The most beautiful beaches on Elba

Elba boasts over 147 km of coastline and offers a beach to suit every taste: fine sandy beaches like Marina di Campo, Lacona, Procchio, and Fetovaia in the south and west; white pebble coves like Sansone, Capo Bianco, and Le Ghiaie in the north; and colorful mineral beaches in the east. Most beaches are fully or partially free to access; in addition, there are areas with sun loungers and parasols.

Map: Where are the most beautiful beaches on Elba?

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Generally speaking: In the south and west (Gulf of Campo, Lacona, Fetovaia) you'll find the large sandy beaches. In the north , around Portoferraio and Biodola, there are bays with white pebbles and very clear water. In the east (Porto Azzurro, Capoliveri, Rio), iron ore and minerals give the sand and rocks their distinctive colors. You can find out which town corresponds to which beach in our article about the most beautiful places on Elba.

The beaches of Elba in comparison

Beach	Coast / Location	Substrate:	Parking	Families	snorkeling
Marina di Campo	South, Marina di Campo	Sand, approx. 1,3 km	large parking lots in the town, bus stops	very good, flat	–
Lacona	South, municipality of Capoliveri	Sand with dunes, approx. 1,2 km	Access through the pine forest, also by bus	very good, flat	–
Laconella	South, next to Lacona	fine sand	–	good, calm	–
Fetovaia	Southwest, Campo nell'Elba	fine sand	Few free parking spaces; private parking spaces approx. €16–20/day (high season)	good, flat and protected	Rock pool at the edge
Cabbages	Southwest, Campo nell'Elba	light sand	Parking nearby	growing	–
Seccheto	Southwest, Campo nell'Elba	Sand between granite rocks	–	conditionally	–
Shipwreck Beach	West, Pomonte	Choose	–	conditionally	very good, wreck near the shore
Sant'Andrea	West, Marciana	Sand, gravel, rocks	small parking lot, arrive early	good, natural pool	–
Phoenician	North, Marciana Marina	large smooth pebbles	in the town	growing	–
Procchio	North, Marciana	Sand, approx. 860 m	–	growing	–
Pauline	North, between Procchio and Biodola	sand and gravel	Footpath to the beach	good, flat	growing
Biodola	North, Portoferraio	fine sand, approx. 600 m	at the roadside, bus from Portoferraio	very good, playground	growing
Samson	North, Portoferraio	white pebbles	Parking costs approximately €15 per day, then a 10-15 minute steep walk.	Probably not suitable for small children	very well
Source	North, Portoferraio	Kiesel	same access as Sansone	better than Sansone	growing
White Chief	North, Portoferraio	white pebbles	Parking (fee required), then short stairs	conditionally	growing
The Gravels	Portoferraio (city)	white pebbles	on foot from the center	growing	very good, protected area
Fallen in love	South, Capoliveri	Sand	Parking lots available	growing	–
Naregno	East, Capoliveri	Sand, approx. 500 m	–	growing	–
Barbarossa	East, Porto Azzurro	colored sand and gravel	Easily accessible by car	growing	–
Ortano	East, Rio	sand and gravel	–	conditionally	growing
Topinetti	East, Rio Marina	black and white stones	–	conditionally	–

Sandy beaches in the south and west

Marina di Campo

At approximately 1,3 km, it's the longest beach on the island, with golden sand right next to the town of Marina di Campo. The water remains shallow for a long way out – ideal for children. Bars, restaurants, and beach clubs are located directly behind the beach.

Lacona and Laconella

Lacona Bay, at approximately 1,2 km long, is one of Elba's largest beaches, featuring sand dunes and numerous campsites nearby. Adjacent to it lies the smaller, quieter Laconella beach (approximately 210 m) with fine sand.

Fetovaia, Seccheto and Cavoli

Three idyllic bays line the southwest coast: Fetovaia (approx. 210 m) with its light sand and turquoise water is considered one of the island's most beautiful beaches. Cavoli (approx. 360 m) is more lively and popular with young people, while Seccheto is small and surrounded by granite cliffs. Parking lots fill up early in the summer – it's best to arrive in the morning.

Procchio and Sant'Andrea

Procchio on the north coast boasts one of the island's longest and most pleasant sandy beaches, stretching for approximately 860 meters. Sant'Andrea in the west is a small, sheltered sandy cove nestled among granite rocks, ideal for relaxation and watching the sunset.

