The 5 most exciting MTB and e-MTB routes to ride in Punta Ala in the Tuscan Maremma

If you are planning a stay in the Tuscan Maremma or find yourself transiting along the coastline between Follonica and Castiglione della Pescaia, you absolutely cannot miss the trails that have turned Punta Ala and the Bandite di Scarlino into a must-ride destination for mountain bikers.

In this area, between the Tyrrhenian coast and the heights surrounding Cala Violina, lies a system of trails that combines challenging terrain, flowing sections and breathtaking views of the sea.

The singletrack system facing Cala Violina presents great diversity: from challenging trails perfect for gravity riders to trails designed for those who prefer flowing XC-style valleys, where pedaling becomes part of the pleasure. The Pian d'Alma area is perfectly suited to both Enduro and XC mode rides, offering unmissable trails and rideable climbs on both slopes.

And then there are the trails with sea views: it is impossible to remain indifferent when the descent opens up to the blue Tyrrhenian Sea.

After more than 15 years of activity in the area-accompanied tours, maintenance, trail building and exploration-we have identified the 5 most complete trails in the region, considering trail variety, terrain quality, elevation gain and development, scenic aspects and practicability with MTBs and e-MTBs.

Of course, the assessment of what makes a trail “Top 5” may vary from person to person: however, in our experience, there is always one element that characterizes great trails: at the end of the descent, a smile is guaranteed.

This represents only a selection of the most representative trails, but the area still offers plenty to discover. If you would like to explore some hidden gems or explore further, you can join our guides Bibo, Raffaele and Pasquale, book a shuttle, visit our Punta Ala Trail Center shop for advice on the ideal route, or follow our tracks on Komoot.

Based at PuntAla Camp & Resort you are already in the center of the trail network, ready to begin your adventure.

Here are our Top 5.

1. 301 – The ruler of the Punta Ala trails

Technical data:

• Length: 3.4 km
• Negative elevation gain: -383 m
• Difficulty: medium/high

In first place can only be 301 - the emblematic trail of the area, as well as one of the most celebrated historical trails in the Tuscan Maremma. It originates from the tops of the Bandite di Scarlino, a dense thicket of holm oaks and Mediterranean scrub overlooking the Gulf of Follonica, to descend almost to sea level.

Its genesis derives from an old abandoned mule track, rediscovered and traced by Thomas Daddi, who converted it into one of the area's most emblematic trails. Over the years it has been the stage for several international enduro MTB competitions and continues to be a challenge and enjoyment for the most demanding cyclists.

It is a diverse singletrack, alternating flowing sections, fast sections and more challenging segments. The middle section, often referred to as “super technical,” challenges even the most seasoned riders, while a few short uphill rips break up the pace before launching into the final segment-arguably the smoothest and fastest section in the area.

Recent line reshaping work, carried out in collaboration with the Bagnoli Bike team, has made the trail even smoother and more balanced, without altering its technical character. It is a trail to “ride your heart out,” but one that requires stamina, technique and terrain interpretation skills.

2. Fast&Furious – Pure speed in the woods

Technical data:

• Length: 1.8 km
• Negative elevation gain: -277 m
• Difficulty: medium

The trail was originally designed by Filippo “Pippo” Morra and the Tronkamacchia group, the same people who created DH1 and numerous other trails in the Bandite di Scarlino area, true pioneers 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 kept its original spirit while improving its pace and fluidity. In short, it is back to being one of the most appreciated and frequented trails in the area.

The name is already eloquent: Fast&Furious means speed and thrill. Short but intense, it is among the fastest and most engaging trails in Maremma. It starts from the small village of Tirli and descends to Pian d'Alma, with a trail that in some places skirts the more famous DH1 trail. It runs completely through the woods, offering an irresistible mix of speed and technique: tight turns to be tackled with determination, short rips that break the rhythm, toboggan sections, exposed roots, small jumps, waves and moderate drops.

It is a course suitable for different skill levels: experienced riders can push hard and take advantage of every meter to gain speed, while beginners can tackle it at a more moderate pace, learning to manage lines and turns. In both cases, the effect is identical: you arrive at the bottom with adrenaline pumping and the feeling that one descent is never enough. Fast&Furious is one of those tracks that makes you immediately come back up to repeat it again and again. Its fast pace and variety of technical elements make it a real “must do” for anyone visiting the area.

