Villas in Cavoli
Cavoli is a soft-sand bay on the south-west coast of Elba, where sandy stretches mix with large smooth rocks. Homes here are mostly small, for two to four people, and the island is best explored with a car.
- Villas
- 26
- From, per week
- £715
About Cavoli
Elba is the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, and Cavoli sits on its south-west side: a long bay of clear, soft sand broken up by big smooth rocks. The sand gives the sea its deep blue. Homes cluster close to the bay rather than spreading across the island. They run small, mostly with one bedroom, and air conditioning is common while a private pool or a garden is less so. Fetovaia, a fine-sand beach about nine kilometres from Marina di Campo, is close by, and Marina di Campo itself has a diving centre and a sailing and windsurfing school. The island has about 30,000 residents, and that number rises considerably in summer, when day-trippers from the mainland also pour in.
Is Cavoli right for you?
- Best for
- Small parties after a sandy bay on Elba's south-west coast
- Not for you if
- You hope to manage without a car, since the island is best explored by one.
Near Cavoli
Fetovaia
Fine sand forming small pale dunes, in the Campo nell'Elba municipality, where sea turtle tracks are not uncommon.
Marina di Campo
A town with a diving centre, a sailing and windsurfing school and kayak excursions, with the island's small airport close by.
Marciana and Monte Capanne
Marciana is the oldest Elban centre still medieval in layout, with a cable car at Pozzatello and trekking on Monte Capanne, 1,018 metres high.
Lacona
A beach over a kilometre long with very light sand and a seabed that slopes gradually, in the municipality of Capoliveri.
Portoferraio
The island's most populous town and the port for the main ferry from Piombino, where Napoleon arrived in May 1814.
Getting to Cavoli
Ferries from Piombino reach Portoferraio in about an hour, with Cavo about 35 minutes and Rio Marina about 45. Elba also has a small airport near Marina di Campo with flights to the Italian mainland. Bring a car or hire one, because the island is best explored with one.
When to go to Cavoli
Summer is the busy season, when day-trippers from the mainland crowd the island on top of its residents. Walkers and mountain bikers have plenty of hill paths, and guided hikes include transport to the start. Cavo and Rio Marina sailings from Piombino are less frequent than the Portoferraio crossing, so check timetables. Check beach bar and restaurant opening times before an off-season visit.
Villas in Cavoli
Cavoli villa holidays: questions answered
Is the beach at Cavoli sand or rock?
Mostly sand. The bay has clear, soft sand, with large smooth rocks breaking up the sandy stretches.
Is Cavoli good for children?
Broadly yes: it is a long sandy beach with areas set aside for families, though there are rocks too. The homes here are mostly small, which fits couples and small families better than big groups.
Can you stay at Cavoli without a car?
It would be hard going. Buses on Elba centre on Portoferraio and Marina di Campo, and a car is needed to explore the whole island, so plan on one for Cavoli.
Cavoli or Fetovaia?
Both are soft-sand beaches on the south-west coast. Cavoli mixes in smooth rocks, while Fetovaia has fine sand forming small dunes and is popular with families looking for a beach with services.
Is Cavoli busy in summer?
Expect company. In summer Elba draws day-trippers from the mainland on top of its residents, and the island's population rises considerably.
Nearby towns to Cavoli
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed October 2026.
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