Luisi d'Angelo beach, Rio, Island of Elba

Marina di Gennaro, Luisi d'Angelo and Porticciolo di Rio are three tiny coves that you can get to from the "Via Panoramica del Porticciolo" or "Lovers' Walkway", that starts at Rio Marina and then branches off at each of these three coves, all of which consist ofsmall/medium sized shingle and stones. 

Luisi d'Angelo beach is a tiny, truly beautiful and hidden cove that is totally pristine and is surrounded by lush, Mediterranean bush. 

It is about 45 metres long and consists of tiny stones of different colours, and the entire area is very picturesque and almost magical. The light and dark coloured lines of thedifferent layers of the sedimentary rocks are fascinating, and this is due to the geological impact over the years that has enriched the minerals to be found on the eastern side of Elba.

The sea bed consists of shingle and this has helped to make the beach famous for its crystal clear water to the point that it is perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. A wood of holm oaks and pine trees lies behind the beach, and a stone wall that sits on private property separates it from the beach. 

The fact that there are no facilities on the beach may make it appeal less to tourists, but it is nonetheless ideal if you are looking for somewhere quiet and peaceful; most of the people who go there are either locals or tourists who live nearby or have got there by boat. 

The view from this beach too looks across to the mainland, from Piombino to past Follonica as well as the tiny islands of Palmaiola and Cerboli. 

Since it faces eastwards it is sheltered from the winds blowing from north-west, west and south-west.

How to get to Luisi d'Angelo beach

Start off from the town of Rio Marina and follow the signs for "Via Panoramica del Porticciolo" (or Sentiero dell'Amore) and keep going for about 2,2 km (the last part is grit). Just before you get to the building at number 27 you will see some steps on the right that lead to some houses, go down for about 10 metres and you will see a path on your left across the woods that takes you right to the beach. Although you shouldn't have any difficulty in walking along the path just be careful you don't slip on the pine needles along the way.