Cala dei Frati

Cala dei Frati is a small cove on the north coast of Portoferraio, tucked between Le Ghiaie and Padulella beaches at the foot of a pale cliff. It is about a hundred metres long and only a few metres wide, made of white pebbles and coarse gravel; underwater, stones alternate with brownish rocks and the clarity is remarkable. The sea here lies within the Ghiaie-Scoglietto-Capo Bianco biological protection zone, set up in 1971, where fishing is banned.

Getting there

There is no public access from land: behind the cove there is private property and a cliff about twenty metres high. So you get here by sea, by kayak, SUP or small boat, or from the north-western end of Le Ghiaie by swimming or wading around the headland, with the water at least waist-deep. The nearest parking is the paid car park behind Le Ghiaie.

Which wind to go with

The best days are those with sirocco or a southerly wind, when the sea along this stretch of coast stays calm and clear. With mistral or tramontana (north wind) the cove is exposed, and swimming or paddling there is not a good idea.

Facilities and tips

There are no facilities on the beach: bars, rentals and a lido are at Le Ghiaie. Bring water and the essentials in a dry bag and go in the morning, because the cove falls into shade early in the afternoon. Snorkelling along the rocks is rewarding, but keep away from the rock face, which is prone to small rockfalls.