Paolina, Fenicia and Spiaggia del Relitto

Between Procchio and Biodola lies the small bay of Paolina, with its sand and pebbles; it is only accessible via a path, the water is shallow and very clear. In Marciana Marina, the pebble beaches of Fenicia and Fenicetta, near the tower above the harbor, invite you to swim right in the heart of town. Divers and snorkelers are drawn to Spiaggia del Relitto in Pomonte to the west: there, a shipwreck lies just a few meters off the shore in shallow water.

Fallen in love

Bei Capoliveri liegt die Innamorata (ca. 280 m), eine romantische Bucht mit goldenem Sand und klarem Wasser. Hier wird jedes Jahr am 14. Juli das Fest „Leggenda dell’Innamorata“ mit historischem Umzug und Fackeln am Strand gefeiert.

White pebble beaches in the north

Sansone and Capo Bianco

The two bays west of Portoferraio are famous for their white pebbles, light-colored rocks, and vibrant turquoise waters. Sansone (approx. 240 m) can be reached via a footpath and is ideal for snorkeling. Capo Bianco (approx. 280 m) lies beneath light-colored rocks not far from the town. For both, bring water shoes and arrive early in the summer.

Le Ghiaie in Portoferraio

Portoferraio's town beach (approx. 330 m) consists of white pebbles speckled with various colors. The sea in front of the beach, extending to the Scoglietto rock, has been a protected area since 1971; fishing is prohibited. Therefore, you'll see plenty of fish just a few meters from the shore – perfect for snorkeling. A promenade separates the beach from the park, and bars and ice cream parlors are nearby.

Padulella, Sorgente and Acquaviva

Padulella (approx. 170 m) lies below high white cliffs; a short footpath leads down to them. The small coves of Sorgente and Acquaviva west of the town are also pebbly and have clear water. Due to the steep coastline, you should keep a safe distance from the base of the cliffs.

Cala dei Frati

The small pebble beach below the fortresses of Portoferraio is practically only accessible by water – for example by kayak, SUP or boat. There are no facilities. Because the beach faces northeast, it is in shadow from early afternoon onwards.

Beaches on the Bay of Biodola

Biodola (approx. 600 m) is a wide, fine sandy beach shaped like a natural amphitheater, with hotels, bars, boat and pedal boat rentals, and water sports schools. Nearby are Scaglieri (approx. 140 m) with beautiful sunsets towards Capraia and the small, quiet Forno (approx. 120 m) with fishermen's houses right on the beach. The pebble and sand beach of Seccione is also very close.

Colorful beaches in the east

• Naregno Near Capoliveri: approximately 500 meters of golden sand opposite Porto Azzurro, with many accommodations nearby.
• Barbarossa Near Porto Azzurro: approx. 160 m of colorful sand and gravel, easily accessible by car.
• Ortano Near Rio: sand and gravel, good for snorkeling.
• Topinetti Near Rio Marina: black and white stones – a reminder of former iron ore mining.
• Cable: approx. 420 m of grey sand and gravel at the small harbor in the northeast.

Tips for your beach day on Elba

• Free beaches: On Elba, all beaches are fully or largely free of charge. Sun loungers and parasols can be rented at the beach clubs.
• Arrive early and park: In July and August, small coves and their parking lots fill up quickly. At popular beaches like Sansone or Fetovaia, private parking costs around €15–20 per day during peak season; free spaces are rare. Arriving before 9:30 a.m. gives you the best chance of finding a spot.
• Pay attention to the wind: When the wind blows from the south, the northern beaches are sheltered – and vice versa. So you'll almost always find calm water.
• Bathing shoes: Very pleasant on the pebble beaches of the north, but sturdy shoes are better than flip-flops on the steep paths to Sansone and Padulella.
• Bays seen from the water: Secluded beaches like Cala dei Frati are best reached by kayak, SUP, or on a [unclear - possibly a tour]. Boat tour around Elba.
• Experience more: You can find excursion destinations away from the beach at the Sights on ElbaWe present beaches on the mainland coast in the beaches of Tuscany .

Those arriving with a campervan or tent can find campsites near the beach under Camping on Elba . Information on how to get to the island can be found under Getting to Elba.

Frequently asked questions about the beaches on Elba