The territory behind the beach, near the Gulf of Baratti, once housed a lively settlement of the Etruscan people. Here, the Etruscans exploited metals from the mines of Elba Island, in particular iron.
Today, of their activities only a few traces remain. The most important and best preserved testimonies are collected in the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia. This site is an authentic open-air museum of great charm, surrounded by the colors and scents of Mediterranean nature.
The park was opened to the public in 1998 and covers an area of about 80 hectares, between Piombino, the promontory of Populonia and the beach of Baratti.
Inside this precious piece of land were discovered several Etruscan necropolis, dating back to the seventh and sixth centuries B.C. Among the most famous are the Necropolis of San Cerbone and the Necropolis of the Caves. The latter is particularly striking, with its single-chamber tombs carved into the rock, forming an imposing rock facade.
Visitors can freely explore the park by following the paths specially created for them, with each point of interest well signposted at each intersection.