The western coast of Elba Island, between Sant’Andrea and Cavoli, presents a wilder and more preserved landscape than the eastern areas. The granite cliffs plunge into clear waters where small coves, long beaches, and wave-polished rocks alternate. The coastline is dominated by the Monte Capanne massif, whose slopes are home to picturesque villages and hiking trails. This area attracts both those seeking relaxation on the sand and enthusiasts of diving, climbing, or panoramic walks. It also reveals a local culture shaped by the relative isolation of these hamlets and a strong maritime tradition.
This coast, from Sant’Andrea to Cavoli, thus combines a variety of maritime landscapes, vibrant or preserved villages, spectacular natural curiosities, and historical landmarks that go far beyond the beaches. It constitutes a rich itinerary, where seaside tourism is complemented by cultural and heritage discoveries that are often little known.
Places and Sites Along the Coast
- Sant’Andrea and Cotoncello: sandy beach, granite coves and polished rocky slabs; easy swimming and snorkeling; trails connecting coastal areas, including the Calello Trail
- Zanca and Cala della Cotaccia: hamlet near Sant’Andrea; wild cove with sculpted rocks and clear waters; secluded natural setting, ideal for snorkeling with the Formiche della Zanca: rocky islets offshore
- Patresi: quiet coastal village with pebble coastline, Patresi Mare beach, platform and pier; diving and relaxed atmosphere. The Punta Polveraia Lighthouse stands on a scenic rocky promontory.
From Patresi to Pomonte, there are beautiful views of Corsica. - Chiessi: hamlet nestled at the foot of Monte Capanne; pebble beach, authentic atmosphere, dry-stone terraces and traditional walls.
- Pomonte: seaside village known for the wreck of the cargo ship Elviscot (1972), stranded in shallow water and accessible by swimming from the pebble beach.
- Fetovaia: light sandy beach protected by a crescent-shaped bay; one of the island’s most renowned beaches.
- Cavoli: white, fine sandy beach, very popular, with a microclimate extending the bathing season; presence of remains linked to former granite exploitation.
Trails and Hiking
- Inland, on the slopes of Monte Capanne, the trails offer spectacular panoramas, notably towards Madonna del Monte Sanctuary, Marciana and Poggio, San Niccolò Church, with the Caprili delle Macinelle (former stone shepherd shelters), dry-stone walls, the Calanche Crown (monumental granite formations),
- Coastal trails: Via dell’Essenza (or Via dell’Erica) from Sant’Andrea to Colle d’Orano, hike from Marciana Marina to Sant’Andrea, towards San Giovanni in Campo (12th-century Romanesque parish church).
- Trail 104/103: between Chiessi and Pomonte, 5 km long, with 400 m of elevation gain, offering sea views and crossing Mediterranean forests.
Map of the Western Coast
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Sant’Andrea and Cotoncello
Sant’Andrea is a seaside resort known for its golden sandy beach and large polished granite slabs that descend into the sea, creating natural spaces suitable for swimming, diving, relaxation, and photography.
A coastal trail, the Calello Trail, connects Sant’Andrea to the cove of Cotoncello. This route runs along the sea on rocks shaped by erosion, with several swimming spots. Cotoncello is a small, intimate, and quiet cove, appreciated for its calm and clear waters.
Trails Around Sant’Andrea
- Via dell’Erica / Via dell’Essenza: connects Sant’Andrea to Colle d’Orano (5.4 km, 372 m elevation gain), passing through Zanca, Cala della Cotaccia, and Patresi. Moderate difficulty, crossing panoramas, Mediterranean vegetation, agricultural remains, and leading to Cala della Cotaccia.
- Marciana Marina – Sant’Andrea (trails 150 and 150A / Sentiero dei Profumi): challenging hike (~13 km round trip, 633 m elevation gain), offering spectacular coastal landscapes, passages through the maquis and agricultural terraces, with a possible stop at La Cala.
- Marciana Marina – Cala della Cotaccia (coastal trail 150): long route (~21 km) with significant elevation gain, suitable for experienced hikers. It allows combining several discoveries of the northwest coast.
Zanca and Cala della Cotaccia
The hamlet of Zanca serves as a starting point to the wild cove of Cala della Cotaccia, accessible via various trails from Sant’Andrea, Zanca, or Patresi. The area is sparsely visited, well-preserved, and known for its sculpted granite rocks and clear waters. The Scogliere della Cotaccia (Cotaccia Cliffs) extend this coastline with cliffs and secluded coves.
Off the coast of Zanca lie the Formiche della Zanca, a rocky archipelago popular with divers. The area hosts abundant marine life, including red gorgonians, groupers, moray eels, and schools of fish.
Patresi and Punta Polveraia
Patresi is a small hamlet between Sant’Andrea and Chiessi, known for its tranquil atmosphere and preserved coastline. The village has a few accommodations and shops. It also serves as a starting point for hiking or mountain biking trails along the coast. The Santa Lucia church.
The Patresi Beach, composed of medium to large pebbles, offers a wild and quiet setting, ideal for diving.
The Punta Polveraia Lighthouse, closed to the public and automated, built in 1909 on a rocky promontory 2 km from Patresi, overlooks the western coast and provides a vantage point for beautiful sunsets. Local heritage also includes the Santa Lucia church and dry-stone terraces.
