ITALY | ELBA ISLAND | THE ULTIMATE 7 DAY BEACH-HOPPING ITINERARY.

What should you do when you have seven days to spend on the Island of Elba? Why, hit the beaches, of course!

We did just that during our weeklong stay, and boy, were we impressed. Elba boasts such breathtaking beaches and picturesque coastlines, with each of the seven we visited offering something entirely unique. Whatever your ideal stretch of shore looks like whether draped in soft sand, smooth gravel, polished pebbles, cobbles, or rugged rock, Elba has it all. You just have to know where to look.

DAY 1: NAREGNO BEACH

Once we checked into our hotel, freshened up, and grabbed a quick bite, there was no time to waste. We packed our beach essentials and walked straight down to Naregno Beach, the closest shore to our hotel. Being our very first day on the island, we were beyond eager to take our first dip in the sea, unwind, and just have a blast. Thankfully, Naregno delivered!

Located about three kilometers from the center of Capoliveri on Elba’s eastern coast, Naregno is the area’s most popular spot for beachgoers. Thanks to its calm, shallow waters, it’s an absolute hit with families with small kids.

DAY 2: INNAMORATA BEACH

Innamorata Beach sits at the far southern edge of Monte Calamita in Capoliveri. It’s a go-to spot for windsurfers, scuba divers, swimmers, and anyone eager to get on the water with a paddleboat. At just 280 meters long, this charming cove can get a tad crowded during the peak months of July and August, when it feels like the whole world is on holiday.

Nevertheless, we snagged a table at the beachfront restaurant, treated ourselves to a sumptuous plate of spaghetti con le vongole, and had a fantastic time soaking in the sun.

DAY 3: FETOVAIA BEACH

Fetovaia Beach is nestled on the southwestern coast of Elba, about 10 kilometers from Marina di Campo. On a calm, clear day when the wind stays low, its serene waters are an absolute dream to dip into.

Because Fetovaia is so popular, it can get quite crowded during the peak summer months. If you want to secure a good parking spot and enjoy a bit of tranquility, I recommend arriving early in the morning or visiting during the shoulder season around mid-September.

Despite the crowds, we had a wonderful day lounging on the beach and taking in the panoramic views of the bay. I was especially captivated by its soft, white granite sand.

For lunch, we took a break at Barbatoja, a charming restaurant located just steps from the shore, overlooking both a lush garden and the sea. Its nautical-themed interior accented with crisp white linens, pops of coastal blue, and hanging seashells created such a cool, breezy atmosphere.For lunch, I kept things light by ordering a Mediterranean-style octopus salad, simply dressed with olive oil and lemon. The crisp combination of cherry tomatoes, celery, and fresh parsley made every bite light, crunchy, and delicious. Pairing it with a nicely chilled glass of white wine was pure bliss.

After all, you’re on vacation in Tuscany and the only weights you should be lifting are glasses of Italian wine!On our way back to the hotel, we simply couldn’t resist pulling over to soak in the stunning panoramic views. Have I mentioned that the beauty of this island is almost surreal?

DAY 4: VITICCIO BEACH We had originally planned to visit Enfola Beach, but when our GPS completely bailed on us, we somehow stumbled into the village of Viticcio instead. Honestly, I can’t complain because it turned out to be a lovely place to get lost!

The Gulf of Viticcio is home to five quaint little coves, one of which is Viticcio Beach. To reach the shore, we parked in the nearby village, strolled along a short unpaved trail, and followed a steep stone stairway down to the rocky beach below.Viticcio was such a pleasant surprise and a welcome break from the crowds quiet, tranquil, and blissfully uncrowded. The beach features a natural rock platform, crystal-clear water, and a sweeping view of the Enfola peninsula.

The seabed is a mix of smooth sand and submerged rock, so you’ll want to watch your step when wading into the sea, as those rocks can get a bit slippery!

Rumor has it that sunsets in Viticcio are nothing short of magical and judging by the view, I don’t doubt it for a second.

DAY 5: STRACCOLIGNO BEACHNestled on the eastern coast of Elba between Punta di Capo Perle and Punta di Liscolino lies the sandy shores of Straccoligno Beach. Stretching roughly 230 meters, this calm bay features shallow, emerald-green waters that make it an exceptionally family-friendly spot.

DAY 6: BAGNAIA BEACH Stretching roughly 300 meters, Bagnaia Beach is a lovely mix of sand and pebbles located just 11 kilometers from Portoferraio. Out of all the shores we visited, this was easily one of the most well-equipped, packed with great amenities from full-service bathing establishments and water sports rentals to nearby shops, ample parking, bars, and restaurants. It’s an ideal setup for a hassle-free family getaway.

What really sets Bagnaia apart, though, is its striking, multicolored seabed, created by a unique blend of sand and fine gravel beneath the water.

DAY 7: LACONA BEACH Stretching over a kilometer along the southern coast of Elba, Lacona Beach holds the crown as the island’s longest shore. With soft golden sand and calm, shallow waters, it’s a paradise for families with kids and anyone looking for maximum comfort by the sea.

Framed by a scenic bay and overlooking the distant silhouette of Montecristo Island, Lacona easily takes the title for the most breathtaking beach we visited. If I had to pick just one favorite out of all seven no easy feat!—Lacona would definitely be it. While Elba spoiled us with an embarrassment of riches when it came to stunning coastline, this last stop held a truly special magic. I certainly saved the best for last.