Le Tombe Beach

Le Tombe is a wild beach on the south-western coast of Elba, between Fetovaia and Pomonte, about a kilometre from the first and just over two from the second. It is made up of three small neighbouring beaches of dark pebbles smoothed by the sea, mixed with large rocks and enclosed by dark cliffs: the dark stone and the sheltered position create a warm microclimate that is pleasant even out of season. The name is said to come from some Etruscan tombs found nearby.

Getting there

From Marina di Campo follow provincial road 25 past Cavoli, Seccheto and Fetovaia to km 16, where a small car park holds about ten cars. From here a red-and-white waymarked path leads down: the descent takes 10-15 minutes, with a steep final stretch; the climb back, in full sun with no shade, about 20 minutes. Wear closed, comfortable shoes rather than flip-flops.

Which wind to go with

The cliffs protect it from winds between north and east: with the grecale (north-east wind) and the east wind the sea is calm. It is exposed, however, to southerly and south-westerly winds, when it is better to pick another beach.

Facilities and tips

There are no facilities at all: bring water, food and shade with you. The dark gravel seabed and clear water are good for snorkelling, and water shoes help when getting in over the pebbles. In 2022 the municipality of Campo nell'Elba authorised naturism on this beach, which naturists use mainly on the right-hand stretch beyond the rocks: worth knowing before you head down.