Sant'Andrea

Sant'Andrea sits on Elba's north-western coast in the municipality of Marciana, a small cove of light granite sand lapped by turquoise water. It's one of the island's best-known beaches, with a genuine mix of free sand and full facilities. The compact size means it's best visited early, but the setting beneath the granite outcrops of Monte Capanne is among the most photographed on Elba.

Sant'Andrea is reached by descending a narrow, winding road off the western ring road around Monte Capanne, past the village of the same name. The beach itself is modest - around 150 metres long and no more than 10 metres deep - but the combination of pale granite sand and clear turquoise water has made it one of Elba's most recognisable spots. Facilities are genuinely well developed for a cove this size: a bar, a bathing establishment with sunbeds and umbrellas, a children's play area, a grocery shop and restaurants all operate alongside a free section of sand. Water sports are a real feature here too, with pedalo, canoe and boat rental for exploring the coast, plus a diving centre for anyone wanting to get beneath the surface. Parking is the main constraint: there's a free public car park about 200 metres from the beach, or a smaller paid private lot closer in, but neither is large, so arriving early in season makes a real difference. The descent road itself is narrow with tight curves, worth taking slowly rather than rushing down to the sea. Sant'Andrea suits a full beach day with facilities close at hand, in one of Elba's most scenic settings - just don't expect to have it to yourself in July or August.

Other beaches in Liguria are shown on the map — tap a pin to open its page.