{"id":9668,"date":"2025-11-28T17:40:48","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T16:40:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.elbahotelgiardino.it\/?page_id=9668"},"modified":"2026-02-28T16:06:40","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T15:06:40","slug":"top-10-beaches-of-elba-island-and-where-to-find-the-best-bits","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.elbahotelgiardino.it\/en\/top-10-beaches-of-elba-island-and-where-to-find-the-best-bits\/","title":{"rendered":"Top\u00a010 beaches of Elba Island and where to find the best bits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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P.S. For updated services and prices, please contact the individual business directly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elba offers an incredible variety of beaches. Instead of asking which side is best<\/em>, this guide from Hotel Giardino<\/strong> in Lacona helps you choose the right beach for your day. Each beach has different sand or rocks, scenery and facilities, and the article provides practical tips on access, parking and the types of visitors who will enjoy them. It also explains why Hotel Giardino is a strategic base to explore the island, being centrally located and just 100 m from Lacona beach .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The beaches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1 \u2013 Cavoli (Campo nell\u2019Elba)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  • Setting:<\/strong> 300 m of pale sand and smoothed granite slabs create a sheltered bay with emerald\u2011green water . The hills keep the wind out, so the sea is like a natural pool.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Atmosphere:<\/strong> Lively beach bar and afternoon music give it a youthful vibe in high season. In the morning and off\u2011season it is calm enough for families .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Tips:<\/strong> Reachable in about 15 min by car from Hotel Giardino; parking is limited and paid. Arrive early to find a space .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    2 \u2013 Fetovaia (Campo nell\u2019Elba)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    • Setting:<\/strong> A narrow tongue of soft golden sand lies between headlands, giving a tropical feel. The water is turquoise and pool\u2011like . Rocks and the Scoglio della Seghettina offer excellent snorkelling .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Atmosphere:<\/strong> Calm sea and shallow water make it perfect for children and couples. It is very popular, so arrive early to find parking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Tips:<\/strong> About 20 min from Lacona. A few beach clubs and bars provide umbrellas, pedal boats and SUP rentals .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      3 \u2013 Sansone (Portoferraio)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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      • Setting:<\/strong> A 150 m ribbon of white eurite pebbles sits below white cliffs; the turquoise water is extraordinarily clear . It is part of a protected area rich in fish and Posidonia seagrass.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Access:<\/strong> Park on the road (\u20ac18\/day) and walk for about 15 minutes down a dirt path; not suitable for strollers .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Services:<\/strong> Only a kiosk at the start of the path; no facilities on the beach. Bring water and shade .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Ideal for:<\/strong> Adventurous couples and snorkellers who don\u2019t mind the walk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        4 \u2013 Capo Bianco (Portoferraio)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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        • Setting:<\/strong> 300 m of white pebbles under high quartz cliffs; the contrast with the turquoise sea is spectacular .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Access:<\/strong> Stairs of about 80 steps descend from the road; the parking area is small .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Services:<\/strong> A small area of umbrellas; otherwise it is free. Bars and restaurants are at street level .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Ideal for:<\/strong> Couples, photographers and snorkellers looking for a quieter alternative to city beaches .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          5 \u2013 Biodola (Portoferraio)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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          • Setting:<\/strong> A long bay of fine golden sand (about 600 m), backed by Mediterranean scrub and pine woods . The shallow sea is calm and clear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Services:<\/strong> Hotels and resorts line the beach, offering restaurants, bars, umbrellas, diving and sailing schools .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Atmosphere:<\/strong> Well\u2011kept and family\u2011oriented, yet trendy. Nearby Scaglieri and Forno can be reached on foot.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            6 \u2013 Sant\u2019Andrea (Marciana)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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            • Setting:<\/strong> A small sandy cove combined with flat pink\u2011granite slabs (the Cote Piane<\/strong>) which form natural sun terraces and pools . The water is transparent and teeming with life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Access & services:<\/strong> Mountain road; limited parking in the village; a small beach club with umbrella rentals, canoe\/SUP hire and a couple of restaurants .