Cavoli Beach
Cavoli Beach: Elba's gem with breathtakingly clear waters and soft sand, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning coastal beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure free parking & best spots
Cavoli Beach
Best Time
Secure free parking & best spots
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cavoli Beach: Elba's gem with breathtakingly clear waters and soft sand, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning coastal beauty.
"The water is so clear, it's like being in a dream!"
🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive before 8 AM to snag free parking. Paid lots are available but fill up fast!
🛶 Kayak to Grotta Azzurra
Rent a kayak for an adventure to the stunning Grotta Azzurra. Be mindful of sea conditions!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal-Clear Waters
Cavoli Beach
Experience incredibly transparent, turquoise waters perfect for swimming and enjoying the Mediterranean sun.
The Iconic Beach Bar
Cavoli Beach
Relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere at the well-run beach bar, a hub for socializing and enjoying refreshments.
Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto)
Near Cavoli Beach
Explore the magical Grotta Azzurra by canoe, a unique sea cave experience with stunning blue hues.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Cavoli Beach
Getting to Cavoli Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive before 8 AM to snag free parking. Paid lots are available but fill up fast!
🛶 Kayak to Grotta Azzurra
Rent a kayak for an adventure to the stunning Grotta Azzurra. Be mindful of sea conditions!
☀️ Peak Season Packed
Expect crowds in July/August. For a more relaxed vibe, visit in shoulder seasons.
🏖️ Soft Sand & Stones
Enjoy the soft sand, but be aware of surrounding stones. Water shoes might be helpful.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive before 8 AM to snag free parking. Paid lots are available but fill up fast!
🛶 Kayak to Grotta Azzurra
Rent a kayak for an adventure to the stunning Grotta Azzurra. Be mindful of sea conditions!
☀️ Peak Season Packed
Expect crowds in July/August. For a more relaxed vibe, visit in shoulder seasons.
🏖️ Soft Sand & Stones
Enjoy the soft sand, but be aware of surrounding stones. Water shoes might be helpful.
📱 Beach App
Check out the @elbabeaches app for booking your next relaxing day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cavoli Beach is celebrated for its stunningly clear, turquoise waters and soft sandy shore, offering a picturesque Mediterranean escape. However, its immense popularity leads to significant crowding, especially in peak season, making early arrival crucial for parking and a comfortable spot. While beautiful, the packed nature and parking challenges are recurring themes in visitor feedback.
"Very nice beach with clear water and nice surroundings with stones. However the beach is only enjoyable very early in the morning before the crowd arrives. Limited space out of the business area, easily packed with families, i imagine that in peak season it is even worst.. the umbrellas area seems all very compact and therefore difficult to enjoy. Parking options are there but only free of charge for early birds."
Nicolás Pato
"A place of many happy memories. We love Cavoli having first enjoyed its beach in 1998 and visited most recently in August 2024. It seems little changed, but it's more popular than ever. The curbing beach at the foot of a steel slope is incredibly popular and as a consequence car parking is at a premium. In high season, if you're not in a public car park behind the beach by around 8am you must use one of two private lots halfway down the steep and narrow entry road, situated next to each other on the one right bend, or find parking higher up on the main road. In addition to a beautiful, busy beach with clear waters, there is a restaurant, a very well run beach bar and cafe in which to while away the hottest hours of the day, and an impressive newsagent-come-beach-shop run by a very friendly and helpful lady with an American accent."
I Loves The 'Diff
"Nice sandy beach and usually crowded. Parking is paid near the beach 2€ for the car and usually full. You may need to park far or come early. We visited it in summer with temperature above 33 degrees but still water was cold."
Shan Mhd
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cavoli Beach is best reached by car. Parking can be challenging, with free spots filling up very early and paid lots available. Public transport options might exist but are less convenient for direct beach access.
While buses may service the general area, reaching Cavoli Beach directly and conveniently without a car is difficult. Many visitors rely on personal vehicles or taxis.
There are free parking spots available, but they are extremely limited and fill up before 8 AM. Paid private lots are located halfway down the entry road and higher up on the main road.
Cycling is an option, especially if you're staying nearby. Be prepared for a steep entry road.
