Cala del Telegrafo

Cala del Telegrafo, also known as Spiaggia di Fornacelle, is a unique, largely untouched beach located on the island of Elba, just 2 km away from the town of Cavo. The beach is known for its distinct natural beauty, characterized by a lush holm oak forest that extends to the sea and a 150-meter long shore of mixed gravel and sand with some iron content. The sand at Cala del Telegrafo is particularly noteworthy due to its fine, black, and shimmering quality, which gives the beach a lunar and stellar appearance. The shimmer is caused by the brightness of the iron dust found in the sand, creating a special effect, especially on wet skin. While snorkeling, visitors can see the sand glittering on the seabed, providing an impressive sight. Cala del Telegrafo is not just appealing to the eye, but also offers a comfortable and family-friendly environment. The beach has a shallow and sandy bottom, making it particularly suitable for families with children. Moreover, despite its beauty, the beach is not very crowded, offering a tranquil, relaxed atmosphere for visitors. While there are no extensive facilities on the beach, it does offer some amenities including a quality bar/restaurant and a parking lot. However, the parking area can fill up quickly during the high season. The beach is accessible via a narrow and winding concrete road, which may discourage some visitors. Despite this, the beach is suitable for a variety of activities including underwater activities and windsurfing. The name Cala del Telegrafo is a historical reference to the beach's past connection to the iron mines in the surrounding area. The remains of these mines, specifically the northernmost of the island's iron quarries, are still visible in the innermost part of the locality. From Cala del Telegrafo, visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the nearby islet of Palmaiola and the city of Piombino beyond the strait. The beach also offers an excellent spot to watch the sunrise. Despite its rustic and tranquil environment, Cala del Telegrafo is a splendid representation of the natural beauty of the island of Elba.