The name Scarlino comes from the Gothic word “scherlin,” meaning “torch-light procession,” and points to the role played by the town’s lighthouse in the Roman port of Scabris (today’s Puntone port.)
Recent archeological digs in the Puntone area unearthed an important Etruscan necropolis and burial mound, signs of early settlements dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries BCE. Perched on top of a hill, Scarlino functioned as a defensive stronghold for the Aldobrandeschi family, who fortified the area with a castle that still dominates the town’s landscape.
Perched as it is on the top of a hill, Scarlino played the role of bulwark also in the defensive chessboard of the Aldobrandeschi, who fortified it with the castle that still dominates the town and the surrounding countryside: the Rocca Aldobrandesca, also known as Rocca Pisana (the owners succeeded the Aldobrandeschi) or Scarlino Castle. The ancient castle appeared as we see it today, with an irregular pentagonal-shaped base and three towers at the corners of the walls, each with a different shape. Archaeological findings, which prove the existence of populations in the area of the fortress already in prehistoric times, are preserved in the Riccardo Francovich Centre for the Documentation Center of the Territory, and are known as Scarlino’s treasure.
The beautiful stretch of coastline that unfolds in the territory of Scarlino is part of the Natural Reserve of Bandite, and knows how to amaze with pristine beaches among the most beautiful in Tuscany, such as the beautiful Cala Violina and Cala Martina, away from the inhabited areas and surrounded by the Mediterranean maquis and protected areas, such as the Natural Area of the Costiere di Scarlino (Scarlino’s Coastal Land).
Follonica is certainly among the most favourite places along the Northern Maremma coast, thanks to its mild climate and its shady areas which have made it an ideal destination for enjoying a summer relax with the whole family. A particularly popular beach in the area is Carbonifera, immersed in the Sterpaia coastal park. Here, you can find fine sand dunes, a centuries-old lush pine forest, and a shallow seabed.
The hinterland is the perfect backdrop to this crystal-clear sea, with typical Tuscan villages including Montieri and Gavorrano. The latter lies on the side of Monte Calvo, preserving the typical architectural structures of the Middle Ages: the castle, arches, doors, walls and large turreted buildings allow you to walk in the timeless place, as if in another era.
The hills, wooded with chestnut trees and holm oaks, are perfect for adventures in the quiet Maremma countryside, just a few kilometers from the Etruscan settlements at Vetulonia and Roselle. The Scarlino area is also renowned for the quality of its agriculture and traditional local products, such as olive oil and chestnuts.
Finally, the village of Massa Marittima is particularly charming with the magnificent Cathedral of San Cerbone and the Public Fountain, known as Fonte dell’Abbondanza.
Every August, the historical re-enactment called Le Carriere del 19 is held, a costume event created to commemorate the end of the cholera epidemic of 1855. The districts of the town (Rocca, Centro and San Donato) compete in an archery competition and a relay race. Additionally, there are costumed processions, theatrical performances and other events organized for the occasion.
As in all the territories of the Maremma, Scarlino is a centre that's known and appreciated both by tourists and gourmet lovers. Here, high quality products are formed from careful and sustainable agriculture. Extra virgin olive oil is highlight of these areas, and make sure to try the local chestnuts and mushrooms.