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Ideal for:<\/strong> Couples seeking a romantic spot and snorkellers exploring the rock pools .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              7 \u2013 Lacona (Capoliveri)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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              • Setting:<\/strong> The second\u2011longest beach on Elba (1.2 km) with soft sand, natural dunes and a large pine forest providing shade . The shallow sea makes it perfect for children.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Services:<\/strong> Numerous beach clubs, sailing\/windsurf schools, kayak and pedal\u2011boat rentals, bars and restaurants .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Why stay here:<\/strong> Hotel Giardino is only 100 m away; you can walk to the beach in 5 minutes and easily visit the other beaches from this central base .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                8 \u2013 Laconella (Capoliveri)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                • Setting:<\/strong> A hidden 180 m cove next to Lacona. Its aquamarine water and wild surroundings give it a secluded feel .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Access & services:<\/strong> A side road leads to a 5\u2011minute footpath (steep at the end). There are no services\u2014bring water, shade and take your rubbish home .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Ideal for:<\/strong> Visitors seeking quiet and nature; families who enjoy a short hike .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  9 \u2013 Innamorata (Capoliveri)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                  • Setting:<\/strong> A bay of dark sand and pebbles facing two small islands (Gemini). Known for romantic sunsets and the Legend of the Innamorata<\/strong>, celebrated on 14 July with a torchlight procession and swimming race .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Services:<\/strong> Two beach clubs, two restaurants\/bars and pedal\u2011boat rental .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Ideal for:<\/strong> Couples and families; snorkelling near the rocks and enjoying the evening festival .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    10 \u2013 Terranera (Porto Azzurro)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                    • Setting:<\/strong> A unique \u201cblack beach\u201d formed from old iron\u2011mine tailings; behind it lies an emerald\u2011green lake rich in sulphur . The contrast between the black sand, green lake and blue sea makes it a geologist\u2019s dream .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Access & services:<\/strong> Drive to nearby Spiaggia di Reale, park for free and follow a five\u2011minute footpath. There are no facilities; bring everything you need . Swimming in the lake is prohibited for safety reasons .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Ideal for:<\/strong> Geology and photography enthusiasts, hikers and snorkellers who appreciate unusual landscapes .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Summary table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      Below is a condensed overview of each beach. It highlights the type of setting, how to reach it from Hotel Giardino and who will enjoy it most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Beach<\/th>Setting & scenery<\/th>Access & services<\/th>Best for<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
                      Cavoli<\/strong><\/td>Soft pale sand; protected bay with calm emerald water<\/td>15 min by car; paid parking; beach club with music<\/td>Youthful crowds, snorkelling, families (mornings)<\/td><\/tr>
                      Fetovaia<\/strong><\/td>Narrow golden\u2011sand strand; turquoise pool\u2011like sea<\/td>20 min by car; narrow road & paid parking; beach clubs, bar, pedal\u2011boats<\/td>Families (calm water), couples & photographers<\/td><\/tr>
                      Sansone<\/strong><\/td>White pebbles under white cliffs; crystal\u2011clear water<\/td>25 min drive + 15 min walk; no services; only a kiosk near path<\/td>Adventurers, snorkellers, couples<\/td><\/tr>
                      Capo Bianco<\/strong><\/td>White pebbles & towering cliffs; turquoise water<\/td>20 min drive; stairs from small parking; limited umbrella rentals<\/td>Couples, photographers, snorkellers<\/td><\/tr>
                      Biodola<\/strong><\/td>Long, fine\u2011sand bay backed by greenery; calm sea<\/td>30 min drive; large free\/paid parking; full resort facilities<\/td>Families seeking comfort, water\u2011sport fans<\/td><\/tr>
                      Sant\u2019Andrea<\/strong><\/td>Tiny sandy cove & pink\u2011granite slabs forming natural pools<\/td>45 min drive; limited parking; small lido, canoe\/SUP rentals<\/td>Couples, snorkellers, those seeking quiet<\/td><\/tr>
                      Lacona<\/strong><\/td>1.2 km sandy beach with dunes & pine forest; shallow water<\/td>5 min walk from Hotel Giardino; numerous clubs & sport schools<\/td>Families, groups of friends, anyone wanting convenience<\/td><\/tr>
                      Laconella<\/strong><\/td>Small secluded bay with aquamarine water<\/td>5 min drive + short footpath; no services<\/td>Visitors seeking nature & quiet, adventurous families<\/td><\/tr>
                      Innamorata<\/strong><\/td>Dark sand & pebble beach facing twin islands; famed sunsets<\/td>20 min drive; paid parking; two clubs & restaurants<\/td>Couples, families, snorkelling & festival lovers<\/td><\/tr>
