Le Ghiaie
A white-pebble beach a short walk from Portoferraio's old town, lit for night swimming.
Overview
Le Ghiaie sits right next to Portoferraio's historic centre, a curved white-pebble beach reached along a tree-lined avenue from the port. It's known for exceptionally clear water and, since 2016, a lighting system that lets people swim after dark. Its central location makes it one of the most convenient beaches on Elba for anyone staying in or visiting Portoferraio.
Good for
Public access
Free public beach, reached on foot along a tree-lined avenue from Portoferraio's historic centre - no path or staircase involved, just a level walk from town.
Beach clubs available: Limited or seasonal — sunbeds and umbrellas may be available in summer.
There's a bathing establishment on the beach offering some services, alongside a mostly free public shoreline. It's less developed than Elba's resort beaches like Biodola or Fetovaia.
How to get there
By train: No direct train access. Elba has no railway, so this beach is not reachable by train.
By bus: Local buses connect Portoferraio's centre with the beach, though it's close enough to walk for most visitors staying in town.
Parking: By car: From the port, turn left before entering Portoferraio's historic centre and follow the tree-lined avenue to the beach; there's a paid parking area nearby. There's a paid parking area along the avenue behind the beach. Being this close to town, it can fill during the day in peak season.
On foot: A level, tree-lined avenue leads directly from Portoferraio's historic centre to the beach, generally a 10-15 minute walk from the port.
Facilities
Practical tips
More about Le Ghiaie
Le Ghiaie is about as central as an Elba beach gets - a short walk along a tree-lined avenue from Portoferraio's old town and harbour, which makes it a natural choice if you're staying in town or arriving by ferry without a car. The beach curves for around 400 metres, made up of the smooth white pebbles that give it its name ("ghiaie" means gravel or pebbles), with water that's notably clear even by Elba's standards. Behind the beach, the avenue is lined with bars, restaurants and gelaterie, and there's a paid parking area nearby for anyone driving in. On the beach itself there's a bathing establishment along with pedal boat and small boat rental, so it's reasonably well equipped despite the central, urban setting. One detail sets Le Ghiaie apart from most other Elba beaches: since 2016 it's had a lighting system installed specifically to allow night swimming, which makes it one of the few places on the island worth a stroll down after dinner. It's also considerably calmer in the evening than during the day, when its location right next to town draws a steady stream of visitors. Le Ghiaie suits anyone who wants an easy, no-fuss beach close to Portoferraio's restaurants and shops rather than a remote cove - convenient over dramatic, though the water clarity holds its own against Elba's more famous beaches.
Location
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