Chiessi and Punta Nera
Campo Lo Feno is a calm, fairly long, and pleasant beach. Before reaching Chiessi, the Punta Nera promontory is a prime spot to admire the sunset, with a small pebble beach.
Chiessi is an authentic hamlet, nestled between the sea and the arid slopes of Monte Capanne. Its pebble and rocky slab beach is suitable for swimming and sunbathing. The village maintains a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, with paths leading up to the Mediterranean scrub of the mountain.
Pomonte
Before arriving at Pomonte, Punta della Testa is a lovely viewpoint over the sea.
Pomonte is a seaside village oriented towards the sea, made famous by the wreck of the Elviscot cargo ship, sunk in 1972 a few meters from the shore. Accessible by swimming or diving from the south of the village (Ogliera Beach), it constitutes a notable curiosity of the island.
The village retains a simple and peaceful atmosphere, with its small pebble coves at the foot of Monte Capanne, including Calello and Cala Maestrale.
Towards Fetovia, Tombe Beach is a naturist pebble beach, while Cala dell’Aliva is a secluded cove, accessible on foot, offering a preserved natural setting.
Fetovaia
The Fetovaia Beach is one of the most famous on Elba Island. Located in a sheltered bay, it has a crescent shape, enclosed by a granite headland that creates an almost lagoon-like atmosphere. The light, fine sand, clear waters, and gradual access make it a family-friendly destination. Very busy during peak season, it still retains a charming natural environment.
From Fetovaia to Cavoli
Cliffs and Piscina Beach (spiaggia della Piscina): Spectacular rock formation, ideal for swimming and diving.
Seccheto: Beach with coarse sand, surrounded by cliffs, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
The Cavoli Beach is one of the most popular on the island, known for its white sand, lively atmosphere, and microclimate that extends swimming from April to October. It is especially popular with young people. The area also preserves the remains of the Pisani Arsenal and Casa Zimmer, witnesses to granite exploitation in the 19th century.
Ranking of the Most Beautiful Beaches on the West Coast of Elba Island
- Fetovaia Beach
Location: Southwest of the island, between Seccheto and Pomonte.
Features: Golden sand beach, crystal-clear water, surrounded by green hills. Highly regarded for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Accessibility: Easily reachable by car, with nearby parking.
Recommendation: Ideal for those seeking a picturesque beach. - Cavoli Beach
Location: South of the island, near Marina di Campo.
Features: Fine sandy beach, clear water, lively atmosphere with numerous bars and restaurants. Very popular with young people and families.
Accessibility: Easily reachable by car, with nearby parking.
Recommendation: Perfect for those looking for a lively beach with full services. - Sant’Andrea Beach
Location: Northwest of the island, near Marciana.
Features: Light sandy beach, crystal-clear water, surrounded by impressive rock formations.
Accessibility: Easy access by car, with parking available.
Recommendation: Ideal for families and lovers of natural landscapes. - Procchio Beach
Location: Central part of the island, near Marciana Marina.
Features: Fine sandy beach, calm water, well-equipped with numerous services.
Accessibility: Easily reachable by car, with nearby parking.
Recommendation: Perfect for a family day with children. - Redinoce Beach
Location: Between Procchio and Marciana Marina.
Features: Pebble beach, clear water, less crowded than other main beaches.
Accessibility: Access via a path from the main road.
Recommendation: Ideal for those seeking a quieter, more secluded beach. - Crocetta Beach
Location: Near Marciana Marina.
Features: White pebble beach, crystal-clear water, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.
Accessibility: Access via a path from the main road.
Recommendation: Recommended for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. - Remontò Beach
Location: Near Marciana Marina.
Features: Small pebble beach, clear water, less crowded.
Accessibility: Access via a path from the main road.
Recommendation: Ideal for a quick swim or a moment of relaxation. - Bagno Beach
Location: Near Marciana Marina.
Features: Pebble beach, clear water, surrounded by cliffs.
Accessibility: Access via a path from the main road.
Recommendation: Perfect for those seeking a more isolated beach. - Le Sprizze Beach
Location: Between Procchio and Marciana Marina.
Features: Dark pebble beach, clear water, surrounded by a pine forest.
Accessibility: Access via a path from the main road.
Recommendation: Ideal for a quiet swim in a natural setting. - Colle Palombaia Beach
Location: Near Marina di Campo.
Features: Sandy and pebble beach, clear water, less crowded.
Accessibility: Access via a path from the main road.
Recommendation: Perfect for those seeking a quieter, more secluded beach. - Seccheto Beach
Location: Southwest of the island, between Fetovaia and Pomonte.
Features: Pebble beach, clear water, surrounded by cliffs.
Accessibility: Access via a path from the main road.
Recommendation: Ideal for a quiet swim in a natural setting. - Pomonte Beach
Location: Southwest of the island, near Marciana.
Features: Pebble beach, clear water, less crowded.
Accessibility: Access via a path from the main road.
Recommendation: Perfect for those seeking a quieter, more secluded beach. - Chiessi Beach
Location: Southwest of the island, near Pomonte.
Features: Pebble beach, clear water, surrounded by cliffs.
Accessibility: Access via a path from the main road.
Recommendation: Ideal for a quiet swim in a natural setting.
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