Marciana Marina

Marciana Marina combines coastal landscapes, maritime history and distinctive places on the island of Elba. The coast, which stretches for just a few kilometres, ranges from pebble beaches and town beaches to a single sandy beach that was only recently created within the harbour area. There are also historic buildings, an old settlement by the harbour and regional cuisine closely connected with the island’s traditions. If you would like to combine culture, the sea and different beach landscapes during your stay, the town offers several clearly distinct points of interest.

Beaches and coastal landscape

Marciana Marina has beaches with crystal-clear water, rocks sloping towards the Tyrrhenian Sea and lush Mediterranean vegetation. Spiaggia della Fenicia is the beach closest to Marciana Marina and is considered suitable for children. Spiaggia della Fenicetta has a different character: this more secluded beach is reached via a concrete path between the rocks. Spiaggia della Crocetta is a wild cove surrounded by largely unspoilt nature. Spiaggia della Cala is located near Marciana Marina and is considered a quiet beach that is relatively difficult to find and reach. The coastal sections therefore differ not only in their shape, but also in their described character and the type of access.

Towers, churches and Il Cotone

The Torre degli Appiani defines the historical side of Marciana Marina. The structure was built as a defensive and observation building to protect and monitor the bay, and is a 16th-century bastion used for observation. The most widespread interpretation dates its construction to between 1558 and 1562, under Jacopo VI Appiano. The Chiesa di Santa Chiara, an 18th-century church, also stands on the Lungomare. Il Cotone, the oldest settlement in Marciana Marina, is particularly distinctive. The first houses were built in the 16th century on the cliff that protected the harbour. Il Cotone developed from a fishing village and has preserved its original maritime character. The history of tuna fishing is also part of the coast’s heritage: historically, one of the last two tuna-fishing stations still operating on Elba was located here.

Harbour, diving and regional traditions

The old harbour of Marciana Marina is a destination for sailing enthusiasts. Marciana Marina is also a starting point for dives; several headlands that can be reached from the harbour within a few minutes provide access to the diving areas. This means that, alongside days at the beach, maritime activities are also central to the town. Local cuisine includes gallette, which traditional bakeries in Marciana Marina continue to bake. They are essential for preparing panzanella, a typical summer dish of the island of Elba. Schiaccia briaca is traditionally paired with Aleatico, the wine of the island of Elba.

Film location and festivals

Marciana Marina served as a filming location for the television series I delitti del BarLume. In the series, the waterfront promenade of Marciana Marina serves as the setting for the fictional coastal town of Pineta. The events calendar also includes various forms of community events: La Tagliagambe took place in June as a cycling and running competition. On 11 and 12 August, the feast of the patron saint Chiara was celebrated with religious ceremonies, processions on land and water, fireworks and concerts in the square. You can discover other places within the same hierarchy via La Guardia, Procchio, Poggio, Chiessi and Pomonte.

For the higher-level travel overview: Marciana.