You’re searching for the best beaches in Capoliveri — and you’ve come to the right place. With one of the longest coastlines on the island of Elba, Capoliveri offers everything from wide family-friendly bays and romantic coves to wild, empty stretches where nature takes center stage. No matter your travel style, these beaches deliver authentic Mediterranean beauty, great swimming, and local flavor.
Best Hotels in Capoliveri🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: La Terrazza nel cuore di Capoliveri
- 🏨 4-Star: Sunset Suite
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Appartamento Verde Blu
- 💸 Cheap: Casa Leo Capoliveri
- 🏢 Apartment: Villa Dei Pini
- 👪 For Families: Casa Maddi Capoliveri
- 🏩 For Couples: Villino Nel Bosco
Quick Guide to the Best Beaches 📃
- 🏖️ Golden Sand Stretch — Lacona Beach
- 💕 Romantic Legend — Innamorata Beach
- 🌿 Hidden Cove Charm — Barabarca Beach
- 🗻 Backdrop of Mines — Morcone Beach
- 🌊 Wild & Secluded — Zuccale Beach
- 🌳 Green Tranquility — Norsi Beach
- 🚶♂️ Easy Access & Vibes — Lido di Capoliveri Beach
- 🌅 Sunset Views — Margidore Beach
- 🌾 Family-Friendly Sands — Palo Beach
1. Lacona Beach: Elba’s Premier Sandy Bay
Fine golden sand warms underfoot for over a kilometer along Lacona Beach, one of Elba Island’s largest and most popular strands with a splendid, gently shelving seabed. I watched families with children play in the shallow, turquoise water while teenagers set up volleyball nets further down the shore amid low Mediterranean vegetation. This wide, gently sloping sandy beach is about 1.2km long and ideal from June to September when the water stays calm and warm around the protected inlet.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Walk from the pine forest behind Lacona Beach to the eastern end, where you’ll find quieter spots near Capo di Stella on the southern coast’s greenery. Don’t miss the dunes at the western edge—locals love them for their wildflowers, resilient vegetation, and sunset views over the bay. Arrive before 10am to claim a prime spot in summer; parking is easiest near Via della Spiaggia, and the bus stop is right at the beach entrance for a car-free day exploring the beautiful beaches around Capo di.
- Pro: Endless soft sand and safe swimming for all ages.
- Con: Gets crowded in peak season—head east for more space.
Best For: Everyone, especially families and sunbathers.
Skip If: You want complete solitude; try Zuccale or Istia instead.
Best Hotels near Lacona Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- La Terrazza nel cuore di Capoliveri — Cozy central apartment near Capoliveri’s main square, ideal for walkers who want easy access to cafés and local boutiques.
- Terrazza Paradiso Capoliveri — Bright stay with a panoramic terrace, perfect for sunset views over the bay and relaxed evenings outdoors.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Sunset Suite — Stylish suite with a private terrace and sea glimpses, great for couples who want a calm, central base near Capoliveri’s cafés.
- Casa Magnolia Capo Perla Apartments — Quiet apartments close to Lacona’s coves, offering simple comforts and easy access to nature trails and beaches.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Casa Leoni Capoliveri Isola d'Elba — Bright, tidy apartment close to Capoliveri’s historic lanes, ideal for walkers and easy evening dining.
2. Innamorata Beach: Romance & Legend by the Sea
Innamorata Beach’s dark sand and dramatic cliffs set the mood for couples—legend says two star-crossed lovers met their fate here on the storied coast of Elba among some of the most beautiful beaches of Elba. I walked past the colorful fishing boats bobbing in the bay and felt the history in the warm breeze while thinking how the beaches of Capoliveri invite you to discover the beaches beyond the headland. The beach is sandy and pebbly, about 280m long, with calm waters best from May to October, a romantic contrast to Lacona and family-friendly Naregno.
