Cotoncello Beach

Cotoncello is a tiny inlet in the bay of Sant'Andrea, in the north-western part of Elba. It is enclosed by pale granite cliffs smoothed by the sea, which hold the water like a natural pool. The little beach is light sand mixed with fine gravel, and the shallow water near the shore lets you see colourful seaweed and small fish.

Getting there

On the road that runs down from Zanca to Sant'Andrea, about 400 metres before the village, turn right into via del Cotoncello, a narrow, winding lane; parking nearby is very limited and you cover the last stretch on foot. Alternatively, start from Sant'Andrea beach and follow the coastal path over the rocks: it is short, but you need to be sure-footed. In summer the Marebus shuttle runs.

Which wind to go with

The cove opens to the north-west and is sheltered from other directions by Punta del Cotoncello: the sea is calm with the sirocco and the south wind, while with the mistral the swell rolls into the small bay and swimming becomes uncomfortable.

Facilities and tips

There are no facilities on the beach, so bring water, a sunshade and something to eat; bars and restaurants are in Sant'Andrea. Space on the sand is tight, so in high season it pays to arrive early or settle on the smooth rocks around it. Take a mask and fins: snorkelling among the granite boulders is easy and rewarding. In spring the cliffs turn fuchsia when the Hottentot fig is in bloom.