Yes, Cavoli Beach is a popular destination for day-trippers. However, factor in travel time and the parking situation, especially during peak season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cavoli Beach is a public beach and does not require an entrance ticket. You only pay for parking if you use the private lots.
Cavoli Beach is accessible at all hours, but amenities like beach bars and shops have their own operating times, typically from morning to evening during the season.
There is no entry fee for Cavoli Beach itself. The costs are associated with parking and any services you use on the beach, such as sunbed rentals or the beach bar.
You cannot reserve a spot on the public beach. Arriving early is the best way to secure a good location. Sunbed and umbrella rentals are available on-site.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting Cavoli Beach, other than respecting the natural environment and any local regulations. During peak season, it can become very crowded.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Cavoli Beach features soft, fine sand, making it comfortable for sunbathing and walking.
Yes, the water at Cavoli Beach is renowned for its exceptional clarity and transparency, often described as 'mare da favola' (dreamy sea).
Typically, beaches like Cavoli offer facilities such as restrooms and showers, especially in areas with beach bars and rental services. It's advisable to check locally for the most up-to-date information.
Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can rent kayaks to explore nearby caves like the Grotta Azzurra, enjoy water sports, or simply relax at the beach bar.
While the sand is nice, the beach can get very crowded, and space can be limited. Early mornings are best for families. The clear, shallow waters are generally good for children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Cavoli Beach has a well-run beach bar and cafe where you can enjoy refreshments and meals throughout the day.
Beach bars typically offer a range of options from light snacks, sandwiches, and salads to more substantial meals, along with drinks.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted on public beaches. However, be mindful of waste disposal and keeping the area clean.
There are likely dining options in the nearby villages or towns on Isola d'Elba, offering a wider variety of culinary experiences.
Prices at beach bars can be higher than in town due to the prime location. It's advisable to check menus and prices before ordering.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hues.
The crystal-clear water, the unique rock formations, and the vibrant beach bar area are all highly photogenic. Don't miss capturing the Grotta Azzurra.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Cavoli Beach.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and sea. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for water activities.
The unique transparency of the water and the surrounding coastline offer stunning photographic opportunities. The Grotta Azzurra is a must-capture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the beach itself is family-friendly, the parking situation can be a challenge. If you're traveling with young children, plan your arrival time meticulously or consider alternative transport if possible. The nearby Grotta Azzurra can be an exciting adventure, but assess sea conditions and your children's comfort with water activities before attempting it by kayak.
🚗 Budget Travelers
Visiting during the shoulder seasons (May, June, September) can offer a more affordable experience overall, with potentially lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds, making the most of the beach without the peak-season premium.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive beauty of the beach and coastline. A waterproof camera or phone case is essential if you plan to capture shots from the water or during activities like kayaking. The beach bar area also offers a lively, colorful subject matter.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Cavoli Beach
However, its popularity means that Cavoli Beach can become extremely crowded, particularly during the peak summer months of July and August. Visitors often describe the beach as packed, with limited space, especially in the areas with umbrellas. This intense popularity also extends to parking, which is a significant consideration for those arriving by car.
Despite the crowds, the beach offers a vibrant atmosphere. There's a well-run beach bar and cafe that serves as a social hub, and a newsagent-come-beach-shop. The surrounding landscape, with its rocky outcrops and the inviting blue of the sea, provides a picturesque backdrop for a day of relaxation.
Navigating Parking and Access
The steep and narrow entry road itself can be a bit daunting, especially for larger vehicles. This accessibility issue means that while Cavoli Beach is a must-see, planning your arrival time is crucial to avoid frustration. For those without a car, reaching Cavoli Beach can be more complicated, often involving bus routes that may not drop you directly at the beach, or requiring a taxi.
Given these logistical considerations, many travelers recommend using the @elbabeaches app to help plan their visit and potentially book services, which can streamline the experience.
Adventures Beyond the Sand
For those interested in exploring more of Isola d'Elba's coastline, Cavoli's location on the Costa del Sole makes it a good starting point. You can enjoy scenic views, and on clear days, you might even spot Corsica in the distance.
Cavoli Beach is also a popular spot for beach parties and events, adding a lively dimension to its appeal, especially during the summer months.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit