Spiaggia di Cavoli
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Spiaggia di Barabarca

4.5
·1k reviews·Capoliveri, Italy

A small, picturesque cove on Elba with stunning emerald waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
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Spiaggia di Cavoli

Spiaggia di Barabarca

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A small, picturesque cove on Elba with stunning emerald waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"Crystal clear water and clean beach with a bar. Good step access down from the free car park."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Hacks

Aim for the free parking early; paid options are available if full.

🤿 Snorkel Ready!

Water is amazing for snorkeling, bring your gear!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Emerald Green Waters

Emerald Green Waters

Dive into stunning, crystal-clear emerald waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Sunset Views

Sunset Views

Experience breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the tranquil sea.

Snorkeling Paradise

Snorkeling Paradise

Explore the underwater world with excellent visibility and a good depth for marine life.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking Strategy is Key

Arrive early to snag one of the limited free parking spots. If full, paid parking is available nearby, but factor in the hourly cost. Access involves a short walk and some stairs.

Embrace the Crystal Waters

The emerald green, crystal-clear waters are the main draw. Bring your snorkel gear as it's great for exploring underwater. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and heat
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Spiaggia di Barabarca, Isola d'Elba #carla_artlover #carlaorzati_artlover #visittuscany #visititaly
art__isalwaysarevelation
20 likes • 181 views

🚗 Parking Hacks

Aim for the free parking early; paid options are available if full. Reddit

🤿 Snorkel Ready!

Water is amazing for snorkeling, bring your gear! Reddit

La spiaggia di BARABARCA ( CAPOLIVERI ) TOSCANA. 🇮🇹 Uno spettacolo della natura. 💙🩵💙🩵💙🩵💙🩵💙🩵💙
benaccimaurizio88
8 likes • 395 views
Giorno 1: Spiaggia Barabarca e Dell’Innamorata ❤️ Due spiagge di piccoli ciottoli nella parte sud-est dell’isola d’Elba in zona Capoliveri. Entrambe hanno sia una parte di spiaggia libera sia una parte attrezzata con ombrelloni, lettini e bar. Parcheggio comodo e vicino. Se vi trovate nella Spiaggia dell’Innamorata vi consigliamo di seguire il piccolo percorso sulla sinistra, che si arrampica sul...
gianluigi_needlewine
93 likes • 2.3K views

☀️ Sunbeds & Shade

Rent umbrellas and sunbeds, or find natural shade. Instagram

🍹 Refreshments Available

A small bar offers drinks and snacks. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Hacks

Aim for the free parking early; paid options are available if full. Reddit

🤿 Snorkel Ready!

Water is amazing for snorkeling, bring your gear! Reddit

☀️ Sunbeds & Shade

Rent umbrellas and sunbeds, or find natural shade. Instagram

🍹 Refreshments Available

A small bar offers drinks and snacks. Reddit

👟 Easy Access

A short walk and a few stairs lead down to the beach. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Spiaggia di Barabarca is praised for its stunning, crystal-clear emerald waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, convenient bar, and beautiful sunset views. However, parking can be a challenge, with the free spots filling up quickly.

"There are two parkings. One is for free but basically always full and one to be paid, for 2€ an hour.

One of the parking (the free one) leads to the Zuccale beach while to other one to Barabarca beach.

Couple of stairs to go down, the beach is a mix of pebbles and send, there is the possibility to pay to get an umbrella and sunbeds. Also a bar is available.

The water is crystal clear! And great sunset!"

Denise H

"Top notch. Free parking. A small place to get drinks and some snacks. Not that busy. As always crystal clear water. A 3min walk from the Car park to get here. If the free parking is full about 100m up the road there is paid parking. Very quiet and peaceful beach."

Joseph A.

"Beautiful clear water and clean beach with a bar. Good step access down from the free car park, and another paid car park which starts charging for the summer from 1st June."

Jennifer Owen

What People Like

Crystal clear emerald waters
Great for snorkeling
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited free parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Spiaggia di Barabarca is located near Capoliveri on the island of Elba. Access is typically via car, with parking options available nearby. Be prepared for a short walk and some stairs down to the beach. InstagramReddit

There are both free and paid parking lots. The free parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Paid parking is available for a fee per hour. Reddit

Access involves a short walk from the parking area and a descent of a few stairs. It's generally manageable for most visitors. Reddit

Information on direct public transport to Spiaggia di Barabarca is limited. It's best to check local bus schedules for Capoliveri and then consider a short taxi ride or walk. Instagram

You can reach Isola d'Elba by ferry from mainland Italy, with departures from Piombino. Once on the island, renting a car is recommended for exploring different beaches like Spiaggia di Barabarca. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entrance fee to access Spiaggia di Barabarca itself. You only pay for parking if you use the paid lot or for amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas. Reddit

Beaches in Italy are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. The beach itself is open, but any associated bar or rental services will have their own operating hours. Instagram

No advance booking is required for beach access. However, if you plan to rent sunbeds and umbrellas, it's advisable to inquire about availability, especially during busy periods. Instagram

Generally, there are no specific restrictions beyond standard beach etiquette. Respect the natural environment and any posted rules. Instagram

