Fenicia Beach, Elba Island

Beach near the center of Marciana Marina

The La Fenicia Beach, a gem of the Island of Elba, is located in the municipality of Marciana Marina. Also known as "Finiccia" by the locals, it is undoubtedly the most beloved beach among the residents of Marciana Marina and the tourists who flock to its accommodations during the summer season. It is a medium-sized beach by the island's standards, stretching approximately 100 meters long and 25 meters wide at its widest point.

Since 2014, it has been awarded the "Blue Flag," receiving the recognition from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) every year. This prestigious seal certifies the quality of bathing water, the services provided within the beach area, and the enhancement of the surrounding environment.

Now let's see the most important information that characterizes the Fenicia Beach.

La Fenicia Beach: What it's like

The beach is located just a few hundred meters from the town center of Marciana Marina, the smallest municipality in all of Tuscany and one of the smallest in Italy, right at the beginning of the Cala Capra Natural Park. It is accessible directly from the road, from the port area, which is separated by an artificial strip of rocks and cliffs where the Tower of Appiani stands, the iconic building of Marciana Marina. From these rocks, which are ideal for sunbathing if you want to stay in a more secluded space, it is also possible to dive directly into the crystal-clear sea.

Once you pass this cliff, the actual beach begins, mostly composed of round and smooth white pebbles of medium size. Due to their shape and size, it's possible to walk barefoot on the beach without the uncomfortable sensation typically associated with pebble beaches. These pebbles, which also extend for the first few meters underwater, give the water a color that varies between deep blue and faint green. These waters are perfect for snorkeling and observing the marine fauna that thrives in this beach's pristine waters.

As you traverse the entire beach, you will come across the bed of a stream (dry during the summer months but filled with water from November to March) that runs longitudinally across the beach. This stream is responsible for the presence of those round and smooth pebbles.

On the northern side of the beach, separated by a small hill and a small cliff, and connected by a convenient artificial walkway that can be easily crossed even in flip-flops, lies the small bay of Fenicetta, an ideal place to relax in complete privacy. The bay is tiny, and if you plan to lay out your towels during peak or high season, you'll need to go early in the morning to secure a spot with your beach towels.

La Fenicia Beach faces north, so when looking at the sea, the sun will gradually move from your right to behind you, becoming visible on your left in the evening hours. If you prefer not to have the sun in your face, you'll need to lie down facing away from the sea. To do this, it's recommended to find a flat area where you can lay out your towel or make use of a beach chair or lounger that you bring from home or rent daily from one of the two equipped spots on the beach.

Fenicia Beach: The Sea

The waters of Phoenician Beach are extremely clean and free of algae throughout the year. This has contributed to earning the area the "Blue Flag," a symbol of Italian and European beach excellence. Depending on the sunlight reflecting on it, the sea displays a light green color in the morning hours. This green gradually shifts to a shade of blue during the midday period when the sun moves behind the beachgoers. By late afternoon and evening, it becomes an intense blue.

At the water's surface, tourists can observe the island of Capraia, towards which the beach is oriented. The island provides a contrasting backdrop to the water's color, offering an extraordinary variety of interesting backgrounds for your souvenir photos.

The beach's waters are also ideal for children, considering the gently sloping shoreline and the possibility of staying in shallow waters for about ten meters. Beyond this distance, the seabed gradually deepens and becomes sandy, while the water still maintains exceptional transparency, even if you intend to swim further offshore.

La Fenicia Beach: Services Offered

La Fenicia is an equipped beach located on the north coast of Elba Island. In its 100 meters of beach, you will find two well-equipped bathing establishments with sun loungers and umbrellas, open throughout the summer season (typically from June 1st to the end of September). However, these amenities should not discourage those who prefer not to avail themselves of their services. There is plenty of free beach available for those who wish to save money and lay their towels directly on the white pebbles that cover the beach. The two bathing establishments also offer a bar where refreshments can be purchased, even for those who do not use the paid sun loungers, as well as a seaside restaurant ideal for romantic dinners. One of the establishments also features a safe children's pool with dedicated staff for safety.

The prices of sun loungers, deck chairs, and umbrellas vary depending on the low or high season but are generally in line with the prices of other equipped beaches on the island.

La Fenicia Beach: Tips and Conclusions

As shown earlier, La Fenicia Beach is perfect for people of all ages, including men, women, and children.

For couples, I recommend stopping by one of the two bars at the equipped bathing facilities to enjoy a great aperitif. While there, you can watch the sunset together and witness the beautiful colors of the sea and sky merge until the horizon disappears from sight. Afterwards, you can head to the seaside restaurant and indulge in an excellent dinner featuring fresh seafood and local products. The prices are reasonable and comparable to any other restaurant in the area.

For families, I suggest using one of the two equipped bathing facilities on the beach. This way, children can play in the designated areas and swim safely in the pool under the supervision of dedicated security personnel. During the peak season, there is also entertainment staff available for the little ones, allowing you to enjoy a few hours of well-deserved relaxation. Additionally, the beach restaurant offers specific menus for younger guests.

For groups of friends, I recommend waking up early and heading to the Fenicetta Bay to secure an area for yourselves, where you can engage in games and activities in complete privacy. This area is also ideal for single individuals seeking relaxation.

In conclusion, the beach is definitely worth a visit, whether for a day or more, depending on your availability. However, during the high season, those seeking tranquility may face some difficulties. In such cases, it might be better to opt for less crowded and touristy destinations.

The beach La Fenicia in Marciana Marina, seen in a 360-degree view from a drone.

The map to reach La Fenicia Beach in Marciana Marina.