The villages and natural landscapes of the Val di Cornia

In the province of Livorno, just off the beautiful island of Elba, lies the Val di Cornia. This characteristic area is part of the naturalistic heritage of Tuscany, halfway between the Maremma Grossetana and the Maremma Livornese. Lovers of nature and trekking often choose Val di Cornia as a destination for their excursions, attracted by the mild climate and the hilly landscape.

From the beginner to the most experienced, it is possible to venture along the slopes of Val di Cornia, trying to find the most beautiful observation points. Once you reach a certain height, you will have the opportunity to observe the entire Tuscan archipelago while enjoying a spectacular view.

What to see in Val di Cornia

The first attraction not to be missed when visiting Val di Cornia is the medieval village of Populonia, built directly in the Etruscan period. The village stands on a hill, surrounded by nature and the sea. The ancient streets are perfectly preserved by the inhabitants, who proudly tell the history of the place.

The Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia is also in the territory of the village, where artifacts and ancient objects from the medieval period are preserved. Not far away is the Archaeological Mining Park of San Silvestro, where it is possible to learn more about the world of minerals and their use.

The park is home to several trails dedicated to trekking. Especially during the summer, a special itinerary is dedicated to the discovery of the "spontaneous orchids" that grow in this area. Monte Calvi is the perfect place to observe the orchids that bloom in abundance along the slopes. We continue to the village of Surveto, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Here you can find artisans and producers of precious wrought iron objects that represent the tradition and culture of the area.

Finally, it is important to mention the Poggio Neri Forest Park, an unmissable destination for those who love hiking and mountain bike adventures. The park extends for more than 40 km, surrounded by chestnut, holm oak, and oak woods. The trails have been designed to be accessible to all, simplified, and easy to follow. Two thematic itineraries are often chosen by tourists to learn the history of life in Val di Cornia: the Museo del Bosco and the Via del Carbone.

The "Museo del Bosco" itinerary tells the story of the life of the chestnut gatherers, explaining in detail the systems used for harvesting and the positive properties generally associated with chestnuts. Via del Carbone, on the other hand, is entirely dedicated to the profession of charcoal burners, the people who transform wood into charcoal. This activity, which once employed a large part of the population of Val di Cornia, is now lost and lives only through the stories of past generations.