When people think of the beaches of Italy, their minds often go quickly to Sicily, Sardinia, to the Amalfi Coast. However, if you are in search of wonderful seaside destinations in Italy, you might consider planning a trip to Tuscany, instead. In addition to the impossible cultural heritage and artistic wealth of the region, the stunning landscapes and cityscapes, and the wonderful foodie culture, Tuscany is also home to the Tuscan Coast and endless incredible beaches to choose from. Just find a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast and come explore the options!
Many of the region's best beaches, however, are located on the island of Elba. This little slice of paradise on earth is famously the place to which Napoleon was exiled and is, additionally, home to some stunning beaches where the waters are especially crystal clear, the surroundings especially lovely, and the natural beauty well-protected and cared for. While there are lots of little beaches on the island, one of the most popular, beautiful, and famous of Elba's beaches is, without a doubt, Fetovaia.
Many of the region's best beaches, however, are located on the island of Elba. This little slice of paradise on earth is famously the place to which Napoleon was exiled and is, additionally, home to some stunning beaches where the waters are especially crystal clear, the surroundings especially lovely, and the natural beauty well-protected and cared for. While there are lots of little beaches on the island, one of the most popular, beautiful, and famous of Elba's beaches is, without a doubt, Fetovaia.
Fetovaia Beach fronts the tiny village of Fetovaia, on the south-western side of Elba. It is around 200m long and 40m wide at its widest point and is a truly breathtaking beauty. Framed by the rugged promontory of granite cliffs blanketed by lush Mediterranean vegetation that is Punta Fetovaia, the white beach is made up of fine, golden granite sand that is striking against the rich hues of the crystal clear water, which range from dark blue to light green. Said water is also shallow until you get quite far out from the beach and is calm as the bay is sheltered from almost all winds (with the Punta Fetovaia blocking winds from the west and the Monte Cenno, at the foot of Monte Capanne, sheltering it from the winds from the north, leaving only the Scirocco wind to sometimes make the sea dull and rough), making it both perfect for families with small kids and mild even in the winter months. It really is a little slice of paradise on this stunning Tuscan island!
In addition to being one of the most beautiful beaches on Elba and in Tuscany, and a perfect spot for families, it is understandable that Fetovaia Beach is incredibly popular and, as a result, often very busy. During the peak months of the summer season, you'll be hard pressed to find a spot on the beach for much of the day. This, of course, is not that off-putting for many. However, if you visit out of season or during the early morning or later evening during those busier times, then you are more likely to find fewer crowds and more space. Plus, if you visit later in the day and stick around for sunset, you'll be in for a real treat as they are famously lovely at Fetovaia. There are several different bathing establishments – both paid beach clubs, as are common in Italy, and free beach zones – to choose from on the beach, as well as the wide, smooth granite slabs to the left of the beach where many choose to sunbathe and jump out into the water. So, even if you don't like crowds, there are still plenty of ways to experience this stunning beach for yourself.
Another consideration is parking as there is a car park at the back of the beach with a small number of free parking spaces and more fee-paying parking spaces but both are relatively limited. If you want to ensure you find a space, you'll need to arrive early but you can also park in the town of Marina di Campo (about 10km away) and take the bus along the western ring road of the island to the beach.
So, if you have found a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coastand are looking for the best beaches in the region, look no further than the impossibly lovely Fetovaia Beach.
In addition to being one of the most beautiful beaches on Elba and in Tuscany, and a perfect spot for families, it is understandable that Fetovaia Beach is incredibly popular and, as a result, often very busy. During the peak months of the summer season, you'll be hard pressed to find a spot on the beach for much of the day. This, of course, is not that off-putting for many. However, if you visit out of season or during the early morning or later evening during those busier times, then you are more likely to find fewer crowds and more space. Plus, if you visit later in the day and stick around for sunset, you'll be in for a real treat as they are famously lovely at Fetovaia. There are several different bathing establishments – both paid beach clubs, as are common in Italy, and free beach zones – to choose from on the beach, as well as the wide, smooth granite slabs to the left of the beach where many choose to sunbathe and jump out into the water. So, even if you don't like crowds, there are still plenty of ways to experience this stunning beach for yourself.
Another consideration is parking as there is a car park at the back of the beach with a small number of free parking spaces and more fee-paying parking spaces but both are relatively limited. If you want to ensure you find a space, you'll need to arrive early but you can also park in the town of Marina di Campo (about 10km away) and take the bus along the western ring road of the island to the beach.
So, if you have found a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coastand are looking for the best beaches in the region, look no further than the impossibly lovely Fetovaia Beach.
Photo credit: philiTizzani / CC BY-SA 2.0
