Paolina Beach

La Paolina is a small cove on Elba's north coast, about 2 km from Procchio towards Marciana Marina, enclosed between two rock walls. It is about 90 metres long and narrow, made of sand and fine gravel, and just offshore lies the Paolina islet, which you can even reach on foot thanks to the shallow, rocky seabed. The islet, once called Castiglioncello, was already known to the Romans, and the remains of ancient structures can still be seen on its summit.

Getting there

Take the coast road between Procchio and Marciana Marina, where the way down to the beach is signposted. There is no proper car park: you leave your car in one of the few spots where the road is wide enough. From the road you walk down about 75 wooden steps, not accessible for people with reduced mobility. In summer the Marciana municipal beach shuttle links the area with Procchio.

Which wind to go with

Being on the northern side of the island, La Paolina is a good choice on days of sirocco, southerly wind or libeccio (south-west wind), when the north coast stays sheltered.

Facilities and tips

About a third of the beach is taken up by a beach club with a bar, umbrellas, sunloungers and pedal boat hire; the rest, on the left-hand side, is free. According to legend, Pauline Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister, loved to sunbathe on these rocks, hence the name. Snorkelling around the islet is enjoyable. The beach is small, so arrive early and bring reef shoes for the rocky seabed.