Spiaggia delle Ghiaie
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Spiaggia delle Ghiaie

4.5
·10k reviews·Portoferraio, Italy

A stunning Elba beach with unique white pebbles and incredibly clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and spotting marine life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

June or September

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
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Spiaggia delle Ghiaie

Spiaggia delle Ghiaie

Best Time

June or September

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning Elba beach with unique white pebbles and incredibly clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and spotting marine life.

4.5
(10k reviews)

"Beautiful!! Water was cold but refreshing! Gorgeous white pebbles and staff was amazing."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Wear Water Shoes

The white pebbles are beautiful but can be hard on your feet. Water shoes are a must!

🐠 Snorkel Gear Recommended

Bring your snorkel to see the amazing marine life in this protected area.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal-Clear Waters

Crystal-Clear Waters

The entire beach

Dive into incredibly transparent waters, perfect for spotting marine life right from the shore.

TikTokInstagram
White Pebble Shore

White Pebble Shore

The entire beach

Unique smooth, white pebbles create a striking contrast with the vibrant blue sea.

Reddit
Snorkeling Paradise

Snorkeling Paradise

Protected marine area

Swim alongside abundant fish, including sea bream and sea bass, in this protected zone.

InstagramReddit
Transparent Kayak Adventure

Transparent Kayak Adventure

Near Paddle Elba

Explore the coastline and underwater world from a unique perspective in a clear kayak.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Pebbles

Spiaggia delle Ghiaie is famous for its smooth, white pebbles, not sand. While beautiful, they can be tough on bare feet. Consider bringing water shoes or sandals for comfort, especially if you plan to walk along the shore or snorkel. Reddit

Beat the Crowds

As a city beach, Spiaggia delle Ghiaie gets very crowded from mid-June to late August. For a more relaxed experience, aim for September or early June. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends. Reddit

Best Times

When
June or September
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings in summer
Why
Cooler temperatures
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#sansone #elba #isoladelba #elbaisland #vacanzeitaliane #perteeee #italia #spiaggebianche #spiaggeitaliane
@martinapieruzzini
43.5K likes • 777K views

🥾 Wear Water Shoes

The white pebbles are beautiful but can be hard on your feet. Water shoes are a must! Reddit

🐠 Snorkel Gear Recommended

Bring your snorkel to see the amazing marine life in this protected area. InstagramReddit

Buongiorno dalla #spiaggia delle #Ghiaie a #Portoferraio #Elba nello scatto di @indiana_84 Continuate a taggare le vostre foto con #isoladelbaapp il tag delle vostre #vacanze all'#isoladelba _ #elbainsel #elbaisland #visitelba #arcipelagotoscano #toskana #toscana #tuscany #visittuscany #italia #toscanaOvunqueBella
isoladelbaapp
7K likes • 118.8K views
La spiaggia delle Ghiaie da un nuovo punto di vista… Prenota adesso la tua vacanza e preparati a vivere tante emozioni ➡️ www.lavaldana.it 📞 +39.388.3535110 📧 info@lavaldana.it #lavaldana #elba #isoladelba #vacanza #vacanze #vacanze2025 #ferie #estate #estate2025 #viaggio #viaggiare #elbaisland #holiday #holidays #summer #summer2025 #travel #tuscany #trip #getaway #urlaub #inselelba #sommerurlau...
la_valdana_elba
38 likes • 783 views

☀️ Avoid Peak Summer

For a less crowded experience, visit before mid-June or after August. Reddit

🛶 Try a Clear Kayak

Experience the underwater world like never before with a transparent kayak tour. Instagram

Sapete che all’Isola d’Elba potete salire su un kayak trasparente? 🚣🏻‍♀️ Con @paddlelba, partendo dalla Spiaggia delle Ghiaie, in circa un’ora si esplorano 3 perle della Costa Bianca: Padulella, Cala dei Frati, Ghiaie e Capo Bianco 🏖️ Il bello di questo kayak è che permette di ammirare non solo la costa, ma anche tutto ciò che c’è sotto di voi: acqua cristallina, pesci e persino meduse! 🐠 Un’att...
luchi.ugc
143 likes • 10K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear Water Shoes

The white pebbles are beautiful but can be hard on your feet. Water shoes are a must! Reddit

