Reale Beach

Reale beach opens to the south-east at the end of the valley of the same name, on Elba's east coast a few kilometres from Porto Azzurro, near the Capo Bianco headland. Just over a hundred metres long, it is made of sand mixed with medium and fine gravel in light and reddish tones. The water is shallow in the middle of the bay, while colourful rocks rise along the sides. The area recalls the island's mining past: limonite was extracted to the west and haematite, pyrite and magnetite to the east, in the mine that has left behind Lake Terranera.

Getting there

From Porto Azzurro, take the provincial road towards Rio Marina: after about 2 km, on the right, there is a sign for Capo d'Arco and Reale. Drive down to the beach, where a fairly large free dirt car park lies on the left.

Which wind to go with

Reale is sheltered from strong westerlies and the libeccio (south-west wind): guides recommend it with the tramontana (north wind), the mistral and westerly winds. It is exposed, however, to easterly and south-easterly winds, which blow straight into the bay.

Facilities and tips

There is a beach club with umbrellas and sunbeds, a bar, toilets and restaurants nearby, as well as boat hire and diving and sailing schools. The shallow water suits children, while the rocks on either side are ideal for snorkelling. A short path leads in a few minutes to the black-sand beach of Terranera and its lake, where swimming is banned.