Capo Bianco Beach on Elba, Italy: A Complete Guide
Capo Bianco beach, located on the northern coast of the beautiful island of Elba in Italy, is a seaside gem waiting to be explored. With its stunning white pebble beach, crystal-clear waters, and natural beauty, it’s a must-visit destination for you if you’re seeking one of the best beaches in Europe.
Here are the key details from my experience of this incredible beach. I’ve included information on how to get to Capo Bianco, what the beach is like, facilities and parking. There are also tips on what else to do in nearby Portoferraio.
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Capo Bianco Beach (Spiaggia di Capo Bianco)
Capo Bianco is one of the most picturesque beaches on Elba and is my favourite beach on this Italian island, which forms part of the Tuscan Archipelago. This beach is conveniently located close to the main town on Elba, Portoferraio. This makes it an ideal beach to visit if you’re based in Portoferraio.
You’ll probably take a lot of photos of the incredible scenery here. Use my Italy captions to help you caption them.
Whether you’re based in Portoferraio or making a special trip, Capo Bianco is a must-visit destination for beach enthusiasts. Turquoise water laps against the smooth white pebbles of the beach and time spent here feels like a moment in paradise.
A key highlight of Capo Bianco beach is that beyond the organized area, there’s ample space to find your own secluded spot, allowing you to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty.
The rocks at the eastern end provide a great place to find rainbow-coloured fish. The water is so clear here that you can see them even without the help of a snorkel.
Pro Tip: Whilst the white pebbles look beautiful, they can make it difficult to get in and out of the water. Bring water shoes to make it easier.
How to Get to Capo Bianco, Elba Island
To reach Elba you need to take a ferry from the Italian town of Piombino. There are loads of ferries from Piombino to Elba, so you’ll have plenty to choose from.
Capo Bianco is part of the Portoferraio coastline which means it’s very easy to get to, as Portoferraio is one of the main ferry ports on Elba.
Once you’re in Portoferraio, take a 20-minute walk out of the centre, to the northwest. Follow the coastline along Spiaggia delle Ghiaie, past Padulella and you’ll arrive at Capo Bianco beach. The walk is mostly on pedestrian footpaths, making it a pleasant stroll in the sun.
During the summer, Elba offers a free beach bus service. Bus #7 is your ticket to the pristine beaches of the northern coast, with stops at the key beaches near Portoferraio, including Capo Bianco.
For information on how to hire a car in Elba check out my article on car rental in Elba.
Facilities at Capo Bianco Beach
In contrast to the sandy beaches of the south coast, like beautiful Fetovaia beach, Capo Bianco is a pebbly beach. One of the great things about Capo Bianco is that it manages to balance the facilities of an organised beach whilst still maintaining the feeling of a remote beach.
There’s an open-air restaurant and bar perched on top of the cliffs just before the steps down to the beach. The views out across the sea make it an ideal spot to enjoy the hot and cold food and drinks on offer.
The back of the restaurant houses well-maintained toilets, available for free, plus there are showers for a small fee.
If you’d rather not walk back to the bar for food, keep an eye out for periodic beach sellers offering fresh fruit. While it might not be the most budget-friendly option, the convenience is worth it.
In addition to the bar, there’s also a hut right on the beach which sells various beach toys and equipment like snorkels and water shoes.
For those seeking adventure, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available right on the beach.
Pro Tip: There are some determined seagulls on this beach, so keep your food and belongings safe. I witnessed one plucky bird drag a shoe across the pebbles and later attempt to steal an inflatable lilo.
Umbrella and Lounger Rental Price
The middle section of Capo Bianco is cordoned off for private umbrella and beach lounger rental. You’re politely asked not to park your own towel in this area. The cost is from €30 per day.
Pro Tip: Keep walking past the paid-for area until just before the rocks at the end. This area was much less populated than other parts of the beach on my visits, providing a more tranquil beach experience.
Where to Eat: Restaurants and Bars at Capo Bianco
The restaurant at the top of the cliffs overlooking Capo Bianco offers plenty of seating and spectacular views. If you’re looking for other dining options, there are places to explore in Portoferraio town.
A great place to check out in Portoferraio is the wonderful Da Gianni. It’s a 20-minute walk but it’s worth it for the homemade fresh orecchiette (pasta ‘ears’).
Parking
If you’re travelling by car or motorbike, there’s a small paid parking area at Capo Bianco. The car park is conveniently located on Via Capobianco, next to the beach restaurant. Parking costs from €12 per day.
Other Things to Do at Capo Bianco
For strong swimmers, it’s possible to swim beyond the headland at the eastern end, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the forts of Portoferraio. The play of sunlight on the town is a sight to behold and was a highlight of my trip to Elba.
Capo Bianco is part of a string of glorious white pebble beaches that you might expect to find in the Caribbean rather than in Europe. You can walk between these beaches, so take some time to explore the other nearby gems, including Padulella and Sottobomba and, slightly further away, Sansone.
If you’re looking for more than just beach relaxation, consider taking a stroll into Portoferraio. Explore the historical centre, visit the Medici forts, walk around Napoleon’s mansion and discover the Roman ruins at Villa Romana della Linguella. Or if that all sounds like far too much effort, just grab a delicious homemade gelato from Zero Gradi and meander through the charming old streets.
Accommodation
The town of Portoferraio has a good range of accommodation, from apartments to comfortable hotels. Here are three top picks.
Belvedere Residenza Mediterranea is top-rated family-run accommodation. The location is ideal for visiting Capo Bianco beach as it’s only a five-minute walk away. There’s a beautiful garden with an outdoor pool. Guests can make use of free bikes, which is a great money-saving bonus if you plan to cycle around the Portoferraio area.
Porto Sole Rooms are beautifully designed rooms overlooking the Portoferraio harbour. The central location is ideal for exploring the bars and restaurants of the old town. Accommodation includes air conditioning and Wi-Fi, which is not always the case for apartments in Elba, so this is a great choice if you want to stay connected.
Hotel Acquamarina is a 3-star hotel ideally located around the corner from Capo Bianco. Enjoy breakfast with a sea view and clean and modern rooms. Free parking is available. Hundreds of guests give this property a high overall rating of 9 out of 10 on Booking.com.
Map of Capo Bianco
I’ve created a map that shows the bus stop and parking area at Capo Bianco as well as the location of da Gianni restaurant. Click the arrow icon to the left of the map heading to view the names of each of the places marked.
Capo Bianco beach is a coastal gem that effortlessly combines natural beauty with convenience, making it a must-visit destination on Elba. From the pristine white pebbles to the crystal-clear waters and the stunning cliffs, it’s a slice of paradise that will leave a lasting impression on any traveller. Make sure to include Capo Bianco beach on your holiday itinerary for an unforgettable experience.
More Elba Resouces
Fetovaia Beach on Elba, Italy: A Complete Guide
Monte Capanne, Elba, Cable Car and Hike: Ultimate Guide
Piombino to Elba Ferry: Cheapest and Best Ways to Get to Elba