THE BEACHES OF ELBA ISLAND 

MARCIANA MARINA    

MARCIANA MARINA or simply LA MARINA, is the beach closest to us, stretching about 350 meters along the seafront near the small harbor. It’s a favorite spot for kids to take a dip. The beach is made up of small, dark pebbles and is ideal for families due to its proximity to shops, restaurants, and public gardens, which offer a nice retreat during the hottest hours of the day. You’ll find both free beach areas and beach clubs here. For sun lovers, there’s the nearby SCOGLIERA DEL COTONE, a stunning spot where flat rocks provide the perfect place to lay out and relax for a summer tan.  

LA FENICIA AND LA FENICETTA. Not far from Marciana Marina is LA FENICIA beach, which offers plenty of services for visitors. It’s 95 meters long and 24 meters wide, with white pebbles that give the water a crystal-clear color, making it perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts.  

Following the path on the left, you’ll reach a small cove nestled in the cliffs called LA FENICETTA. This tiny beach, also made of white pebbles, stays in the shade for most of the day due to its unique formation, offering a special spot to relax by the sea. Scuba masks and fins are a must along this stretch of coastline. The two beach clubs here not only provide umbrellas and sunbeds but also offer food, drinks, and are wheelchair-friendly. 

PROCCHIO. It’s one of the longest beaches on the island, offering all the conveniences right by the sea: umbrellas, kids’ activities, bars, and restaurants. This lively beach always has room to lay down a towel, even during the busiest summer months. Perfect for those looking for both fun and the sea. 

LA PAOLINA. A pebbly beach named after the small island just offshore, where Napoleon’s sister, Pauline, used to sunbathe. You’ll want to bring a mask and fins to explore the underwater world and reach the Paolina rock. 

LA CALA. Following the 3 km trail that starts on the west side of Marciana Marina, you’ll arrive at this untouched cove. Be sure to bring water and food, as you’ll be surrounded by nothing but nature. It’s perfect for those seeking peace and tranquility. 

COTONCELLO. A small slice of paradise, nestled between granite cliffs. The light sand gives the shallow waters shades ranging from blue to turquoise. The cove is lined with a walkway that leads to Sant’Andrea. Perfect for children. No amenities available. 

SANT’ANDREA. Famous for its white granite sand and turquoise waters, which gently slope into the sea before plunging into deeper waters. Due to its popularity, it can get crowded, but you can find some peace along the cliffs on the left side of the bay. Bring mats and inflatables to sunbathe comfortably on the rocks.  

PUNTA POLVERAIA.  This is a pristine beach with a mix of light and dark pebbles, nestled between cliffs and accessible only by a trail through the woods. Be sure to bring food and drinks to fully enjoy a day of complete relaxation. 

POMONTE AND NEARBY BEACHES. Here you’ll find 3 small but beautiful beaches within a 1 km radius. The first is POMONTE beach, also known as Le Scalette, which is about 100 meters long and made up of granite pebbles and gravel. It’s a very peaceful free beach. Just beyond the small bridge on the left, you’ll find the other two beaches, RELITTO and OGLIERA, famous for the wreck of the Elviscot, which sank in the 1970s and lies just a few meters from the shore. If you prefer rocky shores, on the right side of Pomonte beach, you’ll find the GRANITE CLIFFS OF CALA MAESTRALE AND CALELLO 

CHIESSI. A beach made of gravel and granite stones (a mat or sunbed is a must for comfort), where the turquoise color of the water is the real highlight. Its proximity to the town makes it convenient for families traveling with children. 

PRATESI. It’s made up of large granite stones, which can be a bit uncomfortable, making it less crowded. Just come prepared with water shoes and mats, and you’ll find a perfect spot to relax while gazing at the sea. 

CAMPO NELL’ELBA   

FETOVAIA. It’s one of the most picturesque beaches on the island, with golden sand framed by granite cliffs and a unique formation protected by a strip of land that stretches into the sea. The vibrant colors of the water are what truly captivate visitors, making this magical spot a popular destination for tourists.  

There are both free beach areas and beach clubs available. IL PINO is a well-equipped beach club, featuring accessible facilities like a wheelchair and walkway for disabled guests. 

PISCINE DI SECCHETTO. The beach gets its name from its Roman-era history, when large blocks of granite were quarried here. The empty spaces left behind were later filled by the sea, creating natural pools. The cliffs are not easily accessible, making this spot a favorite among naturists, who prefer the westernmost part of the area. 

CAVOLI. It’s one of the island’s most famous beaches, known not only for its Caribbean-like colors but also for its mild microclimate, thanks to Monte Capanne, which shelters it year-round. The beach has light-colored, coarse sand and is set in a bay with beautiful cliffs on either side, a favorite spot for younger visitors to dive. In the summer, it becomes a trendy destination where sunset aperitifs are a must. Very crowded during the summer months. 

PALOMBAIA. You can reach it by descending a steep staircase with 203 steps. This sandy beach is always sheltered from the wind and never crowded, thanks to the challenging access. The water is crystal clear, and the seabed is waiting to be explored! 

MARINA DI CAMPO. This is the longest beach on the island, made of fine granite sand. It’s perfect for families with children or groups of young people, as the gently sloping seabed ensures safe swimming for little ones and water games for teenagers. Its proximity to the town of Marina di Campo makes it a convenient option for those wanting to take a break from the beach and stroll through local shops and souvenir stores. 

