Sansone Beach
4.5 / 5 White-pebble bay under green cliffs in Portoferraio, Elba
Photo: Carlo Pelagalli, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A small bay of bright white pebbles and clear turquoise water on Elba north coast near Portoferraio. A short, steep path down through the hillside keeps it from feeling like a roadside beach.
Practical info for Sansone Beach
| Access | A steep path of about 10 minutes on foot, starting shortly before the Viticcio turning; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. |
|---|---|
| Car parking | Free parking is limited and fills early, street parking is fined, and a small paid lot costs around 18 EUR a day. |
| Sunbeds & umbrellas | Umbrella and sunbeds can be rented; one visitor paid about 40 EUR for the day, so check prices first. |
| Food & drink | A beach bar rents umbrellas; bring lunch for a full day. |
| Good to know | White pebbles make the water look vivid but rough underfoot; very busy in July and August. |
Last verified: October 2026. Compiled from official tourism pages, visitor guides and recent reports. Prices, fees and rules change by season, so confirm locally before you go.
Planning your visit to Sansone Beach
Pebble beaches usually mean clear water but awkward walking. Bring water shoes and a thick towel or mat to sit on.
Access is rated moderate: expect stairs, a short walk or a rough road, and wear proper shoes rather than flip-flops.
The usual season runs May–September. Visiting near the start or end of that window usually means fewer people, but the sea is cooler and some facilities may not be open yet or may have closed for the year.
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View Sansone Beach on the map · Compare with all beaches
Best months to visit Sansone Beach
The swimming season here runs from May to September. June, July, August are the warmest and busiest, with the sea around 23 °C, so arrive early for parking and a good spot. May and September are quieter and cooler: good for walking and photos, though some beach bars and lifeguard posts may not be open yet or may already have closed for the year.
Who Sansone Beach suits
Pebbles and clear water suit swimmers and snorkellers; bring water shoes for an easier entry. Expect a short walk or uneven ground, so it suits most visitors with sensible footwear. Food and drink close by make it easy to stay for the whole day.
Getting there and nearby
Limited free roadside parking and a small paid lot; arrive early. The beach sits at about 42.823, 10.280 on the map, so use the map link above for directions. If you are planning a day around it, the closest other beaches on our list are Fetovaia Beach (14 km), Cala Violina (40 km), Fiascherino Beach (141 km).
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Sansone Beach?
Sansone Beach is best visited May to September. The sea is typically around 23 °C in season. Go early in summer, wear shoes for the pebbles, and expect little space. The path is steep and not suited to strollers or wheelchairs.
How do I get to Sansone Beach?
Access is rated moderate. Limited free roadside parking and a small paid lot; arrive early.
What facilities does Sansone Beach have?
A beach bar renting umbrellas and sunbeds.
Where is Sansone Beach?
Sansone Beach is in Portoferraio, Elba (approx. coordinates 42.8228, 10.2802).
Is Sansone Beach good for children?
Access is rated moderate, so check that it suits young children before you go. Our family guide lists easier options.
What should I bring to Sansone Beach?
Facilities: A beach bar renting umbrellas and sunbeds. Water shoes help on the pebbles. Bring water and snacks if there is no kiosk or restaurant.
Is there parking at Sansone Beach?
Free parking is limited and fills early, street parking is fined, and a small paid lot costs around 18 EUR a day. Fees and rules change, so confirm locally.
Are there sunbeds at Sansone Beach?
Umbrella and sunbeds can be rented; one visitor paid about 40 EUR for the day, so check prices first. Prices are approximate and change by season.
Beaches near Sansone Beach
Fetovaia Beach
Fetovaia, Elba · 4.5 / 5 · 14 km away
Cala Violina
Scarlino, Tuscany, Italy · 4.7 / 5 · 40 km away
Fiascherino Beach
Fiascherino, Lerici, Liguria · 4.4 / 5 · 141 km away
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre, Liguria · 4.2 / 5 · 156 km away
Levanto Beach
Levanto, Liguria · 4.3 / 5 · 159 km away
Baia del Silenzio
Sestri Levante, Liguria, Italy · 4.5 / 5 · 176 km awayBrowse all beaches in Italy or compare every beach.
Scores are editorial ratings from the EuroShores team. Last updated 2026-10-18.