Enfola and Viticcio: the twin beaches of the island of Elba
Along the northern coast of the beautiful island of Elba, sheltered from the winds coming from the south, extends over the sea the small isthmus that culminates with Capo d'Enfola. The two sides of this thin strip of land are both occupied by beaches. The first is characterized by a splendid view and a gravelly seabed, made up of characteristic pebbles. Very scenic, you can admire almost the entire north-west coast, from Monte Capanne to Capo Sant'Andrea. The other side is mostly used by local abiatants to dry up their small fishing boats. Oriented to the southwest, continuing along the coast towards Biodola, we find the beautiful Gulf of Viticcio. Here too, thanks to the fortunate exposure that protects against the coldest winds and sea currents, bathers will be able to find a sheltered place with splendid views of part of the island's coast, where they can stay for a long time.
What to do at Enfola and Viticcio
The particular shape of the island's coasts means that everyone can find the place that best suits their needs. The perfect example of this variety is precisely the beaches of Enfola and Viticcio, which despite being in a contiguous position offer visitors completely different views and possibilities. The north side of the isthmus will, for example, be the perfect place to dock with small boats and from which to set out to explore the coast by sea with kayaks, pedal boats, and boats. A visit to these beaches is recommended above all for the beauty of the landscape and the comforts offered. In the Gulf, there are numerous restaurants and refreshment points with dedicated lanes for docking boats: everything you need, in short, for safe and pleasant swimming, even when traveling with children.
The beautiful gravel bottoms, always clear on both beaches, are the ideal setting for snorkeling and underwater undesissions. Capo d'Enfola, located at the tip of the isthmus, also offers an interesting destination for those who want to delve deeper into the island's history and traditions: here, framed by the splendid crystalline sea, stands the ancient Tonnara, where island fishermen processed freshly caught tuna. Decommissioned in the late 1950s, the facility has now been redeveloped as an office for the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.
How to get to the beaches
The beaches of Enfola and Viticcio are extremely easy to reach, both by car and by public coastal services. Located in Portoferraio, they are approximately 6 km from the town centre and well connected by easy-to-travel roads. To reach them, you can pass through Portoferraio and follow the signs for Enfola-Viticcio, keeping right at the exit of the roundabout and continuing for just over 1 km. The isthmus also has a large free car park, where you can leave your car during bathing hours. Furthermore, for travelers who love hiking, the area also lends itself to being explored on foot, discovering the wonderful groves and numerous hidden coves and bays, reachable only on foot or by sea. Finally, even those without private transport will be able to experience the convenience of using public transport: shuttles frequently connect Portoferraio to the surrounding coasts.
