Follonica is one of the most popular summer destinations in Tuscany. The gradual urban expansion towards the sea, which took place in several stages over the last century, has made Follonica a predominantly tourist town. In fact, the town was founded in the 16th century as a steelworks hub. The historic centre coincides with the old perimeter wall that enclosed the ironworks. However, iron and steel activity on the site of Follonica has been present since the 6th century B.C. and already in the 14th century there were a series of plants that would be replaced and expanded in the early modern age.
The Follonica coastline is particularly appreciated for its sandy seabed gradually sloping down towards the open sea. A feature that allows anyone to dive into the water without risk. The numerous bathing establishments along the coast offer sea lovers the opportunity to spend pleasant days on the beach in the company of friends and family. However, there are also large stretches of free access beach. In addition, Follonica has been awarded the Blue Flag several times over the past 18 years and in 2017 received the 5 Sails from Legambiente. Since their inception, these awards have been a guarantee of the quality of the sea water and the services provided to visitors.
Follonica is a town with a wealth of hotel, non-hotel and other facilities, such as campsites, holiday farms and Bed & Breakfasts. Tourists can therefore choose, according to their needs or preferences, the structure they consider most suitable for their stay. Follonica also offers numerous opportunities for entertainment: theatrical works, research cinema, conferences, fairs, concerts and various events organised by the municipal administration and private individuals, or both.
The nearby Montioni nature reserve provides an excellent opportunity for lovers of hiking and physical activity to organise outdoor activities.
MAGMA, whose acronym stands for Museo delle Arti in Ghisa nella Maremma (Museum of Cast Iron Art in Maremma), was inaugurated in 1970 in a temporary location. Since 1998, the museum has been permanently housed in the old Forno di San Ferdinando. In the museum it is possible, through a multimedia installation, to retrace the process of cast iron production. The Etruscan section exhibits some of the artefacts found during the excavation of the Etruscan ironworks settlement of Rondelli.