Tuscany is an incredibly popular and famous tourist and holiday destination but many do not think of, or know much about, her stunning coastline. Tuscany - in addition to being a perfect place for those interested in her history, culture, art, hearty cuisine, and beautiful and verdant landscap - makes for an ideal seaside getaway. The region is home to a long coastline and a cluster of gorgeous islands, all of which boast pretty little seaside towns, perfect beaches, interesting coastal walks, excellent seafood, and plenty of outdoor pursuits, activities, and watersports to keep you entertained. Whether you just want a quiet and relaxing break in which deciding what to eat and taking in the sea air are all that occupies your days, you want to stay active by trying new things and having adventures, you want to splash in the water and make memories with your children, you want to go for romantic strolls along the beach, or you want to photograph the diverse and beautiful landscape, a seaside vacation in Tuscany can offer all that and more.
One particular stretch of the Tuscan Coast that we would recommend, if you're thinking about a holiday in the area is Portoferraio. Portoferraio is a port town on the Tuscan island of Elba, an island most famous as the place to which Napoleon was exiled. The town was enriched by his presence, which drew visitors and made it more of a cultural hub than one might expect. Today, it remains charming, picturesque, fascinating, a little frozen in time, and quite surrounded by truly beautiful beaches including...
One particular stretch of the Tuscan Coast that we would recommend, if you're thinking about a holiday in the area is Portoferraio. Portoferraio is a port town on the Tuscan island of Elba, an island most famous as the place to which Napoleon was exiled. The town was enriched by his presence, which drew visitors and made it more of a cultural hub than one might expect. Today, it remains charming, picturesque, fascinating, a little frozen in time, and quite surrounded by truly beautiful beaches including...
1. Sansone Beach
The beautiful white pebble beach of Sansone is considered one of the loveliest on the whole island of Elba, which is saying something. Located on the road from Portoferraio to Enfola, Sansone Beach is framed by the white cliffs that are typical of the northern part of the island and is a narrow strip of blinding white felsite pebbles encountering perfectly crystal clear waters that can vary wildly from light to dark blue and pure turquoise to emerald hues. The result is truly breathtaking. A perfect spot for snorkelling due to the clear waters and also great for canoeing and swimming, it's an excellent choice for those interested in water sports. It is, however, also ideal for those looking to just relax and unwind as it is peaceful, secluded, and generally not too busy, though you can expect some crowds during the peak summer months. There are also just enough bathing facilities on the beach including a place to hire sun umbrellas and loungers and a bar.
2. Sorgente Beach
Next door to Sansone Beach, separated by a rock stack beloved of local teens, you will find Sorgente, another pretty little gem (it is just 80m long) that is made up of white cliffs, white pebbles, and perfectly clear waters. Like Sansone, it is a perfect place to get away from it all and to snorkel, swim, and enjoy other water sports. It also fronts a campsite that has a restaurant and a bar, making it perfect for those who want to make a full day out of it.
3. Sottobomba Beach
Sottobomba Beach is less well-known than the two previously noted examples of beaches in the Portoferraio area but is no less lovely for that and boasts the same picturesque characteristics. Just 200m long and between 12 and 14m wide, it is another wee slip of a beach that is idyllic for those looking for seaside days that are more calm and peaceful, a little more secluded and private. Located along the coastal road from Portoferraio, after the beaches of Le Ghiaie and Capo Bianco, Sottobomba Beach is just 109 steps from the main road, making it much more easy to access than many of the other beaches in the area, which require 10 to 15 minute treks to reach them. Another excellent place for snorkelling and swimming, it is also quite child-friendly but keep in mind that you will need to come prepared as there is no bar or restaurant here.
4. Capo Bianco Beach
Another of the famous white beaches of Portoferraio, Capo Bianco is a sheltered gem that has perfectly calm and utterly peaceful crystal-clear waters, is framed by fuschia-coloured Hottentot Fig blooms in April, boasts plunging white cliffs that descend into the emerald waves, and is populated by lots of different kinds of fish that come from the nearby Scoglietto Marine Reserve of Biology Protection. Even among its picturesque compatriots, this beach is a particular looker and a must for those exploring the coast of Elba. Come take in the cliffs as they are dye pink at sunset, snorkel and meet the underwater inhabitants of the area, and admire the rugged natural beauty of this part of the island.
5. Cala dei Frati Beach
The beach of Cala dei Frati is another beach on Elba that, at a glance, could easily be mistaken as somewhere much more tropical with its glittering white beach and impossibly rich blue waters. Located between Le Ghiaie beach and Padulella beach on the coast of Portoferraio, this is a particularly hidden gem to which there is access by sea only or by starting on the nearby Le Ghiaie beach and wading to Cala dei Frati. This especially secluded nature will appeal to many and between this and the fact that the villas overhead shade the beach after 2pm, you will rarely have massive crowds to contend with. If you're not a complete sun-worshipper and are looking for a peaceful beach on Elba, with amazing views, this is the one.
So, the next time you can manage a trip to this part of Tuscany, be sure to check this astoundingly lovely beaches out for yourself!
Photo credits
Picture 1: Carlo Pelagalli / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 1: Carlo Pelagalli / CC BY-SA 3.0
