La Sorgente Beach
Municipality of Portoferraio, Elba Island
Photos of La Sorgente Beach
What La Sorgente Beach is like
La Sorgente is a small beach on the north coast of Portoferraio, between Acquaviva and Sansone, about 4 km from town along the road to Enfola. Around 80 metres long, it is made of smooth white pebbles and small stones, enclosed by pale rock walls that drop straight into the sea. The white bottom brings out the clarity of the water, from light blue to turquoise and deep blue; a small sea stack, popular for diving in, separates it from Sansone.
Getting there
Leave the car along the provincial road to Enfola, without blocking traffic, or in the paid car park above the beach. From there you pass between the houses and take a narrow, stony path, uneven in places, that ends with a few steps: about 10-15 minutes on foot. The September 2025 cloudburst wiped out parts of the path and access was banned; by order of the mayor it reopened to pedestrians on 7 May 2026.
Which wind to go with
The sea is calm and clear with sirocco and southerly winds, from which this stretch of coast is sheltered. With northerly winds the beach is exposed.
Facilities and tips
The beach is free and keeps a natural feel; nearby there is a bar, a restaurant and canoe, kayak and SUP hire. In summer it gets crowded, so arrive early, also to find parking. Wear comfortable shoes for the path and skip the flip-flops. The fish-rich seabed draws snorkellers. Five more minutes on foot take you to Sansone.
Beach factsheet
Where it is and how to reach it
Straight-line distances: the road route is longer.
Where to stay near La Sorgente Beach
2.5 km
2.7 km
3.0 km
3.7 km
Straight-line distances from the beach: properties are listed from the closest.