Ghiaieto beach on Elba Island, in the Gulf of Lacona

Ghiaieto Beach, in the municipality of Capoliveri, is located within the charming Gulf of Lacona, in a little-frequented area of Elba Island.

As its name suggests, the beach is characterized by a stretch of coastline with an accumulation of pebbles and boulders made up of large gravel stones. It extends for about 470 metres in length, with a width ranging from 10 to 14 metres.

The presence of large boulders makes the beach decidedly less comfortable than the nearby sandy beaches in the area, and for this very reason Ghiaieto often remains quiet and uncrowded, even during the high season.

The surrounding environment is especially fascinating: the beach is immersed in Mediterranean scrub, and along the coast you can observe interesting geological formations, which help make the natural landscape particularly striking.

The sea is generally clear and transparent, with seabeds that are also ideal for snorkelling and diving activities.

The beach is exposed to south-easterly winds, while it is sheltered from winds coming from the opposite north-western quadrant.

Beach features

Ghiaieto Beach is a wide stretch of coastline with an accumulation of fairly large pebbles and boulders, completely without services or tourist facilities. There are no beach clubs, refreshment points, rental services or other facilities on the beach.

There are no car parks in the immediate vicinity of the beach and parking along the access road is not allowed, as a no-parking restriction is in force there. It is important to always leave the passage clear, also to allow emergency vehicles to pass if necessary. Please also note that local police carry out daily checks in this area and may fine offenders.

For this reason, it is recommended to reach the area by bicycle or by taking a walk, avoiding driving as far as the area near the path.

These very characteristics help keep the beach wild and uncrowded, making it ideal for those who wish to spend a day by the sea in contact with nature and away from the more crowded beaches of Elba Island. 

How to get to Ghiaieto Beach

Let us take as a reference point the fork in the path leading to the nearby Laconella Beach: from here, the route to Ghiaieto is about 820 metres and follows a dirt road, with the final section along a path.

From the fork for Laconella, continue straight on foot along the dirt road. At the first fork, which leads towards a house, continue straight ahead, passing a white house with a gate on your left.

You then reach a second fork, which leads to another house on the right: here too, continue straight ahead. A little further on, you come to a third fork, again leading towards a house on the right, and continue along the main road until you reach the fourth fork, which is a real turn-off.

At this point, go down to the left. Once you reach the bottom of the descent, leave the house at the end on your left and take the short path on the right, with steps and dirt stairways, which leads directly to the beach.

The final stretch of the route can be completed only on foot. The walk is not particularly demanding, but it is recommended to wear closed shoes or trekking shoes for greater safety along the path and on the dirt sections.