Piombino In October - Campiglia Marittima and Baratti

Friday is our last day so in the morning we visit Campiglia Marittima, a small town in the hills behind the sea which we visited on our previous trip but rather in a hurry to go for lunch. It's a splendid morning, blue sky, warm sun, you wouldn't think it's the end of October. Our second visit to Campiglia confirms our first impression, it's a very pretty town, warm coloured brick-built houses, the ruins of the castle and the view, quiet narrow streets to wander around and one or two interesting corners we hadn't noticed before.

We also go to visit Pieve di San Giovanni, unusual because it's built on top of the cemetery and the 'paved' area around it is actually made up of tombstones. A marble statue to commemorate a baby that survived just three days catches my eye. The church is interesting too. Visiting the church, we also discover a big car park. So far we have always been able to find free parking easily just outside the historical centre but it's useful to find somewhere else. 

On the way back to the apartment we stop in Venturina to look at the market, nothing special, and to get something for lunch from the large Conad supermarket. We also fill up on petrol which is cheaper there. So we get a little late for lunch and it's almost three by the time we get out, this time on foot.

We cross the road to Rimigliano beach in front of the car park. It's a little tiring to walk on the beach this end as the beach is made up of very fine shingle, a little like walking in snow, although a lot warmer, of course. There's a foot bridge across the water where some small boats are moored and we find the foot path, which looks a lot like a hole in the undergrowth made by animals, more than a hiking trail, thanks to a man walking his dog.

After a few steps the trail undergrowth opens out and the trail is well signposted up to the archaeological area and beyond. It skirts around some private property on the inland side and then returns to the coast and a small bay before a final stretch in the wood where there is the Hexagonal House and Dinosaur house we saw last May. There are quite a few people in the Baratti car park and a kiosk selling fried fish and a bar restaurant are still open so we stop for a coffee. Baratti beach is always pretty although it has clouded over now. 

We walk back and sit on the beach and wait for the sunset listening to the sound of the waves and mulling over our trip. Fantastic.