Gulf of Baratti
A crescent-shaped bay with pine woods, the Etruscan necropolis of Populonia on the shore and the village of Populonia on the headland: by kayak or SUP you can follow the coast to the coves below the headland.
The story
Baratti's sand is dark because it is mixed with slag from smelting Elba's iron, which the Etruscans processed here: for centuries Populonia was one of the iron-working centres of the Mediterranean, and the slag covered the tombs of the necropolis, which were only rediscovered in the 20th century.
Why go
Because you paddle with Etruscan tombs behind you, in one of the most beautiful bays in Tuscany.
Which wind
Good with Light Scirocco, calm sea
Avoid with Strong Maestrale and Libeccio
Practical information
- Activities
- Kayaking, SUP, Snorkelling
- Level
- Beginners
- Seabed
- Dark sand and rocks towards Populonia
- Best time
- May–October
- Seasons
- Summer, Autumn
- Getting there
- Baratti beach, with rentals and guided kayak trips in summer.
Get directions ↗Marine reserve rules
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Weather and sea forecast
The forecast for the next 7 days at this spot: sky, temperatures, rain and wind, wave height and sea temperature.
Forecast by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), from the models of national weather services. Your browser downloads it directly from Open-Meteo, and only when you ask. In the mountains and at sea the weather changes quickly: check the official forecast as well before you set off.
Getting there
- By train. The nearest station is Populonia station, 2.7 km away. Alternatively: Campiglia Marittima station, 6.8 km away.
- By air. The nearest airport is Pisa Airport (PSA), about 77 km away.
- Parking. The nearest public car park is 1.3 km away.
Stations, ports, airports and car parks from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); distances as the crow flies. Timetables and connections change: check them before you travel.
Climate and sea month by month
The most pleasant months for weather are from April to November, with average highs between 18 and 29 °C. The wettest month is November (about 76 mm), the driest July. The sea is above 22 °C from June to September, peaking at 26 °C in July.
| Month | Temperature | High / low | Rain mm | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | from 8 to 14 °C | 14° 8° | 40 | 15° |
| Feb | from 8 to 14 °C | 14° 8° | 52 | 14° |
| Mar | from 9 to 15 °C | 15° 9° | 45 | 14° |
| Apr | from 11 to 18 °C | 18° 11° | 34 | 15° |
| May | from 15 to 21 °C | 21° 15° | 43 | 18° |
| Jun | from 20 to 25 °C | 25° 20° | 23 | 22° |
| Jul | from 23 to 29 °C | 29° 23° | 15 | 26° |
| Aug | from 23 to 29 °C | 29° 23° | 28 | 26° |
| Sep | from 20 to 26 °C | 26° 20° | 46 | 24° |
| Oct | from 16 to 22 °C | 22° 16° | 67 | 21° |
| Nov | from 12 to 18 °C | 18° 12° | 76 | 19° |
| Dec | from 9 to 15 °C | 15° 9° | 52 | 16° |
Averages for 2015–2024, estimated for an altitude of 0 m. Air: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), corrected for the altitude of the place; rain: average monthly total; sea: surface temperature from NOAA OISST. These are indicative values: the weather on any given day can be very different, so always check the forecast before you go.
In the guide
Other spots nearby
- ★ Kitesurfing and windsurfing at VadaWindsurfing and kitesurfing · 39 km
- The Elviscot wreck at PomonteSnorkelling, Scuba diving · 42 km
- Diving at GiglioScuba diving, Snorkelling · 79 km
- ★ Rafting and canoeing on the LimaRafting and canoeing, Kayaking · 113 km
Sea conditions can change within hours: before going in, check the marine forecast and the local harbour office (Capitaneria di porto) rules. Emergencies at sea: 1530.