🐠 Snorkel Gear Recommended

Bring your snorkel to see the amazing marine life in this protected area. InstagramReddit

☀️ Avoid Peak Summer

For a less crowded experience, visit before mid-June or after August. Reddit

🛶 Try a Clear Kayak

Experience the underwater world like never before with a transparent kayak tour. Instagram

🐙 Look for Marine Life

You might spot octopuses and eels close to shore due to the protected waters. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors love Spiaggia delle Ghiaie for its stunningly clear, refreshing waters and the unique white pebble shore. The abundance of marine life, making it ideal for snorkeling, is a major highlight. However, the beach can become very crowded during peak summer months, and the pebbles can be less comfortable than sand, with amenities requiring a short walk.

"Beautiful!! Water was cold but refreshing! Gorgeous white pebbles and staff was amazing at Socorrista with beach chairs, very lovely"

Jamie Tatum

"Right in the city center and part of the protected beaches so you literally swim among seabreams and sea bass all around you ❤️

By being the city beach is overpopulated already from 10 June until end of August, would not suggest to go to until September or next year until June 15 max as the busy season is already on."

Daniela Mazzotta

"Really nice beach with white round rocks. Water has beautiful blue color. Watch out for jellyfish farther from the shore. The beach is a bit crowded and Elba has many beaches to offer."

Aga O.

What People Like

Crystal-clear water
Abundant marine life
Unique white pebbles

What People Dislike

Overcrowded in summer
Pebbles can be uncomfortable
Amenities a walk away

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Spiaggia delle Ghiaie is conveniently located right in the city center of Portoferraio, making it easily accessible on foot from most accommodations in town. Instagram If arriving by car, parking can be challenging during peak season, so consider public transport or walking. Reddit

Yes, it's very easy to find as it's the main city beach in Portoferraio. You'll likely see signs or can follow the coastline from the port area. Instagram

Portoferraio has a local bus service, and many routes will stop near the city center, making it accessible by public transport. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

There is parking available in Portoferraio, but it can be limited and paid, especially during the summer months. It's advisable to arrive early or consider walking if staying nearby. Reddit

The ferry terminal in Portoferraio is very close to Spiaggia delle Ghiaie. It's a short and pleasant walk, making it a convenient first stop after arriving on the island. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Spiaggia delle Ghiaie is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee. You can access it freely. Instagram

As a public beach, Spiaggia delle Ghiaie is accessible at all hours. However, amenities like chair rentals and nearby eateries will have their own operating times. Instagram

Yes, Spiaggia delle Ghiaie is part of a protected marine area, which contributes to its clear waters and abundant marine life. InstagramReddit

While generally open, it's a protected marine area, so respecting the environment is key. Avoid disturbing marine life and keep the beach clean. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. The staff at Socorrista are noted for being amazing and helpful with rentals. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The beach is characterized by smooth, white pebbles, which are a unique feature of Spiaggia delle Ghiaie. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The water is crystal clear and shallow near the shore, making it excellent for swimming and very refreshing. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's an ideal spot for snorkeling. The protected waters teem with fish, and you can often see them just a few meters from the shore. InstagramReddit

It can get very crowded, especially from mid-June to the end of August. Visiting in September or early June is recommended for a less busy experience. Reddit

You can expect to see various fish like sea bream and sea bass, and sometimes even octopuses and moray eels due to the protected nature of the area. InstagramReddit

The water gets deep quickly, and the pebbles can be tricky for very young children. It might be better suited for older kids who can snorkel or swim confidently. Reddit

Besides swimming and snorkeling, you can rent transparent kayaks or water bikes to explore the coastline and the underwater scenery. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are eateries and restaurants located a short walk from the beach, offering various dining options in Portoferraio. Reddit

While there might not be direct vendors on the beach itself, nearby establishments in Portoferraio offer food and drinks. Reddit

You can find typical Tuscan and Italian cuisine in the restaurants around Portoferraio, ranging from seafood to pizza and pasta. Reddit

You can bring your own food for a picnic, but remember to take all your trash with you to help keep the protected beach clean. Reddit

There are nearby establishments in Portoferraio that function as beach bars or cafes, offering refreshments and snacks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the stunning contrast of the white pebbles against the turquoise water, the clear underwater views while snorkeling, and the unique transparent kayaks. Instagram+1

Morning light often provides beautiful clarity and fewer crowds. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also offer lovely, soft light. Instagram

Drone usage might be restricted in protected areas or near populated zones. Always check local regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

The unique white pebbles, the incredibly clear and blue water, and the surrounding rocky coastline make it a very picturesque location. Instagram+1

Consider viewpoints from slightly elevated positions along the coast or even from the water itself if you're using a kayak or boat. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Spiaggia delle Ghiaie offers a unique experience with its clear waters and abundant marine life, perfect for older children interested in snorkeling. Reddit The protected area means you can often see fish right from the shore, making it an exciting natural aquarium. However, the beach is made of pebbles, which can be uncomfortable for little ones, and the water depth increases quickly. Reddit Consider bringing water shoes for everyone and keeping a close eye on younger swimmers. Renting chairs can add comfort, and nearby eateries provide convenient options for snacks and meals. Reddit

🐠 Snorkel Enthusiasts

This beach is a dream for snorkelers! As a protected marine area, Spiaggia delle Ghiaie boasts incredibly clear waters and a vibrant underwater ecosystem. InstagramReddit You'll be swimming alongside numerous fish species, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot larger creatures like octopuses or moray eels. Reddit The white pebbles provide a unique seabed, and the proximity of marine life to the shore makes it easily accessible for an impromptu snorkeling session. Don't forget your mask and snorkel! Reddit

📸 Photographers

Spiaggia delle Ghiaie offers stunning visual contrasts: the bright white pebbles against the deep blue sea, and the crystal-clear water revealing the underwater world. Instagram+1 Capture unique shots with transparent kayaks or from slightly elevated viewpoints along the coast. Instagram+1 The protected status of the beach ensures vibrant marine life, adding another layer of photographic interest. Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for capturing the beach's beauty. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of the Argonauts and the White Pebbles

Spiaggia delle Ghiaie is steeped in legend, most notably the tale of the Argonauts. According to myth, this is where Jason and his crew landed to find the Golden Fleece. The striking white pebbles are said to be the tears of the Argonauts, shed in memory of their homeland. Instagram This ancient story adds a layer of mystique to the already beautiful beach, making it a place where history and mythology intertwine with natural beauty. Instagram

Beyond the myth, the unique coloration of the pebbles, sometimes appearing bluish, is scientifically attributed to the presence of tourmaline, a mineral that gives them their distinctive hue. Instagram This natural phenomenon, combined with the legendary backstory, makes Spiaggia delle Ghiaie a truly unique destination on Elba Island. Instagram

Underwater Wonders: Snorkeling and Kayaking

The waters of Spiaggia delle Ghiaie are a protected marine area, making it a prime spot for underwater exploration. Visitors rave about the clarity of the water and the abundance of marine life visible right from the shore. InstagramReddit You can expect to see schools of fish, including sea bream and sea bass, swimming among the pebbles. Some lucky snorkelers have even spotted octopuses and moray eels just a few meters from the beach. Reddit

For an even more immersive experience, consider trying a transparent kayak or water bike. Instagram+1 These innovative options allow you to glide over the crystal-clear waters and observe the underwater world without getting wet. Tours often explore nearby coves like Padulella and Capo Bianco, offering a comprehensive view of Elba's stunning 'Costa Bianca' (White Coast). Instagram+1 It's an unforgettable way to connect with the marine environment. Instagram

Navigating the Pebbles: Comfort and Accessibility

While Spiaggia delle Ghiaie is renowned for its beauty, the smooth white pebbles can be a point of consideration for visitors. Unlike sandy beaches, pebbles can be less comfortable for walking barefoot and can make it trickier to set up umbrellas. Reddit Many visitors recommend wearing water shoes or sturdy sandals to protect your feet and make walking along the shore more enjoyable. Reddit

For families with very young children, the rapid increase in water depth might require extra vigilance. Reddit However, for older children and adults, the beach offers a fantastic opportunity to learn to snorkel in a safe and engaging environment, with plenty of marine life to discover. Reddit Renting beach chairs and umbrellas is possible, and the staff are noted for being helpful, which can enhance comfort during your visit. Reddit

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