Piombino

Although the main vocation of Piombino is the industrial one (the presence of important multinationals is the clear proof), over the decades the seaside town has also become an essential point of reference for tourists who wish to spend a stay in the nearby Tuscan archipelago. From the port of Piombino, in fact, ferries leave every day for the ports of the island of Elba (Portoferraio, Rio Marina and Cavo). The connections with the islands - ça va sans dire - intensify during the summer season (there are also departures for Sardinia and Corsica ).

In spite of the cliché that Piombino would be linked solely (or almost) to steel production, it must be emphasized that both the city and the surrounding areas are rich in monuments and places that refer to various civilizations and historical eras (from the Etruscans to the Romans, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance). A few kilometers from the city center are the archaeological park of Baratti and Populonia and the Padule Orti-Bottagone nature reserve .

As far as traditions and folklore are concerned, the historic Piombinese Carnival, which has found new life since 2008, should be pointed out. The food and wine tradition deserves a final mention. Being a town overlooking the sea, most of Piombino's dishes are based on fish. Nevertheless, on the table we also find panzanella (a single dish with stale bread, red onion, basil, olive oil, vinegar and salt), tortelli, fried artichokes, chickpea cake, cenci (at Carnival) and the castagnaccio. On the other hand, among the wines, the Val di Cornia Piombino Bianco DOC .