Le Viste Beach

Le Viste beach lies on the edge of Portoferraio's old town, below the Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon's residence on Elba, and beneath Forte Falcone, hence its other name, Napoleon's beach. It is a small north-facing bay of light sand mixed with pebbles, with very clear water. Just offshore rises Lo Scoglietto, a small islet at the centre of a protected marine area.

Getting there

You can only get there on foot: from the old town follow the signs for the Villa dei Mulini, climb a stone staircase and then walk down about 200 metres along a steep paved lane, tiring on the way back. Leave the car in the paid car parks in the town centre or at the port. The access road was damaged by a landslide in the flood of 13 February 2025 and reopened to pedestrians at the end of June 2025 after safety works; the Municipality had planned further works after the summer, so check the state of access before you go.

Which wind to go with

The sea is at its best with the sirocco and the south wind, when the water is calm and especially clear.

Facilities and tips

On the beach there is a bar and restaurant, with umbrella, sunbed and water sports hire, plus stretches of free beach. The rocky spur that closes the bay gives shade in the afternoon, and at sunset the view is one of the finest in town. Around Lo Scoglietto the seabed is rich in fish, a favourite spot for snorkelling and diving.