The popular seaside town nestled on the northern slopes of the Maremma, is a suburb of Castiglione della Pescaia, which once again in 2016 has been awarded 5 vele (5 sails) by Legambiente and Touring Club Italiano, the group who rate the quality of the environment and services for holidays, meaning it is one of the most beautiful seasides in Italy.
For sailors it has always been a true "training ground" and is known for its well equipped marina and sailing regattas that are organized by the local Yacht Club Punta Ala, home of Luna Rossa.
Luxury residences and superyachts moored at the port testify to the presence of celebrities who choose a holiday full of beauty and relaxation, making it one of the elite tourist destinations in the world. Punta Ala also has one of the best golf courses in the province, home to the Golf Club Punta Ala, founded in 1964.
Military buildings are scattered around the coast and while it is as a modern, functional and exclusive beach resort, Punta Ala previously was a border between the Principality of Piombino to the north and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany to the south, and under constant threat of pirate invasions. Particularly striking is the Hidalgo Tower, which dominates the modern town, built during the sixteenth century to defend the southern end of the Principality of Piombino. Also of note is the sixteenth-century Castello di Punta Ala, built by the Medici on the headland to the south-east of the town to control the coastal stretch north of Castiglione della Pescaia.
From the sea you can also make out the Tower of Appiani, built by the eponymous princes of Piombino islet of Sparviero in front of the current settlement, to strengthen the defenses of their principality, that today is abandoned.
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