Elba Island

Set on the island’s eastern coast, near Porto Azzurro and the old Calamita mining basin, Terranera is one of Elba’s most unusual beaches. Its shiny black sand, rich in minerals and even faintly magnetic, mixes with rocks in red and dark shades left by centuries of iron extraction. Just behind the shore, an emerald green lake, cut off from the sea by a thin strip of pebbles, completes an almost unreal scene.

The contrast between the lake, the coloured rock and the sea makes Terranera a place you come first of all to admire. But its clear water holds a fine surprise: it offers excellent snorkeling, with remains of the old mine still visible a few metres from shore. The slippery pebble bottom makes water shoes worthwhile, and swimming in the sulphurous lake is not allowed, so the sea is where you dip.

Terranera is a wild beach with no services at all: no bar, no sunbeds, no shade, so come self-sufficient, with water, sunscreen and something to eat. You reach it from Porto Azzurro along the Capo d’Arco road, leaving the car and walking a few minutes on a stony path. Parking sits a little apart and stays basic, which is part of what keeps the place so peaceful.

Set on the island’s north-western coast, in the municipality of Marciana, Sant’Andrea beach fills a small cove ringed by large granite boulders. Its soft pale sand, mingled with polished rock, borders water of striking clarity, counted among the loveliest on Elba. A coastal path threads between the blocks, inviting you to explore the neighbouring inlets and take in the rocky scenery.

It is the crystal-clear water that has made Sant’Andrea famous: it reveals every detail of the rocky seabed, making it one of the island’s best spots for snorkeling and easy diving. The soft sand and gradual entry suit families too, though water shoes come in handy near the rocks. Swimming, exploring mask in hand or simply lazing about, everyone sets their own pace.

The small hamlet above the beach has several bars and restaurants, along with a kiosk and sunbed rental on the serviced sections. Sant’Andrea is reached by car from Marciana, on the road tracing the north-western coast. Parking is limited in this little seaside village and fills quickly in summer, so arriving early spares you a lot of circling.

Set on the island’s south-western coast, in the municipality of Campo nell’Elba, Fetovaia beach opens into a wide sheltered bay guarded by a granite headland. Its fine golden sand slopes gently into water shading through turquoise, while a pine wood and rounded boulders close off the scene. Regularly named among Elba’s loveliest beaches, it owes its fame to this play of colours and its protected setting.

Calm and shallow near the shore, the water makes Fetovaia a firm favourite with families: children splash about safely while grown-ups soak up the sun. Its turquoise water, clear around the granite rocks, also invites swimming and snorkeling over the shallow seabed. Between lazing, long swims and breaks in the shade, the day slips by effortlessly.

Several beach clubs offer sunbeds, umbrellas and food, while wide stretches of free beach stay open to all. Fetovaia is reached by car along the coast road from Marina di Campo, passing through the hamlet of Seccheto. Parking runs along the road and fills up fast in high season, so arriving in the morning is the surest way to keep things easy.

Set along the island’s northern coast, Biodola beach curves into a peaceful gulf of calm water, sheltered by hills clad in Mediterranean scrub. Its fine pale sand slopes gently into a sea shot through with turquoise, earning it a reputation as one of Elba’s loveliest bays. Open and full of light, the setting lends itself equally to unwinding and to simply taking in the view.

The gradual, safe entry into the water makes Biodola an ideal beach for families and for children, who can paddle about with complete peace of mind. Active visitors are well served too: the bay is a favourite playground for water sports, from sailing and paddleboarding to diving. Between swims, lazing in the sun and long strolls along the shoreline, everyone shapes the day at their own pace.

Several beach clubs line the shore, offering sunbeds, umbrellas and places to eat, while stretches of free beach remain open to all. Biodola is easily reached by car from Portoferraio, and seasonal bus services connect the area. Parking is available nearby, though it fills quickly at the height of summer, so arriving early is always the wiser move.

Tucked along the island’s eastern coast, not far from Capoliveri, Felciaio beach nestles in a sheltered cove that opens onto the sea. The shore is really two small inlets, one sandier and one more pebbly, framed by low scrub and hills covered in Mediterranean maquis. Discreet and slightly out of the way, the spot offers a lovely sea view and a calm mood, far from the bustle of the bigger beaches.

Felciaio wins visitors over above all with its crystal-clear water, which deepens quickly and reveals the rocky seabed below: it is a dream spot for snorkeling and watching underwater life. People come to swim in peace, spread a towel between the rocks and enjoy a dip well away from crowded beaches. Lovers of quiet and mask-and-snorkel outings find a setting cut to their taste.

A small beach bar serves food and rents sunbeds, with a shower and toilets on site, making the cove pleasant for a whole day out. Felciaio is reached by car from Capoliveri, then by a short path leading down to the shore. Parking sits higher up along the road and is limited, so arriving early in summer is the safest bet.

Opening onto the Gulf of Lacona, on the island’s south side in the municipality of Capoliveri, Laconella beach carries on from the large Lacona beach beyond a small headland. Its fine golden sand backs onto a belt of dunes dotted with junipers and pines, one of the few preserved dune habitats on Elba. Wilder and quieter than its bigger neighbour, it charms with its natural feel and clear water.

Here the water stays calm and the shallow water shelves gently, making Laconella pleasant for families and children playing at the edge. People come mainly for the peace and quiet, to lay a towel facing the open sea and swim well away from the bustle. The beauty of the spot lies in its simplicity: few facilities, plenty of nature and a faintly secret-beach air despite its popularity.

Laconella is above all a free beach with few services, so it is best to bring an umbrella, water and a snack, even though there are places to eat nearby. It is reached from Capoliveri along the Lacona road, then by a short, slightly rough path down to the shore. Parking is the real catch: spaces are limited and the area is regulated, so arrive early and park only in the permitted spots to avoid a fine.