James Bond and history
That is James Bond! I thought, at age 14, when I first saw Roger Moore in the Piazzetta where my family had a shop, and I used to work. That was right. He had a house in the village, his wife being Italian, and a lover of Tuscany.
And there were many more well known people, throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s: kings, politicians, actors, footballers, musicians and artists. Impromptu performances were held without permission, art installations were standard. The offshore competitions and sailing regatta also drew an international audience (Casiraghi, the King of Spain, the Monaco crew), but Punta Ala remained quintessentially Italian, with most properties owned by locals or people from Milan, Rome, Florence and other cities.
Lo sparviero, just off the Punta Ala coast
Today
After some years during which there were ups and downs, and especially after the pandemic made so many Italians travel again to their holiday home, Punta Ala became “in” again.
For example, the Centro Ippico (racecourse) has been extensively renovated, by Gaia Bulgari, or the Bulgari family.
The golf course also boosts a brand new club and resort, that harmoniously complements its famous views.
The castle has been turned into the most beautiful Airbnb on the planet.
And yet, more than 90% of Punta Ala remains Italian, and properties in the hands of the same families.
What is different
What makes Punta Ala stand apart? As I just mentioned, it’s “italianità”. Then, the fact that you can always find a parking space, also in full season – this is the opposite of mass tourism. The fact that people drive there and wonder: “where is this Punta Ala?”, because most houses are hidden, and one hardly sees them. The fact that it’s as clean as Switzerland, and almost as expensive! But above all, its gorgeous nature.
Every single year I go, I see all sunsets and all sunrises, red and golden, while running or walking or simply watching the horizon, and Isola d’Elba just in front.
The sea, the pine trees, the vegetation, the coast, the hidden panoramic point at the castle, all natural areas are outrageously romantic. I gave my first kiss at the lighthouse, on the rocks, listening to the waves. Punta Ala and its port are a gem, known to Italians, not so known abroad. If you want to fall in love in Tuscany, why not trying Punta Ala.
The iconic “Troia e porcellini” rocks, between Punta Ala and Elba
