Beaches of Elba Island — sand, shingle and coves

Beach Guide

One coast, a thousand different beaches

Elba Island is a natural paradise with an extraordinary variety of beaches and coastlines, offering something for everyone:

01Golden sandy beachesPerfect for relaxation and fun.
02White pebble covesSurrounded by unspoiled nature and tranquility.
03Granite cliffsIdeal for diving into crystal-clear waters.

Golden sand shoreline with a gentle wave, seen from above

From the vast stretches of sand at Biodola, Marina di Campo, Procchio and Lacona, to secluded bays like Sansone and Fetovaia, the beaches of Elba Island offer breathtaking views and turquoise waters that rival the Caribbean.

Beach umbrellas and sunbeds of a beach club on the sand, seen from above

Services for all needs

Most beaches offer free zones, but also equipped beach resorts, where you can rent umbrellas, sunbeds, and enjoy popular water sports. Many beaches also feature Blue Points for services in free areas.

Two dogs running and playing in the shallow water of the beach

Beaches for everyone

We’ve selected the best family-friendly beaches with shallow, safe waters for children, as well as dog-friendly beaches so your four-legged friends can enjoy the sea with you.

Granite cove with white pebbles and crystal-clear water, seen from above

Naturism and practical tips

For naturism enthusiasts, some coastal spots on Elba Island have embraced the practice for years. And if you encounter a jellyfish, don’t worry: simple natural remedies will let you get back to enjoying the sea.

Every corner of Elba Island hides a special beach waiting for you. Plan your seaside adventure and fall in love with this gem of the Mediterranean.

On this page you'll find the live weather, the wind forecast with a compass rose and an interactive map of every beach, filterable by town, seabed type and wind direction. Because on Elba the perfect beach is often the one sheltered from today's wind.

Weather & Wind

Elba weather today and next days

Live conditions for Elba Island, with a 4-day forecast, sea temperature and wind direction. Weather data by Open-Meteo.

Elba Island — now

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Compass Rose

Live wind direction

The iconic beach

Fetovaia, Italy's no.1 in 2026

No.1 in Italy 2026

Skyscanner ranking 2026

Fetovaia

Campo nell'Elba · South-west coast

Voted the most beautiful beach in Italy 2026 in the Skyscanner ranking. A long crescent of fine golden sand on the island's western coast, protected by a tongue of land covered in Mediterranean scrub. This very shape makes it sheltered from the winds and gives it a mild microclimate: clear, shallow water near the shore, ideal for families. The best times are May-June and September, when crowds are smaller.

Golden sand Family friendly Sheltered from wind Shallow, clear water

Sources: La Nazione / Skyscanner (2026)

Interactive map

Find your beach on the map

All of Elba's beaches at a glance. Filter by town, by seabed type or by wind direction: with the wind filter the map hides exposed beaches and highlights the sheltered ones.

Town

Seabed type

Wind (show sheltered)

Dogs

78 beaches on the map

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Isola d'Elba
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Portoferraio Campo Capoliveri Marciana M. Marina Porto Azzurro Rio

Map © OpenStreetMap · weather by Open-Meteo. Sea conditions are indicative.

Dog-friendly

Dog-friendly beaches on Elba

🐾 Where to bring your dog to the beach

On Elba Island several stretches of coast and some equipped areas (Bau Beach) welcome four-legged friends. Tap a beach to see it on the map.

Important: rules on dog access change every year and by season. Outside high season many free beaches are more permissive. Always check the current regulations of the Municipality and the beach club.

Practical guide

How to choose the right beach

Follow the wind

Elba's golden rule: choose the leeward coast. With Mistral or Tramontana (from the north-west/north) head to the south coast (Marina di Campo, Cavoli, Lacona); with Sirocco or Libeccio (from the south) prefer the north coast (Biodola, Sansone, Le Ghiaie).

Times and crowds

In high season the most famous beaches fill up between 10:00 and 12:30. Arrive early or in the late afternoon. Coves reachable only on foot or by sea stay quieter even in August.

Sand, gravel or rocks

For gravel and rocky beaches (Sansone, Capo Bianco, Sant'Andrea) bring water shoes: the seabeds are superb for snorkelling. Fine sand (Fetovaia, Cavoli, Lacona) is ideal for children.

Water quality

Elba's sea is among the cleanest in the Mediterranean and most beaches lie within the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Collecting sand, pebbles and marine life is forbidden.

In high season (July-August): for the most popular serviced beaches it's best to book sunbeds and umbrellas in advance. Parking at Fetovaia is limited: visitors often leave the car at Sant'Andrea / Seccheto and reach the beach on foot or by shuttle.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ about Elba's beaches

Which is the most beautiful beach on Elba?

In 2026 Fetovaia was voted the most beautiful beach in Italy in the Skyscanner ranking. Other favourites: Cavoli and Marina di Campo (sand, south coast), Sansone and Capo Bianco (white gravel, north coast), Sant'Andrea (granite, west coast).

How do I pick a beach based on the wind?

A beach is sheltered when the wind blows from land towards the sea. With a northerly wind (Tramontana/Mistral) the sea is calm on the south coast; with a southerly wind (Sirocco/Libeccio) the north coast is better. Use the "Current wind" filter on the map to instantly see which beaches are sheltered today.

Are there free public beaches?

Yes, most of Elba's beaches are free. Many large beaches offer both paid sunbed areas and wide adjacent free areas where you can bring your own umbrella.

When is the sea warmest?

The sea reaches its highest temperatures between late July and September. September is often the ideal month: still-warm water, quieter beaches and lower prices. The sea is already swimmable from late May in sheltered coves.

Are there beaches good for snorkelling?

Yes: the best are the gravel and rocky ones such as Sansone, Capo Bianco, Sant'Andrea and Padulella, with seabeds rich in marine life. Bring a mask, fins and water shoes.

Beaches and Coastlinesof Elba Island — from Fetovaia to Sansone, and the sheltered ones