A dive into the beaches of Elba Island

Wide, golden and welcoming, Biodola beach is one of the most famous on the Island of Elba. Located in the municipality of Portoferraio, it is a long stretch of fine, light-colored sand that gently slopes into the blue-green sea, ideal for families and those who love strolling along the water’s edge. 
The beach is equipped with bathing establishments, restaurants, bars and a children's play area; it also has water equipment rental points. 

It is about a 20-minute drive from Portoferraio to Procchio and has roadside parking and a city bus service from Portoferraio.

Between Procchio and Biodola, lies Paolina beach, a small cove of sand and pebbles that gets its name from the islet of the same name, which you can easily swim to. According to legend, Pauline Bonaparte - Napoleon's sister - loved to sunbathe right here, in this secluded and quiet corner, surrounded by a pine forest that slopes down to the sea.
The beach is free but also offers an equipped part with a bar and water equipment rentals; it is ideal for families, thanks to its gently sloping seabed and shallow, crystal clear water, perfect for snorkeling.
 
It is 2 km from Procchio and you need to go down a long path to get to it.

Among the beaches that symbolize Elba's northern coast, Sansone is striking, with its snow white pebbles that light up the sea with turquoise reflections and make the water bright and transparent.
A small promontory with a sea stack - known for the very narrow cave that can only be crossed by diving - separates this stretch from La Sorgente, which is equally impressive. This corner is much loved by swimmers, snorkelers and anyone seeking places of great natural beauty.
The descent on foot from the parking lot follows a narrow and striking scenic path carved into the rock, which prepares you for some of the most spectacular scenery on the island. 
The beach is free, very busy in the summer months and ideal for those seeking relaxation and a seabed to explore.
You will also find a refreshments point and equipment rentals here.

At the foot of the ancient tower overlooking the port of Marciana Marina lie two of the island's most distinctive beaches: La Fenicia and its younger sister, La Fenicetta. Here, the sea meets a shoreline made up of big smooth pebbles and rocks looking out at the water, in a corner that remains sheltered thanks to the pier and the Punta del Nasuto.
La Fenicia is the main beach and is wide and convenient to get to, perfect for those seeking a seaside location near the center of the village without sacrificing the beauty of the landscape. La Fenicetta, right next door, is more secluded: you can get to it via a concrete passageway between the rocks and it treats you to quiet little corners where you can lay out your towel or dive directly from the highest rocks.

Among the best-loved on the southwestern side, Cavoli opens up in a bay protected from the winds and featuring clear, soft sand that gives the sea a deep blue color. The right side of the shore alternates between sandy stretches and large smooth rocks, perfect for lying in the sun or for diving directly into the crystal clear water, which quickly becomes deep here.
The beach offers numerous services: well-equipped bathing establishments, free areas, bars, restaurants, showers, water equipment rentals, and spaces designed for families.

Considered one of Elba's most captivating beaches, Fetovaia is a bright, sheltered bay, perfect for relaxing over an aperitif with the sea just steps away. 
The beach consists of fine sand that gathers into small light-colored dunes, where it is not uncommon to see tracks left by sea turtles.
The beach, which is about nine kilometers from Marina di Campo, is located in a narrow, deeply sheltered cove. With its crystal clear seabed, a picturesque landscape and a peaceful atmosphere, it is a popular destination for families, people seeking relaxation and those wishing to enjoy one of the most iconic corners of Elba.
There are numerous services: well-equipped bathing establishments, free areas, bars, restaurants, water equipment rentals and easy access for people with disabilities.

Lacona is one of the widest beaches on the island. It is a long expanse with over a kilometer of very light-colored clear sand and it looks out at a sea of soft, transparent colors. The seabed slopes gradually, making it a safe and popular destination for families with young children and those who prefer to swim in calm waters.
Along the shoreline, there are both free stretches and bathing establishments, as well as a wide variety of services: from play areas and beach bars to canoe, SUP and other water equipment rentals. One of Elba's most important series of dunes survives behind it: a protected environment that preserves rare Mediterranean plant species.
Beyond the dunes, the pine forest is home to campsites and tourist facilities perfectly nestled in the landscape.

Lacona is easy to get to by crossing the pine forest behind it; it is located in the Municipality of Capoliveri, about ten kilometers along the provincial road. 

Innamorata Is one of the most striking beaches on the Capoliveri side and carries with it the romantic legend of Maria, who threw herself into the waves to reach her beloved Lorenzo, who had been kidnapped by the pirate Barbarossa. 
Every year on July 14, this 16th-century tale is relived in a torchlight procession that lights up the bay at sunset, treating you to an atmosphere suspended in time.
The wide and sandy shore looks out at a crystal clear sea that invites long swims. 
Innamorata offers both free stretches and well-equipped establishments with bars, restaurants, showers, water equipment rentals and parking. It is a popular destination for families, athletes and anyone seeking a place where the sea is intertwined with history, nature and a touch of poetry.

The beach is about five kilometers from Capoliveri and is also served by a convenient minibus service.

 Sant’Andrea has an almost exotic appearance and is one of the most surprising beaches on the island. 
Along the shoreline, there are stretches of very fine sand and small areas of pebbles, framed by big, light-colored rocks smoothed by the wind and sea, giving the landscape an almost lunar atmosphere. 
It is a bright, sheltered bay and very popular with families because of the calm, shallow waters and the small natural pool that forms between the rocks in the most open part of the beach, which is also perfect for young children.
The beach offers both free stretches and well-equipped bathing establishments with bars, services and eateries. It is advisable to arrive early: the parking lot is not very large and the area is especially popular.

Capo Bianco is one of the most iconic beaches on the Portoferraio side of the island and is immediately striking due to the contrast between its snow white pebbles and the sea with colors ranging from the lightest blue to deep blue. 
The pure white cliffs surrounding it increase the brightness of the water, creating spectacular plays of light: it is no coincidence that the transparency of this stretch of coastline inspired the famous Acqua dell'Elba perfume, dedicated to the colors of these waters.
The beach is not very wide and is at its best outside of high season, when its spaces are quieter and secluded corners can be discovered along the cliff face. 

Capo Bianco is easy to get to from Portoferraio: follow the signs to the paid parking lot where there is a short flight of steps leading to the beach.

For detailed information on all the beaches on Elba Island, see the destination's official website.