The legend of the Argonauts: their beach is located on Elba Island

The beach of the Argonauts: just read this name to feel a fascinating aura of legend that cloaks everything. It exists, it really exists. And it is also easy to reach. You just need to get to Elba Island.

The myth of the Argonauts

The journey to take it back has become legend. Once in their hands, they brought the mythical Golden Fleece to Pelias, which would give Jason the throne he was entitled to. And during their return journey, the Argonauts stopped on Elba Island.

Once the fleece was taken, the Argonauts sailed along the routes of the Tyrrhenian Sea. They made numerous stops during the journey and one of these was a small island that, at the time, was known by the name of Aethalia. Here the Argonauts found a perfect and safe place to land, and set up an excellent port which they called Argon.

Find out more: A name written in the iron: here’s way Elba Island is called in this way

This safe beach is the Spiaggia delle Ghiaie. And, as you will certainly have understood, behind the ancient name of Aethalia hid the modern Elba Island, whose beauty was already known at the time.

The spiaggia delle Ghiaie

Today, the spiaggia delle Ghiaie is one of the most beautiful beaches on Elba Island, as this photo amply demonstrates:

A beach made of small white and smooth pebbles. Where perhaps even today it is possible to find traces of Jason and his companions. Where, according to another legend, the dark spots of the beach are actually the drops of sweat of the Argonauts who landed here.

How to get

First of all, you must book a seat on one of the ferries to Portoferraio that depart from Piombino, in Tuscany, to be precise in the province of Livorno.

The spiaggia delle Ghiaie is located very close to the historic centre of Portoferraio. It can be reached easily by taking viale Manzoni, via Cairoli and viale delle Fiamme Gialle. Not surprisingly, it is one of the best and most beautiful beaches on Elba Island within walking distance.