Reale beach in Porto Azzurro, on the Island of Elba

Reale beach, whose name probably comes from the Latin word "rivus, rivi" meaning stream, faces south-westwards at the foot of the famous Valle di Reale where in the past a stream once flowed.

The surrounding environment is truly unique; the beach actually sits between two excavation areas of the mines. To the west of the beach lies the Capo Bianco promontory where it was mostly limonite that was extracted, while, to the east, it was mainly pyrite, hematite and magnetite that were extracted: they came from a small, fresh water lake just off the beach. A visit to the lake of Terranera is worthwhile and it only takes about 10 minutes to walk there

The beach is about 110 metres long, and consists of sand mixed with medium/fine light coloured and reddish shingle . There are some shoals in the middle of the bay and on either side of the beach that are perfect both for snorkelling lovers as well as very tempting for the brave who won't be able to resist diving into the water!

The beach is very popular among families and lovers of nature. Thanks to the north-westerly wind that often blows, the sea is usually crystal clear.

In recent years holiday accommodation and facilities for tourists provide most comforts tourists may wish , but thankfully in complete harmony with the surrounding area.

How to get to Reale beach

Take the road that goes from Porto Azzurro to Rio Marina, and after about 2 km you will see a sign on your right saying Capo d'Arco-Reale; from here you will get right to the beach

. There is a free, spacious gravel car park on the left hand side of the beach.

You can go on a relaxing excursion along the coast, which will take you to as far as the famous Terranera small lake, about 600 metres further along.

Along the way you can still see signs of excavation work in the old mines: from the old loading bridges to the rusty coloured coastline with mineral dust sparkling in the sun

You can also get there by using the Marebus beach service run by the Porto Azzurro town council

Information and facilities