                      Terranera<\/strong><\/td>Black sand with green lake; industrial\u2011nature landscape<\/td>20 min drive + 5 min walk; no services, lake off\u2011limits<\/td>Geology & photography enthusiasts, solitude seekers<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      Why Hotel Giardino is the perfect base<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                      \"Ingresso<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                      \"Giardino<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                      \"Camera<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                      \"Camera<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                      \"Golfo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                      \"Camera<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      Hotel Giardino, in Lacona, makes it easy to explore these beaches. It stands in a 30 000 m\u00b2 pine park just 100 m from Lacona beach, so guests can reach the sand on foot in 5 minutes and still have a reserved shaded parking space for exploring further afield . Its central location between Portoferraio, Capoliveri, Marina di Campo and Porto Azzurro means all major beaches are 10\u201315 km away .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      The hotel is family\u2011run and known for its welcoming atmosphere: guests are greeted by name and offered home\u2011baked cakes. The pine forest provides hammocks and a playground; some rooms have balconies or patios. There is a restaurant serving Tuscan\u2011Elban cuisine with weekly outdoor grills, and breakfast includes homemade cakes, jams and savoury options . Amenities include free Wi\u2011Fi, bicycle use, ferry discounts, air\u2011conditioned rooms and pet\u2011friendly policies . Guests often describe Hotel Giardino as a \u201cbase camp\u201d where they wake to birdsong, spend the day exploring a different beach or trail, then return to relax and dine in a peaceful garden .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Nearby sights and easy excursions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      Beyond the beaches, Lacona offers nearby excursions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                      • Madonna della Neve sanctuary:<\/strong> A 20\u201130 minute walk from the hotel leads to a white hilltop chapel with panoramic views over the Gulf of Lacona; picnic tables make it ideal for a sunset stroll .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Forte Focardo:<\/strong> A Spanish fort on Capo Perla near Porto Azzurro. Though still a military base, its viewpoint (10 min walk from Naregno car park) offers sunset panoramas .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Capoliveri:<\/strong> A medieval hill town 8 km away with narrow lanes, craft shops and panoramic terraces. Visit the Sea and Mineral Museum and join a 4\u00d74 tour of the former iron mines on Monte Calamita .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Capo Stella trail:<\/strong> A 3 km circular walk starting 1 km from the hotel that loops around the promontory, offering 360\u00b0 views over the gulfs of Lacona and Stella and glimpses of Montecristo and Pianosa .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Other local beaches:<\/strong> Margidore (15 min walk), Felciaio (5 min drive) and Fonza (8 km, via dirt road) provide quieter alternatives with pebbles and clear water .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Porto Azzurro:<\/strong> 15\u201320 min away, this charming harbour town has a lively seafront, gelaterias and shops, a small pebble beach and paths to Capo Focardo and the Monserrato hermitage .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        Elba\u2019s beauty isn\u2019t confined to one coast. From the golden sands of Cavoli and Fetovaia to the white cliffs of Sansone and Capo Bianco, from the full\u2011service comfort of Biodola and Lacona to the wild, otherworldly landscapes of Terranera, each beach offers a different mood . The secret is to mix and match: choose the sheltered southern shores when a north wind blows, then head north for white pebbles and snorkelling when the south wind picks up . With Hotel Giardino as your central base, you can wake up each day and head in a new direction, knowing you will return to a friendly, relaxing haven in the pine woods .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Whether you are travelling as a family looking for safe, serviced beaches, a couple seeking romantic coves, a snorkeller chasing the clearest water or a walker in search of panoramic trails, Elba will surprise you at every turn. Pack your mask, sunscreen and comfortable shoes: your journey through Elba\u2019s top 10 beaches is about to begin \u2013 enjoy the sea and have a wonderful holiday!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                        P.S. For updated services and prices, please contact the individual business directly. Elba offers an incredible variety of beaches. Instead of asking which side is best, this guide from Hotel Giardino in Lacona helps you choose the right beach for your day. Each beach has different sand or rocks, scenery and facilities, and the article provides…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9668","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.elbahotelgiardino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9668","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.elbahotelgiardino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.elbahotelgiardino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.elbahotelgiardino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.elbahotelgiardino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9668"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.elbahotelgiardino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9668\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10765,"href":"https:\/\/www.elbahotelgiardino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9668\/revisions\/10765"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.elbahotelgiardino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9668"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}