Elba · Campo nell'Elba Southwest coast 42.737568 N · 10.184236 E
Cavoli
Beautiful — and packed for exactly that reason
From first-hand observation · prices and wind rule still open
What you're in for
Cavoli is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island — and because everyone knows it, everyone wants to be here. Or, in one visitor's words: "I really do want to lie right next to my neighbour on the towel." On busy days that's no exaggeration.
That's not a reason to stay away — just a reason to plan it right. If you like the buzz, you'll love it; if you're after quiet, you're in the wrong place.
Getting there and parking
- Parking paid A managed car park on Via Cavoli. Guaranteed full after 9 am — if you want a space for certain, get there before.
- Strategy Get up early. Take in the beach and the buzz — then head for a quieter spot the next day. Cavoli is a morning beach, not a hidden gem.
Paid car park: Via Cavoli 134, 57034 Cavoli — or the coordinates 42.737568, 10.184236. On the southwest coast, a few kilometres west of Marina di Campo.
The beach
- How busy Very busy, a postcard beach. The beauty is real, so is the crowd — at this beach the two go together.
- Still open Ground, the shade window and how you get into the water we haven't systematically logged yet — it follows, nothing gets guessed.
Wind
Wind rule: still open
Cavoli sits on the open southwest coast — geometrically the side that faces the Libeccio (SW) and southerly winds. We haven't observed it here yet, so the rose stays empty. That's coastal geometry, not a measurement.
- All directions: not yet assessed
The escape route: out onto the water
The beach is packed — the water wasn't. The SUP was the rescue: a few strokes out and the crowd stays behind on the shore. Bring a board (or an air mattress) and you get the room the sand won't give you.
It's the same logic as walking on at other beaches — here it doesn't lead to the far end of the bay, but out onto the water.
Food and drink
A great beach bar right on the sand — reachable from your towel, so it counts for the price index.
We haven't logged Aperol, espresso and cola here yet — it follows once we've been on site. Nothing gets guessed.
Our verdict
[verdict to follow]
… you're after quiet. Cavoli is the opposite — beautiful, but busy.
… you arrive after 9 am. The car park will be gone.
… you've no SUP or board with you. The room here is on the water, not the sand.