Ripa Nera beach, Capoliveri, Island of Elba

Ripa Nera cove sits in the Capo Fonza promontory along a rocky and rugged part of the coast; since it faces the open sea it is exposed to most of the winds coming from the south and from the west.

It takes its name precisely from the steep, dark coloured cliffs that drop sheer down as far as the sea, making this beach absolutely unique, and the striking contrast in the colours of this truly natural environment is breathtaking: the clear blue sky, the crystal clear water, the dark but at the same time colourful surrounding vegetation all help to make this beach fascinating as well as rugged.

The cove is about 50 metres in length and is made up of shingle mixed with stones of different sizes. The dark coloured pebbles that make up the beach tend to draw and keep the heat so this means that in the peak of the summer it is practically impossible to stay on the beach or walk barefoot on the pebbles unless you have a sun umbrella.

As with most of the secluded and rugged beaches on the Island of Elba you can only get to Ripa Nera by boat and naturally there are no facilities here.

The beach is perfect if you wish peace and quiet because it is usually very empty even in peak season.

It is exposed to southern and western winds.