Innamorata
A striking dark-sand beach near Capoliveri, named for a 16th-century tale of doomed love.
Overview
Innamorata lies on the southern side of Monte Calamita, a few kilometres from Capoliveri, with dark sand mixed with small pebbles and two small islets just offshore. It's known equally for its scenery and for the legend behind its name, re-enacted every July with a torchlight procession. The clear water and islets make it a good swimming spot, though reaching it takes a short drive along a paved but narrow road.
Good for
Public access
Free public beach, reached via a paid parking area a short walk from the sand. A second, larger overflow parking area sits further up a gravel road for when the closer one is full.
Beach clubs available: Yes — sunbeds and umbrellas can usually be rented in season.
Beach clubs operate on the sand offering umbrellas, sunbeds, pedal boats, canoes and SUP rental, alongside free sections of the beach.
How to get there
By train: No direct train access. Elba has no railway, so this beach is not reachable by train.
By bus: A shuttle bus runs from Capoliveri to Innamorata in summer, a useful alternative to driving and parking.
Parking: By car: From Capoliveri, follow the road towards Pareti-Innamorata for around 4 km to the beach's parking areas. There are two paid parking areas: a small one right by the beach that fills quickly in summer, and a larger one further up a gravel road that serves as overflow.
On foot: From the smaller car park it's a short walk to the sand; from the larger overflow parking further up the gravel road, expect a longer walk down.
Facilities
Practical tips
More about Innamorata
Innamorata takes its name from a 16th-century legend: a young woman who threw herself into the sea trying to reach her betrothed after he was kidnapped by Barbarossa's pirates. The story is remembered every July 14th with a torchlight procession along the beach, and it gives Innamorata a different character from Elba's other coves - part scenic beach, part local folklore. The beach itself runs about 280 metres, with dark sand mixed with small pebbles rather than the pale sand or white pebbles found elsewhere on the island. Just offshore sit two small islets known as the Gemini, close enough to reach by swimming or pedal boat, and they add real character to the view from the sand. Getting there involves a drive of a few kilometres from Capoliveri along a paved road towards Pareti, ending at one of two parking areas - a small one right by the beach that fills quickly, and a larger overflow area further up a gravel track. In summer, a shuttle bus from Capoliveri offers an alternative to driving. Facilities are well developed for a beach this size, with beach clubs renting umbrellas, sunbeds, pedal boats, canoes and SUPs, plus bars and restaurants along the shore. Innamorata suits swimmers who want clear water and an interesting bit of scenery and history together, rather than a stripped-back wild beach.
Location
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