If you’re planning a holiday in Maremma Tuscany, or just passing along the coastline between Follonica and Castiglione della Pescaia, you can’t miss the trails that have made Punta Ala and the Bandite di Scarlino a landmark destination for mountain bikers. Here, between the Tyrrhenian coast and the hills surrounding Cala Violina, lies a trail network that blends technical terrain, flowy sections, and stunning sea views.
The singletracks overlooking Cala Violina are incredibly varied: from challenging routes for gravity lovers to rolling tracks in true XC style, where pushing on the pedals is part of the fun. The area of Pian d’Alma is perfect for both Enduro and XC tours, with must-ride trails and pedal-friendly climbs on both sides.
And then, there are the sea-view trails: it’s impossible not to be blown away when the line suddenly opens up to the blue horizon of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
After more than 15 years of hands-on experience — guided tours, trail maintenance, building new lines, and exploring hidden paths — we’ve selected the 5 most most exciting trails in the area, based on variety, surface quality, elevation gain and loss, scenery, and accessibility for both MTB and e-MTB.
Of course, what makes a trail a true “Top 5” is always a bit subjective. But in our experience, there’s one thing all the great ones have in common: by the end of the ride, the smile is guaranteed.
This is just a selection of the most iconic trails, but the territory has so much more to offer. If you want to discover hidden gems or explore further, you can ride with our guides Bibo, Raffaele, and Pasquale, book a shuttle, stop by our Punta Ala Trail Center shop for advice on the best loop, or follow our routes on Komoot.
With your base at PuntAla Camp & Resort, you’re already in the heart of the trail network, ready to start your adventure.
Here are our Top 5.
1. 301 – The King of Punta Ala Trails
Technical Details:
- Length: 3.4 km
- Descent: −383 m
- Difficulty: Medium–High
At the top of the list, it could only be the 301 – the signature trail of the area and one of the most renowned historic routes in the Tuscan Maremma. It starts from the heights of the Bandite di Scarlino, a dense forest of holm oaks and Mediterranean scrub overlooking the Gulf of Follonica, and descends almost all the way to sea level.
Its origins trace back to an old abandoned mule track, rediscovered and reshaped by Thomas Daddi, who turned it into one of the area’s most iconic trails. Over the years, it has hosted several international enduro MTB races and still stands as both a challenge and a joy for the most demanding riders.
It’s a varied singletrack that alternates flow sections, fast stretches, and more technical segments. The central part, often described as “super technical”, puts even the most experienced riders to the test, while a few short uphill sprints break the rhythm before dropping into the final section — probably the most flowy and fastest in the area.
A recent reshaping of the lines, carried out together with the Bagnoli Bike team, has made the trail even smoother and more balanced, without losing its technical character. It’s a trail to ride all-out, but one that demands fitness, skill, and sharp terrain reading.
2. Fast & Furious – Pure Speed in the Woods
Technical Data:
- Length: 1.8 km
- Descent: -277 m
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Fast & Furious
Originally, the trail was designed by Filippo “Pippo” Morra and the Tronkamacchia crew, the same pioneers who created DH1 and many other trails in the Bandite di Scarlino area — true forerunners of the enduro and downhill scene in Maremma. After a period of neglect, in 2021 it was completely redesigned and brought back to life by Maremma Freeride together with our guide Davide “Bibo” Brugnoli, who preserved its original spirit while improving its flow and overall rideability. In no time, it became one of the most loved and ridden trails in the area.
The name says it all: Fast & Furious is all about speed and adrenaline. Short but intense, it’s one of the fastest and most fun trails in Maremma. Starting from the small village of Tirli, it descends all the way to Pian d’Alma, with sections that at times run parallel to the more famous DH1. The entire trail winds through the forest, offering an irresistible mix of speed and technique: tight corners to be taken with precision, short climbs that break the rhythm, natural half-pipes, exposed roots, small jumps, rollers, and modest drops.
It’s a trail that suits different skill levels: advanced riders can push it to the limit and use every inch to build speed, while beginners can ride it at a more controlled pace, learning to handle lines and corners. Either way, the result is the same — you reach the bottom with adrenaline pumping and the feeling that one run is never enough. Fast & Furious is one of those trails that makes you climb back up without a second thought, just to ride it again and again. Its relentless rhythm and mix of technical features make it a true must-do for anyone visiting the area.
3. Gagliardo – The Trail You Don’t Expect
Technical data:
- Length: 1.8 km
- Descent: -183 m
- Difficulty: moderate/easy
Gagliardo
Gagliardo is a trail that grabs you right away: you ride it fast, almost without thinking, but it also hides technical sections that demand more attention. The access is pleasant, with a gentle pedal on a rolling terrain through La Zinghera Woods — an area of oaks, cork trees, and Mediterranean scrub within the Bandite di Scarlino protected reserve.
The trail mixes smooth curves with compact dirt-style segments, making it quite unique in its genre. The first part is mostly downhill, with some roots and rocks to spice up the ride, followed by a flat section with bends and switchbacks, small rollers, and changes in gradient, all the way to the junction with trail 43. Watch out for the right-hand turn: at full speed you might miss it, but it’s key if you want to stay on Gagliardo and not end up on trail 43.
Gagliardo is an easy-flowy trail that entertains at different levels: accessible and smooth for those looking for a relaxed ride, yet offering technical challenges for riders who like to push the pace. Gagliardo indeed!
4. Carbonai – 301’s Little Brother
Technical Data:
- Length: 2.5 km
- Descent: -279 m
- Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
Carbonai
Carbonai is the younger brother of the 301, sharing the same initial section. The trail starts from 301, just a few meters from Buca della Neve — a wide saddle nestled between the three hills Monte Stella, Monte d’Alma, and Poggio Rossino, a strategic hub for the trail network from which six different routes branch out.
After about five minutes on the 301, you turn right to enter the actual Carbonai trail. Restored and cleaned up this year thanks to the collaboration between Bagnoli Bike and Maremma Experience, the trail is now in excellent condition: compact and with good grip, yet still demanding in its tight passages between trees and rocks. It winds through dense forest, requiring precise handling and a steady flow to follow the natural curves and gradient of the terrain.
The route is mostly flowy but alternates technical sections with a couple of short uphill sprints. Long and entertaining, it descends all the way to Pian d’Alma and calls for solid skills, especially to tackle its narrower, trickier segments.
Carbonai is at its best when paired with the 301: together, they form an itinerary that perfectly embodies the spirit of Punta Ala’s trails — a mix of flow, technical riding, and pure fun.
5. The Guardian – The Guardian of Cala Violina
Technical data:
- Length: 2.2 km
- Descent: -189 m
- Difficulty: Intermediate
The Guardian takes its name from the place where it begins: Poggio La Guardia, one of the two hills overlooking Cala Violina. The toponym derives from its historical role as a defensive outpost: in the past, this hill – then called Poggio di Guardia – served as a strategic lookout point to spot the arrival of enemy troops, especially during the conflicts between Florence and Siena in the late Middle Ages. The term poggio refers to its hilly conformation, while guardia highlights its function of observation and protection.
The trail starts right here, offering a 360° panorama over the Gulf of Follonica, Elba Island, and—on clear Tramontana days—even as far as Corsica. Refreshed this year, it is the longest trail in the Cala Violina area and one of the most accessible, while still including sections that will entertain intermediate riders as well.
The route alternates three main downhill sections, interspersed with short flat stretches or gentle climbs. It begins with a fast, flowing segment, continues with smooth turns and technical rocky passages, and leads into sections where the gradient can truly test your grip.
In the final section, it runs along and crosses a gully, then follows its edge to the left.
The trail ends at Portiglioni, near the Tasso Scatenato Adventure Park, which quickly reconnects to the main road close to the Cala Violina parking area—making it perfect both as a stand-alone descent or as part of a longer loop.
Five trails, five different ways to experience the Tuscan Maremma on two wheels: from the technical challenge of 301 to the pure speed of Fast&Furious, through the flow of Gagliardo, the precision of Carbonai, and the breathtaking views of The Guardian. Each with its own character, all with one thing in common: the ability to leave you with a smile from ear to ear at the end of the ride.
Now it’s just a matter of choosing where to start… and getting ready to come back and ride them all.
