Spiaggia di Sottobomba
A hidden gem on Elba Island, Spiaggia di Sottobomba boasts crystal-clear waters and a serene stone beach, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Spiaggia di Sottobomba
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem on Elba Island, Spiaggia di Sottobomba boasts crystal-clear waters and a serene stone beach, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
"The water is clean and warm, but take care with the initial rocky access into swimming depth water."
🪞 Bring Water Shoes
The stone beach can be tough on bare feet; water shoes are highly recommended for comfort.
☀️ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and secure a good spot, especially during peak season.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Waters
The entire beach
Dive into incredibly transparent waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Rocky Access & Stairs
Beach entrance
A scenic, albeit sometimes challenging, stone beach with stairs leading down.
Snorkeling Paradise
Near the rocks
Discover diverse marine life, including larger fish and moray eels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access and Amenities
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🪞 Bring Water Shoes
The stone beach can be tough on bare feet; water shoes are highly recommended for comfort.
☀️ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and secure a good spot, especially during peak season.
💧 Pack Out Trash
Help keep this beautiful beach pristine by taking any litter with you.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenic trail and clear waters offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🪞 Bring Water Shoes
The stone beach can be tough on bare feet; water shoes are highly recommended for comfort.
☀️ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and secure a good spot, especially during peak season.
💧 Pack Out Trash
Help keep this beautiful beach pristine by taking any litter with you.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenic trail and clear waters offer fantastic photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Spiaggia di Sottobomba is cherished for its stunningly clear waters and serene atmosphere, offering a delightful escape. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and snorkeling opportunities, though the rocky access and lack of facilities like restrooms are noted drawbacks. The beach's charm lies in its slightly secluded feel, making it a rewarding destination for those seeking tranquility.
"There's a nice feeling at this beach. The staff in the hut are polite and helpful, the main guy (I think) speaks English although I still tried my skeletal Italian. The water is clean and warm, but take care with the initial rocky access into swimming depth water. 20 to 25 Euros for 2 beds and umbrella, which is standard. NO toilets unfortunately but it didn't stop us visiting a few times.
Cold drinks, coffee, beers and snacks available.
A modern cautionary note - To keep these beaches pristine. Please aim to take at least 5 or 10 pieces of rubbish (almost always plastic) you find off the beach and recycle.
If we all did this, the beaches will stay pristine."
Dan Ratner
"Great for snorkeling. Bigger fish, moray eels. Stone beach requires water shoes. Stairs will test your fitness. Come early ;-)"
Vít P (WAJTEK)
"We've always loved this secret beach and visited in the days when there were few or no people there. Often on colder days just us English or hardy Germans took to the water
Now I understand there is a lifeguard there called David Castells who also provides beach umbrellas, beds and other bits in a charismatic, helpful, strong, charming way
Over the years although I'm heterosexual I think I've fallen in love with David
Then again, I am biased as he's my brother, love you Bro x Daniel Castells"
CanterburyRooms
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Portoferraio, follow signs for Spiaggia di Sottobomba. You'll find a free parking area near the dog park on Viale Luigi Einaudi. From there, it's a short 5-minute walk down a trail with stairs.
Yes, there's a free parking area available on Viale Luigi Einaudi, though it might not be directly adjacent to the beach.
The access involves a short trail with stairs, which can be a bit of a workout but is generally in good condition.
Information on direct public transport is limited, but it's generally recommended to drive or take a taxi to the nearest parking area and then walk.
Due to the stairs and rocky terrain, it might be challenging for those with mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the beach itself is free. You only pay if you choose to rent beach chairs and umbrellas.
The beach is publicly accessible, so there are no set opening hours. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Rental prices are typically around 20-25 Euros for a set of two chairs and an umbrella.
Reports suggest there might be a lifeguard, especially during peak season, but it's always wise to be cautious.
Generally, no specific restrictions are mentioned, but visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment and take their trash with them.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography, with fewer people around. The clear water and rocky formations are stunning. 
The trail leading down to the beach offers some lovely elevated perspectives of the cove and the surrounding coastline.
Expect vibrant blues of the sea, interesting rock textures, and picturesque scenes of the small beach.
Drone usage regulations can vary; it's advisable to check local rules before flying a drone over the beach.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the cove's expanse, while a polarizing filter can enhance the water's clarity.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
It's a stone beach, so wearing water shoes is highly recommended for comfort when walking and entering the water.
The water is consistently described as clean, clear, and warm, making it excellent for swimming.
Swimming and snorkeling are popular activities, with the chance to see various marine life.
Unfortunately, there are no public restrooms or showers available directly at the beach.
While it can get busy on weekends, it's generally less crowded than larger beaches, especially if you visit on a weekday or during off-peak hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a kiosk on the beach that offers cold drinks, coffee, beers, and snacks.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach.
The kiosk typically offers a selection of cold drinks, coffee, beers, and light snacks.
You would likely need to travel back towards Portoferraio to find larger grocery stores for picnic supplies.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can certainly set up a picnic on the beach itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The clear, calm waters are generally safe for swimming, and the snorkeling opportunities can be a fun activity for older kids. Visiting early in the morning is highly recommended to secure a good spot and enjoy the beach before it gets too crowded.
💰 Budget Travelers
The main 'cost' is the effort to get there and the potential need for water shoes. If you're staying in Portoferraio, it's a relatively short trip. Opting for a weekday visit can also mean a slightly less crowded experience without needing to pay for premium spots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Spiaggia di Sottobomba's Charm
+1While the beach offers a kiosk for refreshments and rentals for sunbeds and umbrellas, it notably lacks public restrooms, a common characteristic of many smaller, more natural coves. Visitors often praise the polite and helpful staff at the beach hut, with some mentioning the availability of English-speaking personnel.
To truly appreciate Spiaggia di Sottobomba, consider visiting during the quieter hours. The early morning light offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for photography and a peaceful swim.
Remember to wear water shoes due to the stony seabed, and embrace the opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the natural splendor of this hidden gem on Elba Island. Snorkeling and Marine Life
The rocky seabed and the surrounding underwater topography create a natural habitat for diverse sea creatures. Even if you're not an experienced snorkeler, the shallow areas near the shore can offer glimpses of smaller fish. It's a great way to extend your enjoyment of the beach beyond just sunbathing and swimming.
For the best snorkeling experience, consider exploring the areas closer to the rocky outcrops. The water temperature is generally pleasant, making it comfortable to spend a good amount of time exploring beneath the surface. Remember to bring your own snorkeling gear or inquire if any rentals are available through the beach kiosk.
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