The Etruscan coast is a stretch of Tuscan coastline where nature, colours, beaches and history are the undisputed masters. This was the favourite coastal territory of the Etruscan people, who left traces in every corner that invite the discovery of this fascinating and mysterious area. One of the best-known is Populonia, nestled on the Gulf of Baratti, whose necropolis allows you to imagine the desires and secrets of these ancient people.

The Etruscan coast is the ideal destination for lovers of outdoor sports, thanks to the many itineraries to be explored on foot, horseback or mountain bike, as well as an unforgettable coastline within walking distance of a dense pine forest and Mediterranean scrub. This is also the start of the famous Tuscany Trail, Italy's first and most popular gravel event.

In this Collection, you’ll discover some of the most famous villages of the Etruscan coast, in particular Baratti, Sassetta, Campiglia Marittima, Suvereto, Castagneto Carducci and Piombino. The Collection covers about 110 kilometres (70 mi) and 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) of climbing. I’ve divided it into two easy Tours, mainly following paved roads with short sections on secondary roads, trails or bike paths. The elevation gain is mainly concentrated in three climbs: the first towards Campiglia Marittima, the second in the Poggio Neri park and the third on the Piombino promontory. These come later on, so there’s plenty of time to get into your rhythm before you get into the climbs, all of which are amply rewarded by the beauty of the landscapes.

The starting and finishing point of this route is Populonia Stazione, a hamlet in the municipality of Piombino on the west coast of Italy, which can be easily reached by train from Piombino, Pisa, Campiglia Marittima and Florence. You won’t have any trouble finding food or accommodation here – Tuscany is a very hospitable region that welcomes cyclists with local wines, bruschetta and hundreds of other regional specialities.

A gravel bike is best suited to this terrain, while with a road bike you will have to make some adjustments to avoid the dirt roads, especially in the Piombino promontory area.

The best times to discover the Etruscan coast by bike are spring and autumn, avoiding the scorching heat of summer, crowds of tourists and peak season prices.

All that remains is for me to wish you a pleasant trip to discover the Etruscan coast by bike.