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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Spiaggia delle Ghiaie
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Elba beach with unique white pebbles and incredibly clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and spotting marine life.
"Beautiful!! Water was cold but refreshing! Gorgeous white pebbles and staff was amazing."

🥾 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal-Clear Waters
The entire beach
Dive into incredibly transparent waters, perfect for spotting marine life right from the shore.

White Pebble Shore
The entire beach
Unique smooth, white pebbles create a striking contrast with the vibrant blue sea.

Snorkeling Paradise
Protected marine area
Swim alongside abundant fish, including sea bream and sea bass, in this protected zone.

Transparent Kayak Adventure
Near Paddle Elba
Explore the coastline and underwater world from a unique perspective in a clear kayak.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Pebbles
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 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.
☀️ Avoid Peak Summer
For a less crowded experience, visit before mid-June or after August.
🛶 Try a Clear Kayak
Experience the underwater world like never before with a transparent kayak tour.
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!
🐠 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring your snorkel to see the amazing marine life in this protected area.
☀️ Avoid Peak Summer
For a less crowded experience, visit before mid-June or after August.
🛶 Try a Clear Kayak
Experience the underwater world like never before with a transparent kayak tour.
🐙 Look for Marine Life
You might spot octopuses and eels close to shore due to the protected waters.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. If arriving by car, parking can be challenging during peak season, so consider public transport or walking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Spiaggia delle Ghiaie is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee. You can access it freely.
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.
Yes, Spiaggia delle Ghiaie is part of a protected marine area, which contributes to its clear waters and abundant marine life.
While generally open, it's a protected marine area, so respecting the environment is key. Avoid disturbing marine life and keep the beach clean.
Yes, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. The staff at Socorrista are noted for being amazing and helpful with rentals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The beach is characterized by smooth, white pebbles, which are a unique feature of Spiaggia delle Ghiaie.
Absolutely! The water is crystal clear and shallow near the shore, making it excellent for swimming and very refreshing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Besides swimming and snorkeling, you can rent transparent kayaks or water bikes to explore the coastline and the underwater scenery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are eateries and restaurants located a short walk from the beach, offering various dining options in Portoferraio.
While there might not be direct vendors on the beach itself, nearby establishments in Portoferraio offer food and drinks.
You can find typical Tuscan and Italian cuisine in the restaurants around Portoferraio, ranging from seafood to pizza and pasta.
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.
There are nearby establishments in Portoferraio that function as beach bars or cafes, offering refreshments and snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning contrast of the white pebbles against the turquoise water, the clear underwater views while snorkeling, and the unique transparent kayaks.
Morning light often provides beautiful clarity and fewer crowds. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also offer lovely, soft light.
Drone usage might be restricted in protected areas or near populated zones. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
The unique white pebbles, the incredibly clear and blue water, and the surrounding rocky coastline make it a very picturesque location.
Consider viewpoints from slightly elevated positions along the coast or even from the water itself if you're using a kayak or boat.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐠 Snorkel Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Argonauts and the White Pebbles
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. This natural phenomenon, combined with the legendary backstory, makes Spiaggia delle Ghiaie a truly unique destination on Elba Island.
Underwater Wonders: Snorkeling and Kayaking
For an even more immersive experience, consider trying a transparent kayak or water bike. 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). It's an unforgettable way to connect with the marine environment.
Navigating the Pebbles: Comfort and Accessibility
For families with very young children, the rapid increase in water depth might require extra vigilance. 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. Renting beach chairs and umbrellas is possible, and the staff are noted for being helpful, which can enhance comfort during your visit.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit