#313 European Rank
Spiaggia di Sansone
Portoferraio, Elba, Italy•Tyrrhenian Sea• Best Season: June, July, August, September
Photo: Carlo Pelagalli (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
Day-of-Visit Snapshot
3-Second Operational AnswersEDITORIAL SCORE
4.55/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
25.1°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€50/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Pebbles / Shingle
Gradual Drop
Live Open-Meteo European Feed
Morning Beach Pulse & Marine Telemetry
Wind-Exposed
Calm & Glassy
Exposed to Onshore Surf & ChopCove aspect: Faces SW (220°) · Wind: W (270°)
Onshore wind (12 km/h) is pushing open-sea swell directly into the bay, creating active breaking waves and reduced visibility.
Significant Wave Height
...
Optimal Swimming
Swell Profile
...
Reading buoy...
Live Surface Wind
...
W (270°) · ONSHORE
UV & Air Temperature
...
UV 5 · Moderate (SPF 30)
Cove Aspect & Shelter Compass
Seaward Orientation vs. Live Wind DirectionCove Faces SW (220°)
Onshore Wind • Waves and surface chop pushed into the beach
Shoreline Facing (θ_aspect)
SW (220°)
Open Sea Exposure
Surface Wind Vector
W (270°)
12 km/h · Δθ = 50°
Spatial Geometry: Wind from W pushes unobstructed over the open sea directly onto the SW-facing coast, generating breaking chop.
Morning Coastal Brief for Spiaggia di Sansone: Minimal chop, safe for wading, snorkeling and paddleboarding. Onshore wind (12 km/h) is pushing open-sea swell directly into the bay, creating active breaking waves and reduced visibility. Models update sub-daily via Open-Meteo European marine models.
Interactive Oceanographic Climatology
Seasonal Sea Warmth & Bathing Climatology
30-Year NOAA OISST v2.1 Monthly Normals (1991–2020) · Portoferraio, Elba, Italy
Ideal Swimming
Early August
25.1°C
Air ~33°C
Comfortable, prolonged bathing for all ages
Water temperature is well above the 20.0°C bathing threshold. Prolonged leisure swimming, snorkeling, and family wading are comfortable with zero thermal shock.
Drag to scrub 12-month temperature curveEarly August · 25.1°C
| Month | Sea Surface Temp | Air Temp | Thermal Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14.4°C | 19°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| February | 13.7°C | 20°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| March | 13.9°C | 22°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| April | 15.0°C | 25°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| May | 18.0°C | 28°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| June | 21.6°C | 31°C | Refreshing |
| July | 24.3°C | 33°C | Ideal Swimming |
| August | 25.1°C | 33°C | Ideal Swimming |
| September | 23.1°C | 31°C | Ideal Swimming |
| October | 20.7°C | 28°C | Refreshing |
| November | 18.3°C | 24°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| December | 15.9°C | 21°C | Crisp & Bracing |
NOAA OISST v2.1 30-year climatological normal (1991–2020).Explore all Italy Sea Temperatures
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Swimmable 10 Jun – 11 Oct (>21°C) · 123 days
Planning around peak water warmth (25.1°C)?
Lock in coastal villas and boutique stays near Spiaggia di Sansone for the optimal June–July–August–September swimming window.
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Quick Summary
Preview
🏖️ Spiaggia di Sansone (Portoferraio, Elba, Italy)
🌊 Water temperature: 25.1°C
⛱️ Beach access: 45% free public sand • Sunbeds: €20–€50
🧭 Wind & shelter: Faces SW (sheltered from NE winds)
📍 Guide: https://shores.cc/beach/sansone-beach-it/Tip: Add this beach to your home screen to quickly check morning wind and water conditions before heading out.
EEA Bathing Water Directive 2006/7/EC
Bathing Water Purity & Statutory Standards
Status: Excellent
Microbial Water Purity
95th-Percentile Compliant
Escherichia coli & intestinal enterococci within statutory limits.
Bathing Directive Tier
Tier 1: Sufficient & Safe
Monitored across the official European bathing season.
Official European Environment Agency (EEA) water monitoring verifies recreational cleanliness, sewage absence, and safety standards across all 31 member and partner coastal nations.
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.6 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.7 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.2 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.2 / 5
About Spiaggia di Sansone
White pebbles vanish into water so clear the boats look airborne, on Elba's northern shore.
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Reached via a 10-15 minute scenic footpath from the Portoferraio-Enfola provincial road
•Protected Status / Environment: Part of Elba's protected white cliff coast in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park
•Notable Feature: Dazzling white Eurite pebbles and limestone cliffs producing luminous turquoise water clarity and rich snorkeling reefs
Sand Transparency & Sunbed Index
Public sand quota, private lido density, and legal towel placement rights
High Lido & Umbrella Density
Free Public Sand (45%)Private Concessions (55%)
2-Sunbed + Umbrella Set Rate
€20low season→€50August peak
Daily set (2 loungers + umbrella). Front-row loungers may command premium surcharges.
Towel Bather Guidance
Private beach clubs occupy significant prime sand. Free public sectors exist but fill quickly in peak morning hours.
Legal Shoreline Rights: Italian maritime regulation preserves free walking and emergency water access along the 5-meter shoreline edge (battigia).
Arrival Logistics, Parking & Sun Exposure
Micro-logistics, parking payment taxonomy, and topographic shadow schedules.
Parking Payment & Rates
Free Parking
Free Verge / Unpaved Roadside
Follow local municipal parking signage to avoid fines during summer peak hours.
Sun Exposure & Cliff Shadows
Full-Day Unobstructed Sunlight
Open shoreline with full solar exposure from mid-morning through evening twilight.
Footwear & Karst Protection
Recommended for Shingle / Pebbles
Pebbles and dark sand become scorching hot by midday and challenging under barefoot tread.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
YesShowers
YesFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
YesDog Friendly
NoLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
YesNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Portoferraio, Elba. Accessible via regional coastal roads (42.822°N, 10.293°E).
•Some of Italy's clearest water; snorkelling heaven.
•White cliffs and pines on Elba's northern shore.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Portoferraio, Elba, Italy.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Spiaggia di Sansone?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spiaggia di Sansone
What is the water temperature at Spiaggia di Sansone?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Spiaggia di Sansone averages 25.1°C (77°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Spiaggia di Sansone?
Spiaggia di Sansone is classified as a pebbles / shingle shoreline located in Portoferraio, Elba, Italy.
Is Spiaggia di Sansone good for families with kids?
Yes, Spiaggia di Sansone is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.
Are there parking and facilities at Spiaggia di Sansone?
Free parking is available. Restroom facilities are present.
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