
Sant'Andrea Beach
Dramatic granite arches meet crystal-clear turquoise waters at this stunning Elba Island beach, perfect for sunbathing and scenic hikes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & find parking

Sant'Andrea Beach
Best Time
Beat the crowds & find parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic granite arches meet crystal-clear turquoise waters at this stunning Elba Island beach, perfect for sunbathing and scenic hikes.
"Hands down one of the most impressive beaches I’ve ever visited."

🚗 Parking Pains
Arrive early or park east of the village and walk the scenic trail. :car:
👟 Trail Trekking
Wear comfortable shoes for the coastal path; flip-flops can be tricky. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Granite Arches
Along the coastline
Dramatic sea stacks and limestone arches create a breathtaking natural spectacle against the turquoise sea.

The Coastal Trail
From the village to the main beach
A scenic path winding through rocks and vegetation, offering stunning views and insights into local geology.

Crystal Clear Waters
The bay
Perfect for swimming and snorkeling, the water is renowned for its clarity and vibrant blue hues.
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Planning Your Visit
Navigating Sant'Andrea Beach
Best Time to Visit Sant'Andrea
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Pains
Arrive early or park east of the village and walk the scenic trail. :car:
👟 Trail Trekking
Wear comfortable shoes for the coastal path; flip-flops can be tricky. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Beachfront Costs
Renting an umbrella and chairs can be pricey; consider bringing your own. :euro:
🤿 Snorkel & Swim
The rocky outcrops are great for snorkeling and exploring marine life. :ocean:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Pains
Arrive early or park east of the village and walk the scenic trail. :car:
👟 Trail Trekking
Wear comfortable shoes for the coastal path; flip-flops can be tricky. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Beachfront Costs
Renting an umbrella and chairs can be pricey; consider bringing your own. :euro:
🤿 Snorkel & Swim
The rocky outcrops are great for snorkeling and exploring marine life. :ocean:
🍽️ Dining Options
Enjoy al fresco beach bars and restaurants with beautiful sea views. :forkandknife:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Sant'Andrea Beach for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the dramatic granite arches and crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for beach lovers and hikers. However, many note that the beach can be extremely crowded, with significant challenges in finding parking and high costs for beach rentals.
"We spent more than 1 hour getting to the place in the photo. As a result, we couldn't park here, then had to pay 30 € for a place on the beach and look at the crowd"
Iryna Sobolenko
"Nice beach, clear water, have a good choices of places to eat and got a place where you could rent an umbrella with chairs."
syazzy syazlin
"Highly recommend to visit this beach, it is one of the special and interesting place for beach lovers, archeology and hiking people. There is a path in the stones along the beach super nice marked and made from clay and small bridges. There was some group with students and the guide that was talking about exceptional cristalisation of marmur in the granit around the beach."
Ieva Lomovskytė
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sant'Andrea Beach is located on Elba Island, Italy. Access often involves driving to the village and then walking to the beach. Parking can be extremely challenging, especially during peak season. Many visitors opt to park further away and enjoy the coastal trail, which offers stunning views.
While public transport might reach the nearby village, direct access to the beach itself can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for Elba Island. Renting a car or scooter offers more flexibility, but be prepared for parking difficulties.
To avoid parking headaches, arrive very early in the morning or consider parking in the village and walking. Some visitors have found success parking on road verges further east and accessing the beach via the coastal path.
While not explicitly mentioned for this specific Sant'Andrea Beach, boat tours are common in coastal areas like Elba and Puglia, offering a scenic approach. It's worth checking local tour operators for boat excursions that might include stops at or near the beach.
The sandy part of the beach might be accessible, but the rocky areas and the coastal trail can be challenging for those with mobility issues. It's best to assess the terrain upon arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, public beaches like Sant'Andrea do not require an entrance fee. However, parking and renting beach equipment (umbrellas, chairs) will incur costs.
As a natural beach, Sant'Andrea is typically accessible at all hours. However, facilities like restaurants and rental shops will have their own operating hours, usually from morning to early evening.
Yes, parking near Sant'Andrea Beach is often paid, and can be quite expensive, especially during peak season. Prices can vary, so be prepared for potential costs.
Yes, you can rent umbrellas, chairs, and various watersports equipment at Sant'Andrea Beach. There's also a small diving center available.
According to recent visitor information, there is no ATM directly at Sant'Andrea Beach, so it's advisable to bring enough cash for any purchases.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling around the rocky outcrops, sunbathing on the sandy or rocky areas, and exploring the scenic coastal trail. The area is also noted for its unique geological formations and crystal-clear waters.
The sandy area is suitable for families, but the rocky sections and the coastal trail might require more supervision for young children. The clear, shallow waters are generally safe for swimming.
The beach is famous for its striking granite cliffs and sea stacks, sculpted by the elements. These formations create a dramatic and unique landscape, with some areas featuring exceptional crystallization.
Yes, the rocky outcrops surrounding the beach are excellent for snorkeling, offering a chance to see marine life. There is also a small diving center available.
Despite being busy, the beach often maintains a warm and relaxed atmosphere. It's a popular spot for beach lovers, hikers, and those interested in natural beauty.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Sant'Andrea Beach has al fresco beach bars and restaurants offering dining with sea views.
Expect typical beachside fare, likely including fresh seafood and local Italian dishes, enjoyed in a relaxed, open-air setting.
There are beach bars and likely a small shop where you can grab snacks and drinks.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted on public beaches, which can be a good way to save money. Remember to clean up after yourself.
While there are restaurants and a shop on the beach, for a wider selection of groceries, you might need to visit a larger town on Elba Island.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic granite arches, sea stacks, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the scenic coastal trail offer incredible photo opportunities. The golden hour light enhances the beauty.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow on the landscape.
The coastal trail itself provides numerous viewpoints. Looking out towards the sea stacks and arches from different angles will yield stunning shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery and arches. A polarizing filter can help enhance the blues of the water and sky.
Drone regulations can vary by location and season. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone to avoid fines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Unique Geology
Walking along the coastal trail offers an intimate encounter with this geology. The path, often marked and sometimes featuring small bridges, winds through the rocky terrain, providing breathtaking views of the formations and the sea. It's a chance to appreciate the raw power of nature and the unique beauty of this coastline. The contrast between the rugged rocks and the vibrant turquoise waters makes for a truly unforgettable visual experience.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
When exploring the coastal trail, comfortable footwear is essential. While beautiful, the path can be uneven and tricky, especially in flip-flops. The sandy area of the beach can become very cramped, so if you prefer more space, the rocky outcrops offer an alternative, though they may not be as smooth for lounging. Remember that there is no ATM directly at the beach, so ensure you have enough cash for any purchases, including parking and rentals.
For those looking to enjoy the water, snorkeling around the rocky outcrops is a popular activity, revealing the marine life in the clear waters. The beach also offers rentals for various watersports equipment and boats, as well as a small diving center. Dining options include al fresco beach bars and restaurants, providing a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy a meal with a view.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit