The Calello and the Cala Maestrale rocks in Pomonte (Marciana) - Island of Elba

In Pomonte, a village between the sea and the mountains that frame its beautiful valley, within a 1-kilometer radius, there are three wonderful beaches made mostly of gravel and granite pebbles: Le Scalette, Relitto and Ogliera.

The northern part of the village up to punta della Testa is characterized by an amazing formation of very light granite that gently slopes into the sea.

These are the Calello and Cala Maestrale cliffs, once a granite quarry, now a stunning inlet perfect for snorkeling.

Both are made of polished granite slabs that are very comfortable both for sunbathing and as an excellent base for diving into the clear waters for a refreshing swim.

Calello is considered a beautiful natural playground, always full of young people having fun diving off the pier. This "diving board," about 3 meters above sea level, was once used for loading boats.

Curiosity: Calello used to be a small commercial dock, from where the leudi (traditional Mediterranean sailing boats used until the late 20th century for transporting goods) would depart, carrying the must from the local vineyards or granite extracted from nearby quarries. In memory of the extraction and loading activities of granite, a characteristic "Bigo di Forza" (an ancient wooden crane) has been restored here.

What makes Pomonte truly captivating, in addition to its natural beauty and the tranquility of the place, is its crystal-clear sea with intense colors. The fantastic seabeds, rich marine life, and gentle breezes also make it a favorite destination for windsurfing and snorkeling enthusiasts.

From the cliffs facing the open sea, the view stretches towards Bastia and the skyline of Punta della Corsica, and southward to the unmistakable silhouette of Pianosa Island. For those who stay until late, the sunsets offer a moment of extraordinary beauty.

How to reach the Calello and Cala Maestrale cliffs

Pomonte is easily accessible by car by following the road that runs along the western loop around Mount Capanne. From the small square at the Church of Pomonte, turn onto the road that descends towards the sea and park in the free parking area located very close to the beach. At the height of Hotel Sardi, turn right to reach the piazzetta del Calello (where there are only a few parking spaces). From the square, several accesses lead to a comfortable walkway along the cliff that reaches Cala Maestrale.

The village of Pomonte is connected by the local bus service and the Marebus service of the Municipality of Marciana.

Photo by Alessio Gambini