffs and small bays. The landscape is really impressive, ideal to be admired by a canoe.
Promontory of Populonia, Tuscany
The cliffs of the promontory of Populonia, between Baratti and Piombino
Promontory of Populonia, Tuscany
A paradise for kayaking
From one wild cliff to another, we arrived at some point at some rocks where there were some people, arrived from a path. It was the Buca delle Fate area, characterized by an extraordinarily blue water.
Buca delle Fate, promontory of Populonia, Tuscany
The Buca delle Fate, or Hole of Fairies, halfway between Baratti and Piombino
Approaching then to Piombino, one begins to see more and more closely the island of Elba, of which you can read here the report of our kayaking trip.
Kayaking at Populonia, with a view of Elba island
Kayaking at Populonia, with a view of Elba island
Before arriving in Piombino there are several deserted beaches of pebbles. The cliffs, however, increasingly resemble those of the island of Elba and, in some parts, they change color.
Kayaking along the promontory of Populonia
Kayaking along the promontory of Populonia, these cliffs are not far from Piombino
The first frequented beach that you meet is that of Calamoresca, at the foot of a cliff above which they begin to rise the houses of Piombino. After the last rocks, you get to the city.
Piombino by kayak
The historic part of the town of Piombino as seen from the kayak
We can not say that Piombino is beautiful: it has the advantage of rising on beautiful cliffs, but for the most part, condominiums of dubious taste were built. The oldest parts, however, are particularly fascinating.
Piombino by kayak
The historic center of Piombino as seen from the kayak
Shortly after the tower of Piazza Bovio, there is another cliff with a pebble beach below and, at the top, a small cemetery. It's the place where I parked the car and photographed the folding bike. We are then arrived at the end of a spectacular trip, full of surprises in the first part and of pristine nature in the second.
Piombino by kayak
Tower of Piombino
It is a very good idea to spend more days in this part of Tuscany, so you could wild camp (where legal) or click here to find the best offers for accomodation.
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You can find more photos (with higher resolution) of kayaking trips in Tuscany in this gallery:
Foto Elba, Giglio, Argentario in kayak
All photos from Elba, Giglio, Argentario and all the coast of Tuscany visited by kayak

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