Description
Cotoncello Beach
This beach, one of the smallest on the Island of Elba, is a real jewel, partly because it looks onto a breathtaking cove with smooth, granite rocks all around, and partly because the water here is always crystal clear, making it very popular.
Being such a small beach and sheltered from all winds – it is only 15 metres long – it looks more like a natural swimming pool, so it is perfect for small children; the fact that there are tamarisk trees at its back makes it the perfect beach if you want some shade to cool off.
Although there are no facilities, just follow the pleasant walkway with a wooden footbridge, that has been skillfully chiselled by hand out of the granite rocks, in full harmony with the surrounding nature, and you will get to Sant’Andrea beach, where you will find all the facilities you wish.
Due to its famous granite mixed with orthoclase crystals rocks that go right down to the crystal clear water, it is very popular in the summer months among those who love “sunbathing on the rocks”, whereas it is practically deserted when the weather is cooler. Don’t forget to admire the spectacular fuchsia and yellow flowers of the Hottentot Figs (also called “Unghie di Strega”, literally “Witches’ Nails”) behind the beach.
After 1,2 km on the main road down to Sant’Andrea, in the Commune of Marciana, you will see the turning for Cotoncello, so follow the signs for about 800 metres until you get to the pedestrians only path that takes you right to the beach, but bear in mind that in the car park there is room only for about ten cars. Once at the beach, just follow the walkway carved out of the rocks and you will quickly get to Sant’Andrea beach.
