Barbarossa Beach, situated in Porto Azzurro on Elba Island, is a tranquil destination known for its fine, smooth gravel mixed with sandy areas and multicolored pebbles. The beach spans approximately 160 meters in width and 30 meters in depth, making it the largest beach in the area. It's surrounded by beautiful rocky coves, ideal for snorkeling and diving, and offers a panoramic walkway that connects it to the town, providing a beautiful view as it follows the perimeter of the 17th-century Fort of S.Giacomo.
Barbarossa Beach is partly free and partly equipped with facilities, catering to a variety of visitors. Amenities include a small pier for boat mooring, a bar, a restaurant, a newsstand, a small market at the seaside campsite, and a windsurfing and diving school. There is also a beach establishment offering rentals of sunbeds, umbrellas, pedal boats, canoes, and cabins, as well as bathrooms, showers, and mooring buoys. Some areas even provide jellyfish protection for the safety of swimmers.
The beach is easily accessible, located just over 1 km from the town of Porto Azzurro. Visitors can reach the beach by taking a right turn from the provincial road to Rio Marina or by following a scenic footpath from Porto Azzurro that passes under the prison's walls. This walk takes around 15 to 20 minutes and offers splendid views, particularly enchanting when illuminated at night.
Parking at Barbarossa Beach is convenient, with a small free parking area on the beach and along the road. However, spaces can be limited. Despite its popularity, Barbarossa Beach is not usually crowded in the summer, making it suitable for families and especially for young people.
The beach's name is believed to have originated from the Ottoman pirate Khayr-al-Din Barbarossa or from a nearby reddish earth wall that resembles a red beard. Regardless of its origins, Barbarossa Beach continues to captivate visitors with its unique natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere.
