Padulella Beach, Elba, Italy: The Complete Guide
Padulella Beach is a stunning white pebble beach located within walking distance of the harbour of Portoferraio on the Italian island of Elba. It’s formed by a mesmerizing curve of the bay with dramatic white cliffs meeting the crystalline sea.
As a seasoned traveller who’s visited plenty of Elba’s best beaches, let me guide you through all the key details of Padulella Beach. I’ve included information on how to get to Padulella Beach, what the beach is like, facilities and parking. There are also details of fun activities to do in the historic town of Portoferraio. So, join me in uncovering the allure of Padulella, where the shimmering blue colours of the sea must be seen to be believed
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Padulella Beach (Spiaggia Padulella)
Padulella is not just a beach; it’s part of the Elba biosphere, a protected coastal area where fishing of all kinds is forbidden. This means that at Padulella there are plenty of vibrant fish to see, creating an underwater spectacle for snorkelers and nature enthusiasts.
As well as Padulella Beach, Portoferraio is home to a strip of similarly beautiful beaches, including Sansone and Capo Bianco, which is located right next to Padulella. This makes Padulella a great starting point if you want to go on a beach crawl and explore the other white pebble beaches. After Padulella, head westwards along the Elba coast to explore the rest of these paradise beaches.
Padulella Beach is so close to Portoferraio that it gets very crowded, so if you’re visiting Elba in peak summer, you can expect to be sharing it with plenty of other people. Avoid weekends and the middle of the day if you can, to have a better chance of finding more space for your spot.
The water at Padulella Beach is incredible, the turquoise water shimmers with the reflection of the blazing sun.
Pro Tip: Bring water shoes to make it easier to get in and out of the sea at this pebbly beach.
How to Get to Padulella Beach on Elba
On the Italian mainland, the nearest city to Elba Island is Piombino. You need to take a ferry from Piombino to Portoferraio before heading over to Padulella Beach.
Once in Portoferraio, it’s only a 15-minute walk to get to Padulella. After you get off the ferry, head north along Calata Italia, towards Ghiaie Beach. Instead of going to that beach, continue westwards along the coast on Viale De Gasperi.
As the road heads uphill, look out for the sign marking the turning off for Spiaggia Padulella, on the right-hand side. Walk past the barrier on the main road, which blocks access for cars, and continue along the pathway. Pause and take in the awe-inspiring panorama from the cliffs above before descending the steps to Padulella’s idyllic shoreline.
If you’ve taken some incredible pictures of the view, use this list of short captions for travel to find a caption that captures what you want to say.
During summer there’s also the option of a beach bus, #7, which goes from the bus station on Viale Elba, opposite the harbour in Portoferraio. The bus stops at Padulella Beach. Check the Autolinee Toscane website for the latest details.
For information on car rental in Elba check out my article on how to hire a car in Elba.
Facilities at Padulella Beach
As you bask in the Mediterranean sun, for ultimate comfort you can rent umbrellas and loungers at Padulella, creating the perfect set-up for a leisurely day by the sea. If, however, you’re seeking a splash of adventure, pedalos and kayaks are available for rent, enabling you to explore this gorgeous coastline at your own pace.
The beach at Padulella has an organised section in the middle and there are free sections beyond that, offering a more natural beach experience.
For strong swimmers, it’s possible to swim around the headland at the western end of Padulella, past the rocks and arrive at the equally beautiful Capo Bianco Beach, my favourite beach on Elba.
Umbrella and Lounger Rental Price
There is a large section of beach which is set up with loungers and umbrellas for rental. The price is from €35 for a day.
Where to Eat: Bar at Padulella
There is a beach shack-style restaurant directly on the beach at Padulella. Ristorante Bar Bagni La Padulella offers casual outdoor seating and great views of the beach. Food includes plenty of spaghetti dishes, although they’re not particularly economically priced.
Padulella is also very close to La Ghiaie, a bustling city beach that pulsates with music and a variety of vibrant beachside bars. La Ghiaie is a good choice if you want a lively atmosphere to accompany your meal.
Padulella Beach Parking
Whilst parking directly at Padulella is not an option, don’t worry. Head to the nearby car park at Capo Bianco Beach. From there, a picturesque pathway leads you down to the shores of Padulella. Parking costs from €12 per day.
Things to Do Near Padulella
If you have the energy to venture beyond the shores of Padulella, the historic town of Portoferraio offers both history and charm. To step back in time, start your journey at Napoleon’s residence, the Villa dei Mulini, a modest mansion with formal gardens and commanding views of the azure sea. Use my list of the Best Italy Captions for Instagram to caption your beautiful photos.
The understated house is located on Via del Falcone and offers a glimpse into the life of the legendary French emperor who was exiled to Elba in 1814.
The exploration doesn’t end there—Portoferraio boasts not one, but three Medici Fortresses, standing proudly as sentinels of the town’s storied past. These formidable structures bore witness to bygone eras. Nowadays, you can walk their ancient walls and absorb the echoes of history.
Delve even further into antiquity by discovering the Roman villas of Portoferraio, at Villa Romana della Linguella and Villa Romana delle Grotte.
If you don’t feel like heading for a specific sight, just take a wander around the heart of Portoferraio’s Old Town, enjoy getting lost in the cobblestone streets and stairways, soaking in the atmosphere and snapping photos. When you’re ready to share your snaps, get inspiration for your captions with this list of two word captions.
Don’t miss the chance to make a pit stop at Zero Gradi Gelateria, opposite the harbour. The homemade ice cream comes in an impressive array of flavours.
Accommodation Near Padulella Beach
There are various accommodation options in Portoferraio, from petite apartments to larger hotels. Here are three top picks.
Discover a family-run gem, Belvedere Residenza Mediterranea, located just a ten-minute walk from Padulella beach. Amidst a beautiful garden graced by an outdoor pool, you can enjoy this tranquil retreat. Complimentary bikes add a thoughtful and cost-effective touch, perfect for exploring Portoferraio’s scenic surroundings.
Immerse yourself in Porto Sole Rooms, where chic design meets harbour views. Centrally located, it’s the perfect hub for exploring the old town’s bars and restaurants. Enjoy modern comforts with air conditioning and Wi-Fi—a rare find in Elba apartments.
Discover the charm of Hotel Acquamarina, a 3-star gem just minutes from Padulella. Indulge in a sea-view breakfast and unwind in modern, pristine rooms. This hotel has the added benefit of free parking. With a stellar 9 out of 10 rating from countless satisfied guests on Booking.com, book your seaside escape today.
Map of Padulella
I’ve created a map that shows the bus stop and parking area at Padulella Beach. I’ve also marked the location of Napoleon’s mansion, the Medici fortresses and Roman villas. Click the arrow icon to the left of the map heading to view the names of each of the places marked.
Summary: Padulella Beach, Elba, Italy
In conclusion, Padulella Beach is a testament to the beauty of the Tuscan archipelago. The white-pebble beach contrasts with the gorgeous bright blue sea. So, pack your sunscreen, embrace the sparkling crystal clear waters, and let Padulella weave its magic on your soul.