Why does the sand of Cala Violina 'sing'?

The sand of Cala Violina «sings» because its grains, composed largely of quartz, rub against and vibrate against one another when you set your foot down or slide them. The movement produces a high-pitched little squeak, linked to the cove's name, which evokes the sound of a violin. At Scarlino, the municipality indicates a frequency of about 500 to 2,500 hertz when the sand is shifted abruptly.

Don't necessarily expect to hear a melody with every step: the sound is subtle, and the phenomenon depends on the movement of the grains and their condition. Wet sand, wind, waves or conversations can make it hard to perceive. To try to hear it, walk gently on an area of dry sand and slide your foot lightly, rather than stomping around. And if you hear nothing, it doesn't necessarily mean the beach has lost its effect: the conditions simply aren't always right.