11 Best Elba Beaches (& Map)
Elba Island beach guide.
Relaxing on the very best Elba beaches is one of the top reasons to visit this beautiful Italian island. Situated in the Tuscan Archipelago, Elba has something for every beach lover out there with over 100 beaches.
This large number of beaches makes deciding which ones to go to an enjoyable challenge. The photos and information from my own visits to Elba’s best and most well-known beaches (along with an off-the-beaten-track option) will help you to decide where to go first.
Head to Elba’s sandy beaches in the south if you like to feel the golden grains between your toes. If you’re seeking one of the more secluded beaches on Elba, then go to the east coast. However, if what you really want is picturesque coastal landscapes then the pebble beaches along the north coast near Portoferraio will provide you with idyllic views.
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Discover the Best Beaches On Elba Island, Italy
With the huge range of beaches available on one lovely Italian island, I’m surprised that Elba is not more renowned amongst travellers. Of all the people I talked to about my trip, most had never heard of Elba at all, let alone its exquisite beaches.
Those who did recognise the name only knew Elba as somewhere Napoleon had been exiled to. So, when you’re planning your trip, savour the fact that you’ll hear very little English and plenty of Italian spoken on the pristine beaches of Elba.
For details on how to get to Elba Island, check out this comprehensive article on the Piombino to Elba ferry.
North Coast of Elba Beaches
You’ll find jaw-droppingly gorgeous beaches on the north coast of Elba. They’re so good in fact that I heard more than one exclamation of ‘wow’ from fellow travellers on my trip as they slipped into the emerald waters. I certainly found myself giggling with glee when I visited these little slices of paradise. It’s easy to get to this part of Elba, as regular ferries run from the Italian mainland town of Piombino to Portoferraio, the main town on the north coast of Elba.
1. Sansone (Spiaggia di Sansone)
Let’s start this guide to the best beaches on Elba with an absolute beauty of a beach, Sansone (Spiaggia di Sansone, in Italian). Sansone is easy to visit from Elba’s main city, Portoferraio.
This beach requires no filter. The beautiful sapphire water is crystal clear and clean. A large stretch of Sansone beach is taken up by paid-for sun loungers but I walked past these towards where the bay curves at the end and found that there’s plenty of space to lay a towel on the brilliant white pebbles. There are also a group of rocks at the far end where you can stretch out or snorkel. The water here is so lovely that you don’t actually need a snorkel to see Elba’s marine life.
With views like this, you’ll want to get a load of photos for your socials. Use my list of the best Italy captions to help you caption them.
The facilities at Sansone are great. Up off the main beach area, there’s a bar serving hot food, sandwiches and snacks, as well as cold drinks and ice creams. This is a good place to sit if you want a break from the beach and it’s open until 10 pm. There are proper flushing toilets and showers (50 cent coins required for each) next to the bar.
How to Get to Sansone Beach from Portoferraio
- Bus #6 or the free ‘Marebus’ #7 in summer (15 minutes).
- Walk, some on the footpath but much is on the road (70 minutes).
- Follow the signs for Sansone beach from the main road, head through a small group of houses towards the coast and turn left for Sansone.
- Car park available.
2. Sorgente Beach (Spiaggia la Sorgente)
Sansone beach’s more laid-back twin. Sorgente is a free beach right next to Sansone and it would be plenty beautiful if it wasn’t for its even more paradise-like neighbour, Sansone. The beach is a bit more rustic than Sansone but still has that stunning crystal clear water. There’s also some shade towards the back of the beach. Being so close to Sansone means that Sorgente benefits from access to the same facilities.
How to Get to Sorgente Beach from Portoferraio
- Bus #6 or the free ‘Marebus’ #7 in summer (15 minutes).
- Walk, some on the footpath but much is on the road (70 minutes).
- Follow the signs for Spiaggia la Sansone beach from the road, head through a small group of houses towards the coast and turn left for Sorgente and Sansone beaches.
- Car park available.
3. Capo Bianco (Spiaggia di Capo Bianco)
Capo Bianco is my absolute favourite beach on Elba. It’s a hard choice to make on an island with as many beautiful beaches as Elba, but having spent time at plenty of them, Capo Bianco comes out on top for me.
