Scarlino, Italian comune
Scarlino is a small town perched on a hilltop in Tuscany, rising about 250 feet (75 meters) above sea level. A fortress called Rocca Aldobrandesca crowns the settlement, featuring an irregular pentagon shape with three distinct watchtowers overlooking the narrow cobblestone streets below.
Scarlino has roots in the Etruscan civilization, with later Romans using the harbor called Scabris. The Pisans built a fortress in the 13th century, which the powerful Aldobrandeschi family took control of in the 11th century and strengthened with defensive walls and towers.
The name Scarlino comes from a Gothic word meaning torch-light procession, reflecting the town's past as a Roman port called Scabris. The narrow streets and old stone buildings show how daily life has unfolded here across the centuries.
Wear comfortable shoes because the streets are narrow and steep, especially on the path leading to the fortress. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy the town at a relaxed pace and avoid the midday heat.
Cala Violina beach gets its name from the sound the wind makes when passing through the rocky cliffs, which resembles violin music. This rare acoustic effect makes a visit to this nearby beach particularly memorable and something few travelers expect.
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