Colle Palombaia Beach on the Island of Elba, in Marina di Campo

Sea, wild nature and crystal-clear waters on Elba’s western side

Enchanting and wild, Colle Palombaia beach is one of the most distinctive beaches on the south-western side of the Island of Elba. It is sometimes also called Colombaia, but it is best known as the beach of the Hundred Steps, thanks to the beautiful, long granite stairway leading down to the sea: in reality, there are 205 steps.

The descent is highly scenic and, although it requires a little care, it is not too demanding, even on the way back up. This very access helps keep Colle Palombaia a secluded beach, ideal for anyone looking for a day by the sea away from the crowds, even during the high season.

The bathing area of the beach is about 190 metres long, excluding the rocky section on the left-hand side. Colle Palombaia is also one of the widest beaches on the island: in some places, it exceeds 50 metres in depth.

The rear part of the beach, towards the hillside, is characterised by large boulders that make lying down less comfortable. Among the granite blocks, however, there are also several stretches of fine sand. The dominant colour of the beach is grey, with natural shades that change depending on the light.

The area closest to the sea consists of mixed gravel, from small to medium-sized, alternating in places with tiny pebbles. The seabed soon becomes transparent, creating beautiful contrasts between the dark colour of the beach, the pale rocks and the blue of the sea.

The beach is enclosed between steep cliffs: to the west, towards Cavoli and Fetovaia, and to the east, towards Capo Poro. The cliff on the western side, white and bright, offers one of the most beautiful viewpoints over the beach: by climbing the rocks with great caution, you can admire the transparent sea and the entire shoreline from above.

The eastern side, towards Capo Poro, is rougher and rockier, with a landslide area and rocks that are not always convenient for swimming. This also contributes to the beach’s wild and unspoilt character.

At sunset, it is not unusual to see a small family of black wild goats approaching, now a curious presence for those who visit Colle Palombaia. Precisely because it is natural and less crowded, the beach is also frequented by people with dogs, especially during the quieter parts of the season.

There are no services at Colle Palombaia: there are no beach clubs, bars or refreshment points. It is therefore recommended to bring an umbrella, plenty of water and everything you need to spend the day there.

The wild nature and the intensely coloured sea invite complete relaxation. The beach is sheltered from northerly winds and is pleasant even during some periods of the low season. The clear sea and the presence of the cliffs also make Colle Palombaia suitable for those who enjoy snorkelling.

With the exception of a few small villas above the beach, the landscape remains almost entirely free of buildings. The view opens out over the sea and takes in the island of Montecristo, the island of Pianosa, much of Corsica in the background and, closer by, the tip of Fetovaia.

Getting to Colle Palombaia beach

Colle Palombaia beach is located a few kilometres from Marina di Campo. It can be reached by following the western ring road of the island towards Cavoli. After about 2.5 km from the village of Marina di Campo, near the junction for the hamlets of San Piero and Sant’Ilario, there is a large unpaved car park.

A few metres further on, on the left, continue on foot along via Colle di Palombaia. After about 80 metres, on the right, the granite stairway begins and leads directly down to the beach.

It is advisable to leave cars, motorbikes and scooters in the car park along the road. It is not advisable, and is completely pointless, to drive into the small access road: there are no available spaces and the start of the stairway is only a short distance away.

Another parking option can be found about 250 metres after the sign for the beach, in a widening at the side of the road that can accommodate around a dozen cars.