The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Stroll from the beach to Punta delle Ciarpe for snorkeling, or take a pedal boat to the Gemini Islets offshore, then continue to beaches near the headland for quieter coves. Locals favor the tiny cove just east of the main beach for a quiet swim directly on the beach when the sea is glassy. Parking fills quickly in July and August; arrive early or come by bike from Capoliveri town center to explore more of the beaches of Capoliveri in a single morning.
- Pro: Unbeatable romantic setting and clear water.
- Con: Limited amenities outside peak season.
Best For: Couples and anyone seeking a storybook setting.
Skip If: You need lots of facilities; Lacona or Lido di Capoliveri are better equipped.
Best Hotels near Innamorata Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Hotel Anfora — Classic hotel close to Innamorata and the coast, with friendly service and convenient beach access.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Casa Nanuk Capoliveri — Compact, tidy apartment in a peaceful spot, perfect for minimalist travelers who value a clean base near town.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Appartamento La Scaletta Capoliveri — Compact old-town stay with practical kitchen space, perfect for short breaks near cafés and shops.
3. Barabarca Beach: Secluded Bay in Mediterranean Greenery
Barabarca Beach feels like a secret, tucked into a small bay with emerald water and lush maquis, a corner immersed in the Mediterranean where a splendid sandy beach meets polished pebbles. I followed the scent of wild herbs along a shaded path to reach the shore, passing viewpoints that hint at wild beaches further along the headland. The beach is a mix of sand and small pebbles, about 100m long, and stays peaceful even in July and August, often praised as one of the most beautiful coves between the beach of Lacona and the beach of Naregno.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
Hike up to the Calamita Mines viewpoint for panoramas over the coast, then cool off with a dip at Barabarca or continue on the cliff path toward Laconella for glassy-water swims. Locals love the tiny unnamed cove just west of the main beach—a perfect spot for a private picnic when the sea is calm. Parking is limited, so walk or bike from the nearby village of Naregno for the easiest access without stress.
- Pro: Quiet, natural, and great for snorkeling.
- Con: Few services—bring your own supplies.
Best For: Nature lovers and those craving calm.
Skip If: You need lifeguards or beach bars; try Lacona instead.
Best Hotels near Barabarca Beach
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Casa Maddi Capoliveri — Bright apartment with a furnished terrace, well-suited to longer stays and relaxed outdoor breakfasts.
- Villa dei Pini Capoliveri — Characterful old-town lodging steps from restaurants and artisan shops, ideal for walkers and evening passeggiatas.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Appartamento Verde Blu — Simple, comfortable base with balcony space, a good fit for beach days on Elba’s south coast.
4. Morcone Beach: Mining History Meets the Med
Morcone Beach sits below the dramatic slopes of Monte Calamita on Elba’s southern coast, where old iron mines cut into the hillside through Mediterranean maquis. The contrast of red earth, crystal-clear blue sea, and green pines is striking—I felt like I’d stepped into a landscape painting within the municipality’s most rugged enclave. This small sandy beach is about 80m long, with sections of sand and gravel, and best visited from May to September.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Explore the Calamita Mines above Morcone for a unique blend of industry and nature, or walk east to the tiny cove of Cannello Beach, a local secret close to the center of Capoliveri by a short drive. The sunset from the old mine terraces is legendary when the water below turns glassy against the Mediterranean maquis. Parking is available along the coastal road, but arrive early in high season to secure a space near the trailhead.
- Pro: Unique scenery and a touch of local history.
- Con: The beach itself is small and can feel cramped.
Best For: Adventurers and photography buffs.
Skip If: You want a classic sunbathing spot; Lacona or Innamorata are better choices.
Best Hotels near Morcone Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Camping Canapai — Nature-forward retreat with cabins and campsite facilities, good for budget-friendly, outdoorsy stays.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Villa Messina Capoliveri — Villa-style stay with garden space and quiet surroundings, a good fit for travelers seeking calm and privacy.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Monolocale Tre Mari — Minimalist studio with sweeping hillside views, great for couples who plan to explore by car.
