Viste beach: seeing Elba sea through Napoleon’s eyes

If you are going to spend a holiday on Elba Island, especially if the destination of your journey is Portoferraio (the most important town of the island), there is a place that you have to see: it’s Viste beach.

The beach

Viste is a smooth pebbles and sand beach. The sea is simply wonderful, clear and blue, one of the most beautiful that the island offers to all its visitors. From the sea, near the coast, the famous Scoglietto di Portoferraio rises, a place recommended for diving and snorkeling.

It is not a coincidence that Viste is considered one of the most beautiful beaches of Portoferraio.

Where it is

Maybe Viste is a very special and unique beach thanks to this characteristic. In fact, Viste beach is near Portoferraio old town centre. And, above all, the beach is near Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon’s home during his exile on Elba Island. The French Emperor could see this beach every morning from the window of his house.

From nature to story: Viste beach is protected in Riserva marina delle Ghiaie, a marine reserve where you can visit the homonymous spiaggia delle Ghiaie, one of the most beautiful beaches on Elba Island.

Hot to get there

Viste beach is reachable via a 200 meters long sloping dirt road. There is a parking area but is very small. For these reasons, Viste beach is not recommended during a holiday with children.

Image source: Flickr.com/photos/fpasqua