CAPOLIVERI, LACONA AND PORTO AZZURRO

ACQUARILLI. This is the only beach dedicated to naturism, located at the base of a towering cliff covered with Mediterranean vegetation. 

LIDO DI CAPOLIVERI. One of the most famous beaches, known for its beauty and simplicity. The fine sand and gently sloping seabed make it perfect for families with young children or those looking to try various water sports like windsurfing, SUP, snorkeling, and more. The beach also offers easy access to restaurants, bars, and music, ensuring fun by the sea. 

FELCIAO. The World War II bunkers built on the rocks are the unique feature of this beach, making it the perfect spot in spring for a bit of sun and history. 

BARABARCA AND ZUCCALE. These are two beaches ideal for families with children. Made of a mix of sand and small pebbles, they are sheltered from the island’s winds by Mediterranean vegetation. They’re also perfect for nature lovers, snorkeling enthusiasts, and those looking to explore both the marine and plant life. 

INNAMORATA. This is a long beach, easily accessible by car, with bars and restaurants, which makes it often very crowded. Half of the beach is free, while the other half has beach clubs. There’s also a walkway for easy access for disabled visitors. The sand is dark, made up of remnants from mining activity and small pebbles. By renting a pedal boat or canoe, you can reach the GEMINI ISLANDS, two small islets perfect for exploring with a mask and fins.  

The beach is named after a local legend, reenacted every August 14th with a torchlight procession: a young woman, promised to her beloved, threw herself into the sea to save him from Barbarossa’s pirates, who had kidnapped him. She was never seen again, and only her shawl was found on a rock, which has since been called ‘La Ciarpa’.  

LO STAGNONE. A small slice of paradise, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. Crystal-clear waters, two small beaches, and a natural pool formed between the rocks. The best way to reach it is by foot or bike, starting from Le Ripalte. 

BARBAROSSA. This is the largest beach near Porto Azzurro and is very crowded in the summer. Made up of dark gravel mixed with sand, it’s flanked by rocky coastlines ideal for snorkeling enthusiasts. From the beach, you can reach PORTO AZZURRO via the ‘Carmignani Walk’, a scenic 1 km trail that follows the perimeter of the walls of Forte S. Giacomo. 

RIO MARINA AND RIO NELL’ELBA  

ORTANO. Made up of small pebbles mixed with sand, this beach is a living testament to the island’s mining past, with the old loading pier for minerals and the road once used to transport mining carts still visible. The water is crystal clear, and a visit to Ortano Island is a must, either by swimming or walking along the cliffs on the right side. From the parking area, it’s a 200-meter walk to the beach. In summer, it gets very crowded, with entertainment and music. 

CALA SEREGOLA. A very peaceful cove, even in summer, opening up in front of striking red earth cliffs bathed by crystal-clear waters. It’s also easily accessible. 

NISPORTO. The beach is a horseshoe-shaped bay with crystal-clear waters, deeper on the left side and gently sloping in the center, making it perfect for children. It’s generally a very peaceful spot, with restaurants, sunbed and umbrella rentals, as well as pedal boats and small boats available for hire. 

On the left side, facing the sea, you’ll find the old FORNACE DELLA BALLERINA, a structure built from red brick. The name comes from a local legend: a ballerina who retired from the stage opened a farm in Nisporto to enjoy the tranquility of the island. Many famous figures visited her, and it was always a celebration when they arrived. One day, a red carpet appeared on the beach from a boat, and a man in uniform—who looked like a prince—disembarked. He left soon after and never returned. Their love story was brief but intense. The beach is easily accessible by car. 

PORTOFERRAIO

LE VISTE. At the foot of Forte Falcone, this beach is perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts, as it’s part of a protected marine area where you’ll easily encounter many fish. 

LE GHIAIE. A slice of paradise, protected as an environmental zone since 1971. The beauty of the seabed is unmatched, thanks to the presence of smooth white pebbles, which, according to legend, were stained by the sweat of the Argonauts. It’s one of the most famous beaches for scuba diving, but even with just a scuba mask and fins, you’ll see a variety of fish swimming close to the shore. Part of the beach is free to access, while the beach clubs offer pedal boat rentals to explore the deeper waters. 

BAGNAIA. Located 11 km from Portoferraio, this beach offers both tranquility and fun, making it a great spot for snorkeling enthusiasts who can explore the seabed thanks to its crystal-clear waters. Along the seafront, you’ll find shops and restaurants, perfect for a romantic dinner or a sunset aperitif. The beach has both private clubs and free areas, and it’s easily accessible by car. There’s also a walkway for disabled access. 

LA BIODOLA. One of the most enchanting and famous bays on the island, a natural amphitheater of fine golden sand surrounded by the scents of Mediterranean vegetation. The seabed gently slopes into vibrant turquoise waters, making it a favorite spot for families with children enjoying the beach with their buckets and shovels. It’s also popular among young people, thanks to the bars and activities available for teenagers, such as water skiing, surfing, diving, and pedal boat rentals. On the left, you’ll find the ‘Health Trail’, which follows the coastline and leads to two untouched beaches, LAMAIA and PORTICCIOLO.  

Easily accessible by car.