3. Gagliardo – The trail that surprises

Technical data:

• Length: 1.8 km
• Negative elevation gain: -183 m
• Difficulty: medium/easy

The Gagliardo is a trail that immediately wins you over: you ride it quickly, almost instinctively, but it also hides technical sections that require more attention. The access is pleasant, with a gentle false-flat ride through the Boschi della Zinghera, an area of oaks, cork trees and Mediterranean scrub undergrowth that belongs to the Bandite di Scarlino protected area.

The track combines smooth curves with dirt-style segments of firm terrain, making it quite unique in its kind. In the initial part the descent prevails, with a few roots and stones to enliven the bottom, followed by a flat section with curves and counter-curves, small bumps and changes in gradient, until it connects with trail 43. Watch out for the detour to the right: if you proceed at full speed you may not notice it, but it is essential to stay on Gagliardo and not end up on Trail 43.

It is an easy-flowy trail that knows how to engage on several levels: accessible and flowing for those who want a leisurely ride, but capable of offering technical cues for those who like to test themselves while maintaining a brisk pace. Gangly, in fact!

4. Carbonai – The younger brother of the 301

Technical data:

• Length: 2.5 km
• Negative elevation gain: -279 m
• Difficulty: medium/high

Carbonai is the cadet brother of 301, with which it shares the initial section. The start is from trail 301, a short distance from the Buca della Neve-a wide saddle nestled between the three elevations Monte Stella, Monte d'Alma and Poggio Rossino, a strategic point from a trail point of view from which no less than six directions develop.

After about five minutes on 301, you turn right to enter the Carbonai trail proper. Cleared and refurbished this year thanks to the collaboration between Bagnoli Bike and Maremma Experience, the trail is now in excellent condition: compact and with good grip, but still challenging in the narrow passages between vegetation and rocks. It develops in the dense forest, requiring you to ride with precision and follow the rhythm of the curves and the natural slope of the terrain.

The trail is mainly flow, but alternates between technical passages and a couple of short uphill rips. Long and engaging, it leads all the way to Pian d'Alma and requires a good level of technique, especially to tackle the narrower and more complex sections.

The Carbonai expresses its best when tackled in combination with 301: together they make up an itinerary that perfectly sums up the spirit of the Punta Ala trails, between fluidity, technique and pure enjoyment.

5. The Guardian – The guardian of Cala Violina

Technical data:

• Length: 2.2 km
• Negative elevation gain: -189 m
• Difficulty: medium

The Guardian is named after the place where it begins: Poggio La Guardia, one of the two hills above Cala Violina. The toponym derives from its historical function as a defensive outpost: in the past, this hill - then called Poggio di Guardia - served as a strategic observation point to signal the arrival of enemy forces, especially during the conflicts between Florence and Siena in the late Middle Ages. The term poggio recalls the hill conformation, while guard emphasizes its role of observation and protection.

The trail starts right from here, offering a 360-degree view of the Gulf of Follonica, the Island of Elba and, on windy days, even as far as Corsica. Renovated this year, it is the most extensive in the Cala Violina area and one of the most accessible, while including sections capable of engaging intermediate riders.

The route alternates between three main downhill sections, interspersed with short flat or slightly uphill sections. It begins with a fast, flowing segment, continues with smooth turns and technical passages over rock, to sections where the gradient can test grip.

In the final section it skirts and crosses a gully and then follows its edge to the left.

The trail ends in Portiglioni near the Tasso Scatenato Adventure Park, which quickly leads back to the main road near the Cala Violina parking lot, making it perfect both as a single descent and as part of a more extended loop.

Conclusion

Five trails, five different ways to experience the Tuscan Maremma in the saddle: from the challenging technique of 301 to the absolute speed of Fast&Furious, via the flow of Gagliardo, the precision of Carbonai and the spectacular views of The Guardian. Each with its own personality, all with one common element: the ability to give you, at the end of the ride, that ear-to-ear smile.

All that's left now is to decide where to start-and get ready to come back to experience them all.