The paid parking typically begins charging for the summer season, often from June 1st. It's wise to check local signage for exact dates and rates. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the stunning emerald waters from various angles along the shore. The surrounding cliffs and the sunset offer dramatic backdrops. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The beach offers beautiful sunset views, making it a prime location for photographers looking to capture the golden hour. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and sea. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check current local and national drone laws before flying in the area to avoid penalties. TikTok

Early morning offers soft light and fewer people, while late afternoon provides the magical golden hour for stunning sunset shots. Reddit

🎫 🏊‍♀️ Onsite Experience

Spiaggia di Barabarca is a small beach characterized by a mix of sand and small pebbles. It's nestled between cliffs and a wooded promontory, offering a picturesque setting. InstagramReddit

Yes, the water is crystal clear, emerald green, and quite deep, making it excellent for swimming and enjoying the sea. Reddit

The clear waters and good depth make it a fantastic spot for snorkeling, allowing you to explore the marine life. Reddit

There is a small bar available on the beach where you can get drinks and snacks. Restroom facilities may be available at the bar or nearby. Reddit

While it can get busy, it's often described as less crowded than some other beaches, offering a more peaceful experience, especially if you visit during off-peak hours. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a small bar on the beach that offers drinks and snacks. For a wider selection of dining options, you would need to venture into nearby Capoliveri. Reddit

The bar typically serves refreshments, light snacks, and possibly some simple beach-friendly food items. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own picnic is generally allowed on Italian beaches, which can be a budget-friendly option. Instagram

The town of Capoliveri, a short drive away, offers various restaurants and pizzerias with local Tuscan cuisine. Instagram

With its beautiful setting and clear waters, it can be a lovely spot for a romantic picnic, especially during sunset. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Spiaggia di Barabarca can be a good option for families, though it's important to note the access involves stairs. The clear, shallowing waters near the shore are generally safe for children to play in. Reddit The presence of a bar means you can easily grab snacks and drinks, which is always a plus with kids. Reddit Consider bringing sand toys as the beach has a mix of sand and pebbles. If mobility is a concern, the stairs might require extra attention when managing children and gear. Instagram

💑 Couples Seeking Romance

This beach is ideal for couples looking for a picturesque and relatively peaceful escape. The stunning emerald waters and the dramatic cliffside setting create a romantic backdrop. Instagram Experiencing the sunset together here is a highly recommended activity, offering a magical end to the day. Reddit Renting sunbeds and enjoying a drink from the bar can add to the relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

To keep costs down, prioritize using the free parking lot and bring your own food and drinks for the day. Reddit While sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, they add to the expense. Opting for a spot on the sand or pebbles and utilizing any natural shade can save money. The beach itself has no entry fee, making it an accessible natural attraction. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Parking and Access

Securing a parking spot at Spiaggia di Barabarca is a common topic among visitors. The beach offers both free and paid parking options. The free lot is highly sought after and tends to fill up very early, especially during the summer months. If the free parking is full, a paid parking lot is available nearby, usually charging an hourly rate. Reddit Access to the beach involves a short walk from the parking area, followed by a descent down a few stairs. While not overly strenuous, it's something to consider if you have mobility issues. Reddit

It's worth noting that one of the parking areas might lead to the adjacent Zuccale beach, so ensure you're heading towards Barabarca. The paid parking often starts its seasonal charges from June 1st, so be prepared for this if visiting in early summer. Reddit Planning your arrival time is crucial to avoid disappointment with parking. Early mornings are your best bet for securing a free spot and enjoying the beach before it gets too busy. Instagram

The Allure of Barabarca's Waters

The defining feature of Spiaggia di Barabarca is its breathtakingly clear, emerald green water. This pristine quality makes it a magnet for swimmers and snorkelers alike. The water is described as crystal clear, offering excellent visibility for observing the underwater environment. Reddit It's also noted to be quite deep, which adds to its appeal for those who enjoy swimming further out or exploring marine life. Reddit

Many visitors highlight the beach's suitability for snorkeling. The combination of clear water and depth provides a good opportunity to see fish and other sea creatures. Reddit Whether you're looking for a refreshing dip or an underwater adventure, the waters of Spiaggia di Barabarca are sure to impress. The natural beauty of the cove, with its surrounding cliffs, further enhances the visual appeal of the sea. Instagram

Beach Amenities and Atmosphere

Spiaggia di Barabarca offers a comfortable beach experience with essential amenities. Visitors can rent umbrellas and sunbeds, providing shade and a place to relax. InstagramReddit For refreshments, a small bar is conveniently located on the beach, serving drinks and snacks. Reddit This makes it easy to stay hydrated and grab a bite without having to leave the shore. The beach itself is a mix of sand and small pebbles, offering a pleasant texture underfoot. Reddit

The atmosphere at Spiaggia di Barabarca is often described as peaceful and quiet, especially when compared to larger, more bustling beaches. Reddit It's a great spot for those seeking a bit of privacy and tranquility. The natural shade provided by the surrounding cliffs and vegetation can also be a welcome feature during the hotter parts of the day. Reddit The combination of clear waters, available amenities, and a serene ambiance makes it a highly recommended destination for a relaxing beach day. Instagram

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