Scarlino
Scarlino is a medieval hilltop village in the Maremma area of Grosseto province, Tuscany, overlooking the Gulf of Follonica
Updated 21 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Scarlino now
The story
The story of Scarlino
Introduction and location
Scarlino lies in the province of Grosseto, in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Follonica along the southern Tyrrhenian coast. The municipal area includes both the historic hilltop core and the hamlets closer to the sea, such as Scarlino Scalo and Puntone di Scarlino, home to a marina. From the top of the village the view stretches over the coastal plain, the surrounding hills and, on clear days, as far as the island of Elba, making Scarlino a fine vantage point over this part of Tuscany.
History and origins
Scarlino's origins go back to the Middle Ages, when the village grew as a fortified settlement controlling the coast and the communication routes of the Maremma. Over the centuries the town was contested by the powers of the area, passing under different influences before coming under the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Evidence of this past survives in the fortress that still towers over the village, along with the remains of the walls and the narrow, steep urban layout typical of Maremma hill villages, designed for defence rather than for ease of movement.
Nature and landscape
Scarlino's territory alternates very different environments: the hill covered in Mediterranean scrubland, the coastal strip with beaches and pinewoods, and the wetlands that mark this stretch of Maremma toward the Gulf of Follonica, important stopovers for many migratory bird species. Trails and scenic roads connect the historic village to the coast, offering different views depending on the vantage point: from the castle's silhouette rising among olive trees to the blue sea opening toward Elba, in a landscape still less built-up than other parts of Tuscany.
Things to do and see
Visitors to Scarlino can spend time strolling through the old village, among lanes, stairways and small squares leading up to the fortress, then head toward the coastal hamlets to enjoy the sea. Puntone di Scarlino, with its marina, is a good base for those who love boating and seafront walks, while Scarlino Scalo offers simpler, everyday services. The combination of historic village and coast allows for flexible itineraries, suited both to a day trip and to longer stays exploring the Maremma.
Flavours and traditions
Scarlino's cuisine reflects the meeting of land and sea typical of the Tuscan Maremma: extra virgin olive oil, local wine, unsalted bread and game dishes sit alongside fresh fish and seafood from the Gulf of Follonica. Trattorias in the village and the coastal hamlets often serve simple recipes tied to seasonal produce and to the area's farming and fishing traditions, giving visitors an authentic taste of Maremma's gastronomic identity, away from the region's more touristy circuits.
Not to be missed
- The historic hilltop village and its fortress overlooking the land
- The medieval walls and narrow lanes of Scarlino's old town
- The marina and seafront promenade at Puntone di Scarlino
- The coastal natural areas of pinewoods and wetlands toward the Gulf of Follonica
- The views over the island of Elba from the village's highest points
To see
What to see in Scarlino
Routes · Trovido Route
Routes in Scarlino
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