5. Zuccale Beach: Wild Cliffs & Turquoise Waters
Zuccale Beach is a wild, windswept stretch where cliffs plunge into limpid, clear, deep water overlooking the sea within the municipality’s rugged coastline. I watched seabirds dive as waves rolled onto the mixed sand and rock shore near Punta dei Gabbiani. The beach is about 150m long, mostly pebbles and rocks, and best for spring and autumn when the sea is lively.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Follow the trail west to the hidden coves near Capo Fonza—locals come here for solitude and dramatic sunsets with wide views overlooking the sea. The nearest parking is a 10-minute walk away; take Via Zuccale from Capoliveri town to reach the path signed for Punta dei Gabbiani. The beach is rarely crowded, even in summer.
- Pro: Spectacular scenery and a true escape.
- Con: Not ideal for swimming or families with young kids.
Best For: Explorers and anyone seeking raw nature.
Skip If: You need facilities or gentle waves; Lacona or Norsi are more accessible.
Best Hotels near Zuccale Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Elba Casa Mare 47 Natura — Apartment stay near Zuccale Beach with home comforts and easy driving distance to coves on Elba’s south coast.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Casale Grandangolo — Rustic-chic casale with wide views and outdoor seating, perfect for sunset aperitivo after a beach day.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Appartamento Raffaella — Neat apartment with terrace seating, convenient for relaxed breakfasts and easy town access.
6. Norsi Beach: Sandy Stretch in Lush Surroundings
Norsi Beach greets you with fine, golden sand framed by Mediterranean shrubs and a cool pinewood, a gentle cove surrounded by lush greenery on this part of the municipality’s coast. I waded into the calm, shallow water and watched fishing boats bob offshore where the bottom shifts to sand and fine pebbles near the shore. The beach is about 200m long, with sand and some small pebbles, and is lovely from June through September.
The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Walk inland to the tiny chapel of Madonna delle Grazie, then stop at Bar Alba in Naregno for an aperitivo under the edge of the pinewood. Locals favor the eastern end of Norsi for its privacy and clear water, especially where the dunes are surrounded by lush bushes. Park along Strada Provinciale 24 and walk down the shaded path to the beach to avoid traffic inside the municipality’s busier lanes.
- Pro: Calm, shallow water and natural shade.
- Con: Can get windy in the afternoon.
Best For: Families and those who want a mix of nature and comfort.
Skip If: You want beach bars and nightlife; Lacona or Lido di Capoliveri have more action.
Best Hotels near Norsi Beach
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Hotel Plaza Porto Azzurro — Polished hotel above the bay with panoramic lounges, convenient for exploring Porto Azzurro’s waterfront and Norsi Beach.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Residenza Rosso Di Sera — Warm, homely stay offering parking and breezy balconies, handy for day trips to multiple coves.
7. Lido di Capoliveri Beach: Easygoing Vibes & Sunset Drinks
Lido di Capoliveri Beach is a lively, sandy stretch on Isola d’Elba with a young, local crowd and a relaxed vibe framed by lush Mediterranean vegetation. I sipped a spritz at a beach bar as the sun dipped behind the Calamita peninsula toward the Stella Gulf. The beach is about 400m long, with soft sand, rich in marine life close to the rocks, and bustling from June to August.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
Stroll along the Lungomare to Capoliveri’s main square, Piazza Matteotti, for gelato and people-watching within the municipality’s most social seaside hub. Locals love the tiny Margidore Beach just east for a quieter swim with clear views of the Stella Gulf. The bus from Porto Azzurro stops right at Lido—no car needed to enjoy this slice of Isola d’Elba.
- Pro: Fun atmosphere and easy access.
- Con: Can feel noisy and crowded in peak season.
Best For: Social butterflies and sunset seekers.
Skip If: You crave solitude; head to Zuccale or Felciaio instead.
Best Hotels near Lido di Capoliveri Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Hotiday Apartment Collection Portoferraio — Contemporary apartments near Capoliveri, handy for ferries and day trips across the island.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Villa Wanda — Simple and serene, offering a leafy setting and an easy drive to several sandy coves.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Buen Retiro Portoferraio — Contemporary apartment in Portoferraio, well-placed for ferry access and island-wide excursions.
