Ferrato Uno Beach in Capoliveri – Elba Island

Ferrato is the name of two small beaches separated by a rocky spur on the eastern coast of Elba Island.

Altogether, the two beaches stretch for about 150 metres and are both made up of sand mixed with small pebbles. More specifically, Ferrato Uno is about 95 metres long, while Ferrato Due measures around 50 metres.

The place name Ferrato probably derives from intense iron-working activity in Etruscan times, which left abundant fragments of ore even on the beaches.

The western beach, Ferrato Uno, is the larger of the two, about 10-11 metres wide, and also the sunniest.

The eastern section, Ferrato Due, is shadier and more secluded. About half as wide as Ferrato Uno, it is also made up of sand and small pebbles and borders Punta di Calanova. The coast behind the beach is higher, and the Mediterranean scrub above it casts shade on the beach quite early.

Along their entire length, the two beaches, with their reddish hue, are framed by lush vegetation that gives the setting a natural and wild appearance, further enhanced by the possible presence of seaweed washed ashore.

The clear water and shallow seabed make the beaches of Ferrato very picturesque and pleasant, also for snorkelling.

The beach is popular with families with children and with those who love the sea in a natural and unspoilt setting, although there are no particular facilities. It is ideal for relaxing.

The beach faces north-east and offers a view of Monte Arco and a stretch of sea with the islet of Cerboli, with Punta di Capo Perla in the foreground.

To the left of Ferrato Uno beach, it is possible to reach the small, wild beach of Straccolignino by getting wet up to your swimsuit and walking for a short stretch over uneven rocks. For this reason, water shoes are recommended.

How to get to Ferrato Uno beach

Ferrato Uno can be reached via two paths.

The first, more convenient but without parking, is located about 200 metres after the path leading to Straccoligno beach, heading towards Calanova. The access point is opposite the entrance to “Villa Federico”, marked by a blue sign with a dolphin. A road sign reading “spiaggia”, near a post with a broken traffic mirror, indicates the dirt path that runs to the right of a white house. After walking a few dozen metres and climbing a few steps at the end, you easily reach the left-hand side of the beach when facing the sea.

The second access point is located about 900 metres from Straccoligno, inside a parking area for cars and campers, with parking for cars, motorbikes and bicycles, clearly signposted along the road. Pay attention to the red traffic light at the beginning of the descent towards the parking area: if it is on, it means there are no spaces available.

Ferrato Due is located on the right-hand side of the beach: climb a few steps, follow a well-maintained path for a few dozen metres and, after some concrete steps, descend to Ferrato Due beach.

Continuing along the path, after about 200 metres, you also reach Malpasso beach in Capoliveri.