Forno Beach

Forno is the smallest of the three beaches in the Gulf of Biodola, on the north coast of Portoferraio, next to a small hamlet of pastel-coloured fishermen's houses. It is a cove of fine golden sand, just over a hundred metres long and narrow, facing west towards the coast of Marciana Marina and the bulk of Monte Capanne. The water stays shallow for a long way, ideal for small children.

Getting there

From the Portoferraio-Procchio road, follow the signs for Biodola and turn right before the turn-off for Scaglieri. The road ends at a small square with only a few parking spaces; from there you walk about 200 metres. On 9 September 2025 a cloudburst opened a sinkhole in the road and cut the hamlet off, but the road reopened to traffic on 13 September 2025.

Which wind to go with

The cove is sheltered from most winds: the sea is calm with tramontana (north wind), grecale, levante (east wind) and sirocco. Since it faces west, it is the westerly winds that blow into the gulf and stir up the water.

Facilities and tips

On the beach there is a bar, a restaurant, umbrella and sunbed hire, canoes, kayaks, pedalos and SUP boards, a mooring point and a defibrillator. Parking is scarce, so in high season it pays to arrive early. The big Biodola beach is about 700 metres away and Scaglieri about 400 metres. The most atmospheric moment is sunset, with views over the coast of Marciana Marina and Monte Capanne.