8. Margidore Beach: Wide & Peaceful
Margidore Beach offers wide, open sand surrounded by greenery with a fine view across the bay to Porto Azzurro in the municipality’s eastern stretch. The water here is calm and clear—I watched a heron stalk the shoreline at dawn on one of the most famous easy-access strands in the municipal area. The beach is about 300m long, mostly sand, and a haven from June to September, easily reached on foot from the road toward Focardo.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Rent a kayak from one of the local operators and paddle out to the rocky islets offshore for a fine view back to the beach. Locals come early to walk their dogs along the water’s edge on paths surrounded by greenery near the Focardo headland. Parking is easy along Via Margidore, and the beach is accessible for wheelchairs within the municipality’s maintained seafront.
- Pro: Spacious, peaceful, and disability-friendly.
- Con: Fewer amenities than at Lacona or Lido.
Best For: Relaxation and water sports.
Skip If: You want bustling beach bars—Lido di Capoliveri has more nightlife.
Best Hotels near Margidore Beach
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Hotel Belmare — Classic seaside hotel with breezy rooms and helpful staff, a practical base for budget-friendly beach hopping.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Hotel Villa Italia — Classic hotel with welcoming staff and a central position, a practical base for touring Capoliveri.
9. Palo Beach: Family-Friendly Sands
Palo Beach is a sheltered, sandy cove popular with families on the eastern side of Elba Island. The gentle slope and safe swimming drew me in on a hot afternoon, with lush vegetation framing a real natural pocket of calm within the municipality. The beach is about 100m long, with fine sand, and ideal from June to September across this corner of the Tuscan Archipelago.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Explore the small harbor nearby or follow the trail up to the Calamita Mines for panoramic views from a panoramic hill above the coast. Locals love the tiny cove just west of Palo for privacy, and guided tours sometimes pass the mine trails with sweeping looks over the archipelago. Parking is limited—arrive early or walk from Capoliveri town to keep traffic light inside the municipality.
- Pro: Safe, shallow water and a relaxed vibe.
- Con: Can feel crowded with families in summer.
Best For: Families with young kids.
Skip If: You want solitude or adventure; try Zuccale or Morcone instead.
h as waves crashed on the rocks. The beach is about 90m long and best in spring and autumn.
Best Hotels near Palo Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Allegroitalia Elba Golf — Practical aparthotel option with kitchenettes, ideal for longer stays and flexible self-catering.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Il Boschetto Porto Azzurro — Green, quiet setting with handy access to Palo Beach and a short drive to others Capoliveri’s beaches.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- La Casa Dei Fichi — Quiet, leafy retreat with outdoor space, ideal for slow mornings before hitting nearby beaches.
FAQ
What budget should you plan for a beach holiday in Capoliveri?
Expect to spend €30–50 per person per day on meals, local transport, and beach activities, with higher prices in July and August.
Which beaches in Capoliveri are best for families with young children?
Lacona Beach, Norsi Beach, Palo Beach, and Margidore Beach all have shallow, calm water and gentle sand, ideal for families.
Which beaches are ideal for water sports in Capoliveri?
Lacona Beach is great for windsurfing and paddleboarding, while Felciaio Beach and Morcone Beach are top spots for snorkeling and freediving.
What is the best time of year to visit Capoliveri’s beaches?
Aim for May–June or September for warm, calm seas and fewer crowds, while July and August offer the liveliest atmosphere but more visitors.
How can you easily get around Capoliveri’s beaches?
Local buses connect Lacona Beach, Lido di Capoliveri, and Naregno, while walking and biking paths link smaller coves; parking is limited in summer, so arrive early.
Are there any hidden or less-crowded beaches in Capoliveri?
Istia Beach, Barabarca Beach, and the tiny coves near Capo Fonza are local secrets for peace, clear water, and dramatic scenery.
What practical tips should visitors know when going to Capoliveri’s beaches?
Bring water, sunscreen, and snacks for smaller beaches, arrive early for the best parking, respect local wildlife, and check for seasonal bus schedules.
