Elba Island is a true safe bet for parents looking to organise a family holiday. Although the island is famous for its incredible variety of coastlines, ranging from wild cliffs to pebble coves, it also offers wide sandy bays perfect for those travelling with pushchairs, buckets and spades in tow.
The best beaches for children on Elba Island are spacious, easy to reach, well served and, above all, have shallow waters that slope gently into the sea. In this practical guide we have selected the 5 most family-friendly sandy beaches, where parents can relax while enjoying a dream crystal-clear sea.
The 5 best beaches for children on Elba Island
When travelling with children, sandy beaches are undoubtedly the winning choice: they allow children to play freely and make entering the sea easy and safe.
1. Marina di Campo beach: space and convenience
Stretching almost two kilometres, Marina di Campo beach is the longest on the entire island. Fine golden sand and a seabed that slopes so gently children can walk in the water for metres and metres in complete safety.
Behind the beach lies the village, with shaded pine groves for the hottest hours, playgrounds, bars, ice cream parlours and equipped beach establishments all within easy reach. It is the perfect choice for those looking for maximum convenience close to the town centre.
2. Lacona beach: fun among dunes and pine forests
Located on the southern side of the island, Lacona beach is another paradise of very fine sand, celebrated for its protected dunes that create a unique natural environment. The bay is very wide and the waters are shallow, perfect for the youngest children’s first dips.
A practical tip: right behind the beach there is a dense pine forest, ideal for letting children rest in the shade during the hottest part of the day. The beach offers an excellent mix of wide public beach areas and modern establishments with pedalo and water game rentals.
3. Fetovaia beach: a paradise sheltered from the wind
Nestled in one of the most evocative bays on the Western Ring, Fetovaia beach feels like a true natural swimming pool. It is sheltered by a long green headland that blocks most winds (except the Scirocco), keeping the sea almost always calm and flat.
The golden sand gives the sea spectacular turquoise hues. The crystal-clear water and the near-total absence of currents make it a favourite destination for families with children. We recommend arriving early in the morning to find parking more easily.
4. La Biodola beach: pale sand and a postcard-perfect sea
Just a few kilometres from the port of Portoferraio, La Biodola beach opens onto a natural amphitheatre of extraordinary beauty. The sand is soft and golden, and the water is renowned for its transparency. Here too, the shallow seabed allows parents to relax while children play safely at the water’s edge.
The services: at Biodola you will find restaurants by the sea, establishments with sunbed and umbrella rental, boat and canoe hire, ideal if there are older children or teenagers in the group.
5. Procchio beach: the wide bay on the northern coast
At the centre of the northern coastline lies the wide Gulf of Procchio, home to one of the island’s largest and most comfortable sandy beaches.
Procchio beach is easily accessible from the village via short, flat pedestrian paths. Here you will find fine sand, clean sea and shallow areas ideal for water games. The mix of numerous establishments alongside wide public beach areas ensures maximum flexibility to suit every family’s needs.
Blu Navy’s tips for your family holiday
Here are some tips for your family holiday on Elba:
• Choose the beach according to the wind: this is the real secret of Elba. If the Scirocco blows (from the south), northern beaches such as Biodola and Procchio will be as calm as a mirror. If the Maestrale blows instead (from the north), southern beaches like Marina di Campo and Lacona will offer the best conditions.
• Travel stress-free on the ferry: on Blu Navy ships you will find spacious air-conditioned lounges, a bar and comfortable areas where children can enjoy the hour-long crossing while you plan the first stages of your holiday.
• Arrive early in the warmer months: beaches like Fetovaia and Biodola are very popular. If you travel in July and August, try to move early in the morning to secure a parking spot and the best places close to the water’s edge.
Elba Island is waiting to give you and your children an unforgettable experience filled with nature, safety and wonderful seaside memories. Book your ticket on the official Blu Navy website and start your family adventure!
