Sottobomba Beach

Sottobomba is a long, narrow strip of white pebbles on Elba's north coast, just past Capo Bianco on the road from Portoferraio towards Enfola. It is about 190 metres long, narrowing in places to just a few metres, and is backed by a white cliff between 20 and 40 metres high. The pale bottom turns the water turquoise.

Getting there

From Portoferraio follow the coast road past Le Ghiaie and Capo Bianco; about 500 metres after the Capo Bianco car park, a small lay-by and a sign that is easy to miss mark the entrance, so drive carefully to avoid going past it. A short path through the vegetation ends with about a hundred steps down to the beach. Nearby there are free parking spaces and a paid car park; in summer the bus also stops here.

Which wind to go with

It is recommended with the sirocco, the south wind and the libeccio (south-west wind): with these winds the cliff shelters it and, especially with the sirocco, the sea is calm and clear.

Facilities and tips

Facilities are basic and not always available, so come prepared with water and an umbrella; in the morning the cliff gives some shade. Water shoes are useful on the pebbles of the shore and seabed. The pale bottom and the rocks make it a good spot for snorkelling, and a small protruding rock is a favourite diving board for kids. It is usually quieter than the nearby beaches.