The most beautiful and lesser-known beaches on the Tuscan islands

All the coves not to be missed on the Island of Elba, the Island of Giglio and the Island of Capraia

Tuscany is a treasure trove of pearls waiting to be discovered. Its long coasts enclose wild inlets, beautiful beaches, unspoilt landscapes, and also many hidden coves of unusual beauty. The islands are no less impressive either. This is why we want to discover the unmissable gulfs of Elba Island, Capraia and Giglio.

If you are looking for the most beautiful beaches from where to admire the sunset, click here; here are the must-visit restaurants on the Tuscan islands.

Isola d'Elba

Fetovaia
Located in the south-western part of Elba, Fetovaia is one of the most striking beaches on the island. In fact, it is set in a magnificent natural context of golden sand, granite cliffs and the colours of the sea, which vary from deep blue to light green to the white of the sand, offering unparalleled sensations.

Spiaggia di Galenzana
An enchanting sand and pebble beach, very quiet and peaceful, located near Marina di Campo, the Galenzana is the only beach on the entire island from which you cannot see the open sea, but only a strip of land. This is why it is always sheltered from almost all winds.

Spiaggia La crocetta
A small cove near the centre of Marciana Marina. Immersed in the Mediterranean maquis, this hidden and unexpected pearl of Elba can be reached via a rather steep path characterised by steps carved into the rock, thanks to which it is also called the beach of a hundred steps. The effort is worth the scenery, however, because once you arrive at your destination, you will be greeted by crystal-clear, crystal-clear water and a seabed composed of light-coloured granite stones. A unique and private location for snorkelling or sunbathing.

Cala del Cotoncello
Situated in the same gulf as Sant'Andrea, but exactly on the opposite side, this pale sandy beach opening onto a small inlet is a true pearl of Elba. A bathing 'living room' surrounded by smooth white granite cliffs that offers a corner sheltered from the winds and currents, almost a natural swimming pool, since the water is rarely rippled.

Caletta di Lamaia
A small, wild cove in the municipality of Marciana Marina that can be easily reached via the 'Sentiero della Salute' that connects it with the nearby Biodola beach. It has an excellent reef that is excellent for snorkelling and, being surrounded by rich vegetation, shade falls on the beach very early in the afternoon. Recommended especially for those seeking peace and relaxation in an unspoilt environment.

Spiaggia di Acquaviva
The name of the beach probably derives from the presence of a ditch, almost always dry in summer, which, with its contributions of gravel and a little sand, has created this pretty lido. The clarity of the sea, its transparencies and hues also make us think that the old inhabitants of Elba, struck by so much beauty and vivacity of colour, also wanted to indicate with this name the characteristics of the sea water. The beach is enclosed in a small gulf and surrounded by rich vegetation that reaches as far as the shore.

Cala dei Frati
A small beach located between the Ghiaie beach and the Padulella beach. It faces north, north-east and is well sheltered from winds ranging from the sirocco to the west. The hours of sunshine available are not many, because it is shaded in the morning and goes into shade very early after lunch because of the high promontory above it. On sirocco days, it has nothing to envy even to Caribbean beaches.

Isola del Giglio

Spiaggia Petruso, Baia di Giglio Campese
So called because it is as small as a 'pertugio', the Petruso Beach is located on the left side of the Campese beach, offers wonderful seabed and can be reached by boat or on foot with a walk of about 10 minutes.

Spiaggia Arenella
Also known as Cala dell'Arenella, it is one of the most famous beaches on Giglio Island and is located between Punta Arenella and Cala Cupa. It can be reached both by land and by sea thanks to boats that leave hourly from Giglio Porto. Very fine, light-coloured sand and rocks that emerge as if by magic from the water, this beach boasts a crystal-clear sea, ideal for snorkelling, and thick vegetation that provides some shade during the hottest hours.

Cala dello Smeraldo
An attractive alternative for those who want to experience unrepeatable moments immersed in crystal-clear waters from which to admire the marine flora and fauna. The name emerald comes from the hypnotic colour of the sea that bathes the surrounding rocky shores.

Isola di Capraia

Cala di San Francesco
A few minutes from the village, after the convent and the Church of St Anthony, a short path leads to the rocks of the Cala di San Francesco. Continuing towards the lighthouse, one also reaches a beautiful cliff ideal for sunbathing and swimming along the coast.

Cala del Reciso
There are several hypotheses about the origin of the name. The first is that one of the two natural arches was once 'severed', split in two by a rock that later collapsed. The second hypothesis on the origin of the name is a fissure in the left side of the cove, a real tunnel that leads to the nearby cove 'Seno della Peruccia', which can only be glimpsed when passing in front of it.