
Spiaggia di Sansone Elba
A stunning Elba beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters and a unique white pebble shore, framed by dramatic cliffs.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Spiaggia di Sansone Elba
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Elba beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters and a unique white pebble shore, framed by dramatic cliffs.
"Absolutely magical beach. We were blown away! The water is perfect."

🥾 Bring Water Shoes
Essential for comfort on the pebble beach. Protect your feet!
🚗 Park Smartly
Arrive very early or pay for parking to avoid fines.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal Clear Turquoise Waters
The sea
Experience incredibly transparent water, perfect for swimming and spotting fish and pebbles below.

Pebble Beach Beauty
The shoreline
A stunning beach composed of small, white pebbles that create a unique and picturesque landscape.

Dramatic Cliffside Scenery
Surrounding cliffs
Admire the striking cliffs that frame the beach, adding to its dramatic and natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Parking & Prime Spots
Footwear is Key for Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Bring Water Shoes
Essential for comfort on the pebble beach. Protect your feet!
🚗 Park Smartly
Arrive very early or pay for parking to avoid fines.
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for a Walk
Access involves a 10-15 minute hike downhill and back up.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
There's a bar uphill, but bring your own for the beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Bring Water Shoes
Essential for comfort on the pebble beach. Protect your feet!
🚗 Park Smartly
Arrive very early or pay for parking to avoid fines.
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for a Walk
Access involves a 10-15 minute hike downhill and back up.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
There's a bar uphill, but bring your own for the beach.
📸 Capture the Views
Drone footage and photos showcase the stunning scenery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Spiaggia di Sansone's breathtaking beauty, particularly its crystal-clear turquoise waters and striking white pebble shore. The stunning natural scenery is consistently highlighted as a major draw. However, many note the challenging access via a steep, pebbly path and the difficulty of finding parking, especially during peak season.
"I visited Spiaggia di Sansone beach on Saturday and was truly impressed! The beach is beautiful with clean sand, and the water was warm and crystal clear, just like in the photos. The water was so transparent that you could easily see the fish and pebbles on the bottom. It’s a perfect spot for both relaxing and swimming. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates natural beauty and cleanliness. A truly amazing place!"
Liivia Panker
"Great beach, bring water shoes to be optimally comfortable. With flip flops or sandals you won't be comfortable, the beach is made of little rocks that go under your feet and hurt a little. The beach can be accessed with a 10 minute hike, nothing major but not accessible with wheelchairs or strollers. The bar on top of the beach is great for a snack and a drink."
matteo visentin
"We read a lot of reviews before going and only read come early to get a free parking.
Early means prior 8.30 I would say, we were there at that time and already looked pretty full.
LOOK AT THE SIGNS on the street! A lot of people parked on the street and ended up with a fine about 29€. At the point it is better to pay for the parking which costs 18€.
The parking also has limited spaces available.
To go to the beach you have to walk a bit, the way goes down and then back up.
You will first find a small beach and then the Sansone beach.
You can get umbrella and sunbeds for 40€ for the entire day.
The beach at 10 is already full and packed. Forget about having a lot of space, where your towel ends another begins.
Except of that the water is crystal clear and it is very beautiful 😊."
Denise H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Spiaggia di Sansone is located near Portoferraio on Elba Island. Access involves a walk of about 10-15 minutes downhill from the parking area. The path is steep in parts and has steps, making it less accessible for those with mobility issues or young children.
Yes, there is a paid parking lot, which costs around €18 daily. It fills up very quickly, often before 8:30 AM. Be cautious of street parking, as it can result in fines.
While public transport can get you to Portoferraio, the final leg to Spiaggia di Sansone requires a walk or a taxi. It's advisable to check local bus routes for the closest stop.
No, due to the steep, uneven path with steps, Spiaggia di Sansone is not recommended for strollers or wheelchairs.
The walk is about 10-15 minutes, downhill on the way to the beach and uphill on the way back. It's described as steep in places.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Spiaggia di Sansone is a public beach and does not require an entrance ticket. However, parking is paid.
As a natural beach, Spiaggia di Sansone is accessible at all times. However, parking availability and amenities like beach bars may have specific operating hours.
There is no entry fee for the beach itself. The costs are associated with parking and optional services like sunbed rentals.
To avoid the biggest crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons (May, June, September) or very early in the morning, ideally before 8:30 AM, especially during peak summer months.
The main restriction is the accessibility for those with mobility issues or strollers due to the terrain. During peak season, the beach can become very crowded.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Spiaggia di Sansone is characterized by small, white pebbles, not sand. This is a key feature that contributes to its unique beauty and the clarity of the water.
Absolutely! The water is renowned for being crystal clear, warm, and transparent, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Basic facilities might be limited directly on the beach. It's advisable to check for nearby amenities or come prepared. There is a bar located a short walk uphill.
Yes, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, typically in the central part of the beach. This service can be quite expensive, with prices around €40 for the day.
Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and simply relaxing are the main activities. The clear waters are perfect for observing marine life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There isn't a bar directly on the beach itself. However, there is a bar located a short walk uphill from the beach, offering snacks and drinks.
For more extensive dining options, you'll need to head back towards Portoferraio or explore other areas of the island. Many visitors recommend places like La Taverna dei Poeti.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is a great idea, especially since direct beachside dining options are limited. This also helps save money.
It can be, but be mindful of the terrain and the need to carry your items. Bringing a blanket or mat is recommended.
The bar typically offers snacks, drinks, and light refreshments suitable for a beach day.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer beautiful light. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly stunning, with the golden hour casting a magical glow.
The combination of the white pebbles, incredibly clear turquoise water, and dramatic surrounding cliffs makes it highly photogenic. Drone shots are particularly effective.
The path leading down to the beach offers some great elevated views. Once on the beach, exploring the edges and the rocky outcrops can provide varied perspectives.
Drone usage is popular here, capturing the beach's beauty from above. Always check local regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. Waterproof protection for your camera is advisable if you plan on getting close to the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
For families seeking easier access and sandy shores, other beaches on Elba might be a better fit. However, if your family is adventurous and prepared for the hike, the stunning beauty of Sansone can still be a memorable experience. Packing plenty of snacks and drinks is also recommended, as amenities directly on the beach are limited.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
💑 Couples and Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Terrain and Access
Parking is a significant consideration. The paid parking lot (€18) fills up extremely early, often before 8:30 AM during peak season. Many visitors have reported receiving fines for parking on the street, making the paid option a safer, albeit costly, choice. Planning your arrival time is crucial to avoid disappointment and potential fines.
Accessibility is a key factor for many travelers. The hike down and back up means this beach is best suited for those who are reasonably fit and do not have young children in strollers or mobility aids. The unique landscape, while beautiful, presents these access challenges.
The Unique Pebble Beach Experience
To fully enjoy the beach, water shoes are highly recommended. They provide comfort for walking on the pebbles and are also useful for swimming and exploring the rocky areas. The visual appeal of the white pebbles against the vibrant turquoise water is striking and makes for beautiful photographs.
While the pebbles are a defining characteristic, they also mean that setting up a beach spot requires a bit more care. Many visitors opt for renting sunbeds and umbrellas for added comfort, though this can be a significant expense (€40). Alternatively, bringing a thick beach mat can help create a more comfortable lounging area.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Sansone
Drone photography has become incredibly popular here, providing breathtaking aerial perspectives of the beach's unique shape and its integration with the coastline. Videos showcase the expansive beauty and the journey down to the shore. For ground-level photography, the early morning and late afternoon light (golden hour) offer the most flattering illumination, creating a magical atmosphere.
When planning your photo session, consider the time of day for the best light and the crowds. Early mornings are ideal for capturing the serene beauty without many people. The unique composition of pebbles, clear water, and rugged cliffs ensures that almost any angle will yield a compelling image.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit