Felciaio Beach

Felciaio lies on the eastern shore of the Golfo Stella, on Elba's south coast, between the beaches of Norsi and Lido di Capoliveri. It is not one beach but a group of three small coves: the most popular is the second, a kind of natural pool enclosed by cliffs, with a sandy bottom and emerald-green water. The rocks off the shore have unusual shapes, and the view sweeps from Capo della Stella to Monte Calamita and out to Montecristo.

Getting there

From the Portoferraio - Porto Azzurro road, follow the signs for Felciaio to a large paid car park about 1 km from Lido di Capoliveri. From there a narrow dirt path crosses thick scrub down to the beach: sources give a distance of between 300 and 500 metres. It is a short walk, but comfortable shoes are a good idea.

Which wind to go with

The sea is calm with tramontana (north wind), grecale (north-east wind) and mistral, which this stretch of coast is sheltered from. The beach is exposed to the libeccio (south-west wind), which pushes waves into the coves.

Facilities and tips

There are no beach clubs or rentals: the only facilities are a bar and the car park. The cliffs around the coves have rocky seabeds full of marine life, ideal for snorkelling. In high season the main cove fills up quickly because there is little room on the sand, so arrive in the morning and bring an umbrella. For more facilities, Lido di Capoliveri is a few minutes away.