Istia (or Istria) beach in Capoliveri, on the Island of Elba

Beautiful and totally pristine from a scenic point of view, Istia is perfect if you are a lover of nature and are looking for a quiet and peaceful beach.

This beach, also called Istria, is about 110 metres long but only 5/7 metres wide at its widest part, so it is quite long, and faces north, north eastwards.

It consists mainly of medium grain sand and tiny stones and is enclosed in a small gulf. On the left a beautiful promontory (punta di Calanova) where there is a smally pine grove that you can get to very easily, separates it from Calanova beach; if you go across the rocks on the right you will get to the tiny island of Liscoli (about 200 metres out) that is like a frame round the bay.

There is a beautiful, large pinegrove at the back of the beach if you want to spend your day in the shade and cool off.

On the beach you will see the posidonia, brought in by the tide, that has dried in the sun. You can hire a sun umbrella/sun bed or rent a small boat or pedalo. There are no bars or restaurants on the beach, but you will find them in the nearby Calanova beach

Due to its position the beach gets the sun in the morning but part of it is in the shade in the afternoon.

The beauty of the sea bed and the peace and quiet you find here, enhanced also by the tiny island facing it, more than make up for the fact that this beach isn't very easy to get to.

How to get to Istia beach

As we have already said, it isn't very easy to get to this beautiful beach. A grit road with quite a few potholes leaves from Straccoligno and takes you to the beautiful beach of Calanova. From here, or rather, from the bend just before the car park in Calanova, there is a barrier to prevent vehicles going past in the direction of the private property that belongs to the Costa dei Gabbiani.

The first beach you come to after walking for 150 metres past the barrier is Istia. You can also get there by going along a short path on the right hand side of Calanova beach.

Although there is no car park, you can leave your car at the side of the road or in the car park that is in the shade under the pine trees near Calanova beach. Another option - you will see the sign saying so at the start of the road - is the free car park for those who have arrived on foot.

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