Cotoncello beach on the Island of Elba, in Marciana

The small Cotoncello beach is located in the gulf of Sant'Andrea, opposite the Sant'Andrea beach, along the north-western coast of the Island of Elba.

It is a picturesque small beach of pale sand nestled in a small inlet, surrounded by smooth granite cliffs shaped by the sea and wind. The rocks continue along the coast as far as Sant'Andrea, creating a very distinctive landscape and a spectacular, unique bay with generally clear and transparent waters, whose enclosed shape makes it almost resemble a natural swimming pool.

In front of the beach, the seabed remains shallow for a few metres, a feature that makes Cotoncello pleasant for families with young children too, especially when the sea is calm. The smooth granite cliffs surrounding the beach are also very popular with those who enjoy sunbathing on the rocks and swimming in waters with blue and emerald hues.

In spring, the area takes on an even more distinctive appearance thanks to the flowering of the Hottentot fig, also known as Witch's Claw, which covers large stretches of the Cotoncello cliffs and Cote Piane cliffs, with intense fuchsia flowers. The contrast between the pale granite, the green vegetation, the flowers and the colour of the sea makes this one of the most recognisable stretches of coast on the Island of Elba.

Infoelba recommends: from Cotoncello, it is worth following the picturesque coastal walkway towards Sant'Andrea, built with small wooden bridges and passages between the rocks. The route runs just a few steps from the sea and offers a close-up view of the characteristic granite formations along the coast.

Getting to Cotoncello beach

Cotoncello can be reached by car from the Zanca-Sant'Andrea road. About 400 metres before Sant'Andrea beach, take the turnoff on the right for Cotoncello.

The road leading down towards the sea is narrow and has numerous bends, so it is advisable to proceed with care. Parking spaces near the beach are limited; from the end of the road, a short pedestrian path leads to the beach.

Another option is to reach Cotoncello on foot from Sant'Andrea beach, following the characteristic path along the cliffs. The walkway runs between footbridges, rocks and sections very close to the water, where your feet may get wet, especially when the sea is rough.

During the summer, Cotoncello can also be reached using the Marebus service operated by the Municipality of Marciana, which connects the provincial road with the localities of La Zanca and Sant'Andrea.