Mola Beach

Mola beach lies at the head of the Gulf of Mola, on Elba's eastern side, between Porto Azzurro and Capoliveri. It is a beach of sand mixed with gravel, around a hundred and fifty metres long, set in a closed, sheltered inlet where many boats anchor for the night in summer. Behind it lies the Mola wetland, one of only two on the island, protected by the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.

Getting there

Take the main road from Portoferraio towards Porto Azzurro and, about a kilometre before the town, near the turn-off for Capoliveri, follow the dirt road that leads down to the sea. There is a large free car park next to the beach. The area is also served by local buses.

Which wind to go with

The enclosed gulf protects it from most winds: guides recommend it with the tramontana (north wind) and the mistral. It is, however, exposed to easterly winds, which blow straight into the gulf.

Facilities and tips

The beach is largely free, with one beach concession renting umbrellas, sunbeds and cabins, toilets, a bar and mooring buoys; on the right-hand side there is a boatyard. It is rarely crowded and is used mainly by boaters. The wetland is a stopover for many migrating birds: the volunteers who look after it have even recorded a spoonbill in the reeds near the river mouth. So move quietly along the edge of the reeds and bring binoculars.