The great beauty of the island of Elba: Gravel Beach
Suggestive sunsets tinged with pink, transparent waters and priceless underwater life make the Beach of the Gravels one of the most appreciated on the island of Elba. Much loved by visitors, this beautiful bay is located in the immediate vicinity of the center of Portoferraio, on the northern coast of the island, a short distance from the city's port. A glance at the postcard-perfect view is enough to realize that the name is no coincidence: the gravelly bottom is made up of a myriad of white pebbles rounded by the crashing waves. Legend has it that this very bay is one of the landing points reached by the Argonauts during their long journey in search of the Golden Fleece: traces of their sweat are still visible in the form of blue streaks on the white pebbles that lie on the seabed and on the beach. A full 380 meters long, Ghiaie beach is a favorite among visitors to the island of Elba, who choose it for the extraordinary beauty of the natural spectacles offered, but also for the tranquility and convenience of the numerous services offered nearby. Not far from the pristine nature, in fact, there are bars, ice cream parlors, refreshment points and parks equipped for children's play: an excellent compromise for those traveling with children and looking for a place away from the crowds. Finally, the bay's particular location and shape makes Ghiaie beach particularly suitable during days when southerly winds blow.
A dive into the sea to discover the seabed
The stony bottom is home to a rich and varied heritage of underwater life. To protect the flora and fauna, the site has been transformed into a protected marine aircraft since the 1970s. To admire this biological heritage with your own eyes, all you need is a mask and the desire to discover one of the most beautiful seabeds in the Mediterranean: this beach will be an essential stop for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, who, thanks to the excellent visibility of the seabed, will also be able to dedicate themselves to underwater photography. Even the merely curious, however, will only need to enter the water to be approached by the fish, who fearlessly push themselves to within a few meters of the shore: just throw a few crumbs of bread into the water to be able to touch them. Finally, between a swim and a few hours of relaxing in the sun, the opportunity to have fun can also continue with the rental of a small boat or pedal boat, with which you can admire the coast and the beauty of the surrounding area. It's hard not to be enchanted by the sight of the Scoglietto, a small rocky islet looming on the horizon, and its lighthouse.
How to get to the beach
Unlike other coastal areas on the island, the beach's location makes it particularly easy to reach. Coming from other areas of the island, you won't need to drive into the center of Portoferraio, because as soon as you reach the town hall, you can easily follow the signs and cut directly to the beach, located just to the left of the port in front of the public gardens. Arriving by car, it is advisable to park in one of the large paid parking lots available near the port and continue on foot to the beach. Those without private transport will be able to get around easily thanks to shuttle buses that travel the entire island and connect the towns with the various beaches. The place, however, is also easily accessible on foot via a long avenue dotted with trees: it is about ten minutes from the city centre.
