Elba Island
The Beaches of Marina di Campo
1.3 kilometres of sand in front of the village, a cove you reach on foot and the west coast fifteen minutes away by car. This is where we actually go.
Marina di Campo grew up around its beach: 1.3 km of light sand tracing the gulf, with the village right behind it and the pine grove at its back. Our three homes are all within walking distance — 1 to 5 minutes — so for a beach day, a towel over your shoulder replaces the car.
In this guide you'll find the beaches as we live them: the big one in front of home, the cove you walk to when you want quiet, and the south-west bays — Cavoli, Seccheto, Fetovaia — for the days you feel like a change of water.
Marina di Campo Beach
It is the longest sandy beach on Elba: 1.3 km of fine, light sand, calm water and a seabed that slopes gently — children can play at the shoreline without worry. Free-beach stretches alternate with bathing establishments, and in June or September there is always room.
The village sits right behind the sand: gelato after your swim, focaccia for lunch, an evening stroll along the seafront. It's why people who come once tend to come back — a beach day here requires no planning at all.
Length
1.3 km of fine sand
Seabed
Shallow, gently sloping
From our homes
1–5 minutes on foot
Sea
22–25 °C from June to September
Galenzana, the Cove on Foot
When the main beach is lively and you're after somewhere quieter, trail no. 39 starts at the end of Piazza Verrazzano: in about ten minutes it drops down to Galenzana, an uncrowded bay of sand and pebbles with water of a different turquoise and a farmhouse restaurant just behind the pines.
From there the trail continues towards the Capo Poro lighthouse: a panoramic walk through the broom, with the gun emplacements of a Second World War battery still visible along the ridge. Closed shoes and a bottle of water are all you need.
Elba Island
The West Coast: Cavoli, Seccheto, Fetovaia
Three bays in a row on the south-western coast, all less than fifteen minutes by car from Marina di Campo.
Cavoli
≈ 10 minutes by car
Fine sand and crystal-clear shallows — the water everyone photographs. In summer it's the liveliest beach on this coast: for its best version, go early in the morning. At seven, it's another world.
Seccheto
≈ 12 minutes by car
The most intimate of the three: sand and smooth granite slabs to dive from, with the little village right behind. For those who want the west coast without Cavoli's buzz.
Fetovaia
≈ 15 minutes by car
A tongue of sand sheltered by the headland, with Caribbean-postcard water. In high season, arrive early: the bay is small and fills up fast.
Worth the Trip
A little farther from Marina di Campo, but they repay the drive.
Sant'Andrea
≈ 25 minutes by car · north-west coast
Sand between smooth granite rocks and the most beautiful sunset we know on the island: our favourite spot for the last swim of the day.
Sansone
≈ 35 minutes by car · north coast
White pebbles and water so transparent it looks unreal: this is Elba's snorkelling beach. Rock shoes recommended.
Lacona
≈ 20 minutes by car · south coast
A long sandy beach backed by dunes, with a gentle seabed and plenty of space: a comfortable alternative on peak days.
The Gems
Sleep a Few Steps from the Sand
All three of our homes are within walking distance of Marina di Campo beach.
Beach Questions, Answered
Is Marina di Campo beach sand or pebbles?
Fine, light sand with a shallow, gently sloping seabed: it is the longest sandy beach on Elba (1.3 km) and one of the most family-friendly.
Can we walk to the beach from your homes?
Yes, from all three: Villa Montecristo is 1 minute away (~80 m), the Scalinate Apartment 2 minutes (~150 m), Villa Fornaci 5 minutes (~350 m). The car stays parked for the whole beach day.
Do we need a car for Cavoli, Seccheto and Fetovaia?
It's the most convenient option: they are 10–15 minutes from Marina di Campo. In high season the car parks fill early, so leave in the morning. If you're unsure how to plan it, write to us and we'll advise you.
Which beach is best for children?
Marina di Campo itself: fine sand, shallow water at the shore and the village a few steps away for gelato and breaks in the shade. Lacona, with its gentle seabed and plenty of space, also works very well.
Is there a free public beach in Marina di Campo?
Yes: free stretches alternate with bathing establishments along the whole gulf. In midsummer just arrive at an easy pace in the morning; in June and September space is never a problem.
When are the beaches least crowded?
June and September: the sea is already (or still) around 22–24 °C, the beaches breathe again and the village is alive without the August peak. We cover this in our guide on when to visit Elba.
The Beach on Foot, Home at Your Back
Three homes in Marina di Campo, 1 to 5 minutes from the sand. Write to us and Giovanni will reply in person.
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