Each time I visited Capo Bianco it was less busy than its neighbouring beaches and this place feels like it was made for pure relaxation. Capo Bianco is also a great place to spot lots of brightly coloured rainbow fish. Swim around the corner by the rocks at the far end for a gorgeous view of Portoferraio and the Forte Falcone bathed in sunlight.
There’s a restaurant at the top of the stairs which lead down to the beach, with toilets and paid-for showers. You can also find typical beach products like water shoes for sale at the hut on the beach.
Umbrellas and sun loungers are available to rent in a marked-off section of Capo Bianco. The cost is 30 euros. Free shade is provided at the eastern end next to the rocks.
How to Get to Capo Bianco Beach from Portoferraio
- Free ‘Marebus’ #7 in summer (7 minutes).
- Walk, mostly on the footpath but some is on the road (20 minutes).
- Car park available.
4. Sottobomba Beach (Spiaggia di Sottobomba)
Another of the gorgeous beaches near Portoferraio. Sottobomba is hidden away off a little path off the main coastal road of Portoferraio. This white pebble beach is perfect for a quiet late afternoon dip in the azure waters of Elba. Umbrellas and loungers are available for rent, but I preferred to grab a towel and lie on the beach.
How to Get to Sottobomba Beach from Portoferraio
- Free ‘Marebus’ #7 in summer (10 minutes).
- Walk, mostly on the footpath but some is on the road (25 minutes).
- Car park available nearby at the Parcheggio Costa Verde.
5. Padulella Beach (Spiaggia della Padulella)
If your idea of a paradise beach is white pebbles and the sparkling blue sea of the Tuscan archipelago backed by white cliffs, then don’t miss Padulella beach. It’s so close to Portoferraio that it would be rude not to visit if you’re in town. Padulella has a beach bar and its proximity to the centre does mean it gets busy but with scenery like this, you can see why.
How to Get to Padulella Beach from Portoferraio
- Free ‘Marebus’ #7 in summer (5 minutes).
- Walk, mix of footpath and road (20 minutes).
- Car park available nearby at Capo Bianco.
6. Enfola Beach (Spiaggia dell’Enfola)
One of the reasons I’ve included Enfola beach on this list of the best Elba beaches is its location at the foot of Monte Enfola. This makes it a great place to take a dip after you’ve hiked up and around the promontory and its WW2 bunkers. For another great Elba hike, head to the island’s highest mountain, Monte Capanne.
The beach at Enfola is natural and rustic, with a wonderful smell of pine in the air. There’s a beach bar which somehow manages to be busy and exude a chilled vibe all at the same time. I walked all the way here and back to Portoferraio again but it’s quite a trek so you might prefer to take the bus.
How to Get to Enfola Beach from Portoferraio
- Take the free ‘Marebus’ #7 in summer to Viticcio Bivio Enfola (20 minutes) then walk from there (15 minutes).
- Walk, mostly on the road (1.5 hours).
- Car park available.
East Coast of Elba Beaches
7. Ferrato Beach (Spiaggia di Ferrato)
I discovered this gorgeous wild beach on a bike ride from Capoliveri. Ferrato beach is one of the hidden gems on Elba Island. It’s a much more peaceful place than the beaches of the south of Elba. Ferrato doesn’t have any facilities which is all part of its appeal, so bring what you need with you.
The location on the east side of Elba, away from the main towns, means that you’re less likely to be sharing this piece of loveliness with as many people as at the more well-known beaches on the island. If you like your beaches to feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret, then Ferrato is the beach for you.
How to Get to Ferrato Beach from Portoferraio
- Take bus #117 to Capoliveri (35 minutes), then walk (50 minutes).
- Hire e-bikes and cycle (1 hour).
- Car park available nearby.
South Coast of Elba Beaches
The beaches on the south coast of Elba are very different to the northern beaches, as they’re mainly sandy and as such are popular with families with kids. They reminded me of some of the beautiful beaches on Ischia, another Italian island with great beaches.
8. Fetovaia Beach (Spiaggia di Fetovaia)
One of the biggest and top-rated Elba beaches is Fetovaia. I was initially a little disappointed on arriving at this beach, as it seemed to be overrun with expensive loungers as far as the eye could see.
