Southeast of the island of Elba

The southeast of Elba Island presents a varied landscape combining sandy beaches, rocky coves, picturesque villages, and mining heritage. The region, shaped by the history of iron exploitation, has preserved a unique cultural and natural heritage. Seaside resorts such as Capoliveri and Porto Azzurro are near small bays ideal for swimming and diving. The hinterland, with its panoramic trails, completes an experience that blends relaxation, culture, and nature. Between museums, local traditions, and preserved coasts, this area attracts both leisure seekers and history enthusiasts.

Things to do and see around Capoliveri

• Capoliveri village and its historic center
• The mining museum and mining heritage
• The beaches, including Straccoligno, Calanova, Remaiolo
• The seaside resort of Lido di Capoliveri
• The wild coastline of Capo d’Arco
• Porto Azzurro and its Spanish fortress

Map of the southeast of the island

Lido di Capoliveri

One of the most famous sandy beaches in the southeast, Lido di Capoliveri is popular for its shallow waters suitable for families. Tourist facilities are well developed: restaurants, hotels, water sports, and diving clubs. Sheltered from the wind, the bay maintains a friendly atmosphere while remaining close to Capoliveri and Porto Azzurro.

Capoliveri

Perched on a promontory at 170 meters above sea level, Capoliveri retains its medieval charm and lively squares.
Once shaped by mining activity, it is now focused on cultural and artisanal tourism.
The historic center develops around Piazza Matteotti, with a labyrinth of narrow streets called chiassi, its vaulted passages, and stairways.
In the evening, the streets come alive around cafés and restaurants offering local specialties, especially during local festivals such as the Festa dell’Uva in October.
From the panoramic terrace of Piazza del Cavatore, a viewpoint pays tribute to the village’s mining history and offers an extensive view over the Gulf of Stella and Porto Azzurro, particularly striking at sunset.

Porto Azzurro and Its Surroundings

Once a mining port, Porto Azzurro is now a lively seaside resort. Its large central square opens directly onto the harbor, surrounded by cafés and restaurants. The San Giacomo Fortress, built by the Spanish in the 17th century, overlooks the town. Around it, visitors can reach small beaches and coves such as Mola to the west (dog-friendly beach), and to the east Barbarossa (small pebbles and rocks) or Reale (sand and pebbles), while the nearby hills offer panoramic hiking trails.
The Terranera Beach is distinctive, with its shiny black sand, rich in hematite, near a freshwater lake formed by an old iron quarry, providing a unique setting.
East of Porto Azzurro, the promontory of Capo d’Arco is a protected natural area, known for its coves often accessible only by sea. The site is renowned for diving and hiking, with untouched marine landscapes. It is one of the island’s wildest areas, offering a sharp contrast with the busier beaches along the coast.

Beaches of Capoliveri, Morcone, and Pareti

The beaches near Capoliveri are known for their more intimate atmosphere compared to the Lido. Morcone, slightly larger, is equipped with tourist facilities, while Pareti remains more discreet, appreciated for its tranquility. They are also starting points for diving, as the coast hosts a rich marine life. Just to the south, Spiaggia dell’Innamorata stands out for its local legend, celebrated every July 14, and offers a natural setting with views of the Gemini islets.
Between the Lido and Morcone, the small coves of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Barabarca, and Zuccale provide a wilder natural environment: the first is a sheltered and peaceful bay, while Barabarca and Zuccale attract with their light sand, gently sloping vegetation, and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and diving.

The Capoliveri Promontory

The Capoliveri Promontory, which extends into the sea towards the southeast, is one of the island’s most interesting areas for its combination of landscapes and history. Its slopes, covered with Mediterranean scrub, descend towards a series of coves with clear waters, including Remaiolo and Cannello, long associated with mining activities. Industrial remnants are still visible, integrated into the impressive natural scenery. The isthmus that connects Capoliveri to this promontory offers panoramic trails accessible to hikers, allowing alternation between views of the southern and eastern coasts. There are also mountain biking routes, including the famous Capoliveri Legend XCO. The sheltered coves offer clear waters ideal for swimming.

Mining Museum and Mining Heritage

The southeastern promontory of Elba was long exploited for its iron resources. The Capoliveri Mining Museum recounts this history through exhibitions, artifacts, photographs, and discovery trails. Guided tours also lead through the old galleries, providing a concrete insight into the miners’ working conditions.

Beaches of Cannello, Remaiolo, Calanova, and Straccoligno

The coastline between Capoliveri and Porto Azzurro features numerous coves, often accessible by trails or by sea. Cannello and Remaiolo (smaller and more pleasant) stand out for their wild character, surrounded by cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation, with sandy areas near old mining ruins.
Istia, Malpasso, and Calanova are beaches located in small sheltered bays. Calanova is popular with families for its charm and some facilities. Straccoligno offers a beautiful sandy beach, well-equipped, with a friendly atmosphere.
Naregno is lined with pine trees, fairly extensive, and equipped with services, while maintaining a natural environment, suitable for families with children. From there, trails lead to the fortress of Forte Focardo, a remnant of the Spanish military past.

The Most Beautiful Beaches Near Capoliveri

Ranking, from Lido di Capoliveri south of the Punta Ballamorta promontory:

1. Innamorata — Large iconic beach of Capoliveri, lively atmosphere but beautiful rocky setting, view of the Gemini islets, clear waters + amenities.
2. Acquarilli — Wild, dark sand, spectacular panorama, clear sea, preserved atmosphere (nudism possible).
3. Morcone — Beautiful sheltered cove, sand/pebble, family-friendly, calm water, services available.
4. Zuccale / Barabarca — Secluded coves, transparent waters, moderate crowd, suitable for snorkeling.
5. Margidore — Large quiet beach, more subdued atmosphere, decent water but steep seabed, beautiful view over Lacona Bay.
6. Calanchiole — Pretty small cove adjacent to the Lido, discreet, pleasant but less remarkable compared to others.
7. Lido di Capoliveri — Long family-friendly beach, convenient, but very busy and less scenic.
8. Coves of Punta Balamorta — Mainly interesting for diving and views, but difficult access and not ideal for typical swimming.

Ranking: Punta Balamorta → Porto Azzurro → Capo d’Arco

1. Terranera — Unique landscape with dark sand and ferruginous lagoon, geological rarity and distinctive aesthetic.
2. Barbarossa — Large sand/pebble beach, good natural setting, busy but pleasant, equipped and convenient.
3. Reale — Neighboring beach to Barbarossa, smaller and discreet, dark sand, good water and less touristy atmosphere.
4. Naregno — Long sandy beach, surrounded by greenery, family-friendly and pleasant, shallow water.
5. Coves of Capo d’Arco — Wild, crystalline water, perfect for snorkeling/diving, but limited access and no comfortable sand.
6. Pareti / small intermediate coves — Pretty rocky spots for secluded swimming, but not suitable for a full beach day.
7. Cala di Muro / minor coves — Pleasant for diving, but limited interest for lounging or family swimming.
8. Urban beaches of Porto Azzurro — Convenient and central, but less attractive atmosphere and ordinary setting.

Things to Do on Elba Island

Links and Information

• Capoliveri – Visit Tuscany
• Old Workshop Museum – InfoElba
• Capoliveri Mines and Mount Calamita 
• Calanova Beach (and other coves)
• Forte San Giacomo / Fort Longone in Porto Azzurro