However, I soon discovered that Fetovaia’s charm lies in the calmness of the water and the shallow depth of the sandy bay. This meant that it was very easy to get in and out of the sea and swim around without getting out of my depth.
Fetovia is an organised beach. There are loads of facilities and it’s a great spot to have a go at one of the popular waterside activities on Elba, Stand-up paddle board. As well as SUP rental, you can rent kayaks and pedalos, eat at one of two large restaurants and get your beach bucket and spade from the beachfront shop.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have 37 euros to spend on renting a lounger and umbrella for the day, buy your own umbrella at the shop for only 14 euros and lay your towel on the sand.
How to Get to Fetovaia Beach from Portoferraio
- Take bus #116 (45 minutes), tickets cost €3.90 each way when bought in advance for example from a newsagent, or a lot more if you pay on the bus.
- Car park available.
9. Seccheto Beach (Spiaggia di Seccheto)
A little further along the south coast lies the unassuming Seccheto beach. My high opinion of this beach may have been swayed by the fact that I threw myself into the sea here after a hot and sweaty hike along the Elba mountains. That aside, the fine sand at Seccheto and lovely curved bay make it an idyllic south coast beach to visit when you’re on holiday in Elba.
There’s a private beach club on the rocks to the west but there’s plenty of room on the rest of the sand to enjoy this beach for free. Whilst there aren’t many facilities on Seccheto beach itself, the hamlet behind the beach has restaurants, a newsagent, a beach goods shop, a supermarket, bars and accommodation.
How to Get to Seccheto Beach from Portoferraio
- Take bus #116 (40 minutes), tickets cost €3.90 each way when bought in advance or more if you pay on the bus.
- Car park available in Seccheto.
10. Cavoli Beach (Spiaggia di Cavoli)
Cavoli is another of Elba’s sandy beaches that is very popular with visitors. It’s easy to reach from Marina di Campo, a key town on Elba’s south coast, and can also be reached by bus from Portoferraio.
The beach at Cavoli is a wide expanse of sand but it takes a steep walk downhill to get there. There are plenty of facilities at Cavoli, including kayak and stand up paddleboard rental along with umbrellas and sun loungers. This beach gets lively in summer. If you prefer a quieter beach, head to Sechetto instead.
How to Get to Cavoli Beach from Portoferraio
- Take bus #116 (35 minutes), tickets cost €3.90 each way when purchased in advance.
- Car park available.
11. Marina di Campo Beach (Spiaggia di Marina di Campo)
Marina di Campo beach on Elba’s southern coast is a stunning 1400-metre stretch of golden sand, renowned for its shallow, crystal clear waters ideal for families. This sandy beach is easily accessible, with a small town around it, offering numerous facilities, shops, restaurants, and bars.
Marina di Campo beach has both free and paid beach sections, so pick the part you prefer. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, water sports, or a vibrant evening atmosphere, this beach has it all. Located on one of the main island bus routes, it’s also a convenient base for exploring other parts of Elba.
How to Get to Marina di Campo Beach from Portoferraio
- Take bus #116 (30 minutes), tickets cost €3.90 each way when purchased in advance.
- Parking available in the town.
Elba Beaches Map
I’ve created an Elba beaches map that shows all the beaches listed in this guide. Click the arrow icon to the left of the map heading to view the name of each beach.
Elba Beaches Weather
Elba’s beaches enjoy a Mediterranean climate, providing visitors with plenty of sunshine. Summers are characterized by warm temperatures with average highs around 27°C (80°F) in July and August, ideal for sunbathing and beach activities.
The shoulder months of June and September are also warm, with average temperatures of around 22/23°C.
Best Time to Visit Elba Beaches
The best time to visit Elba’s beaches is in June and from the first week in September until the middle of October. Visiting during these periods means you avoid the summer holiday crowds, and the weather will be sunny and the sea warm.
How to Get to Elba’s Beaches
Elba has a good bus service so you can easily explore Elba without a car. On my visit, I travelled around by bus, bike and foot.
Find the Elba bus times on the Autolinee Toscane website.
There are additional summer beach buses, which run until the end of August/September:
Alternatively, you can hire an e-bike, which is a popular activity on Elba, or walk.
You can also check out all the details on car rental in Elba.