Pauline’s rock on the Island of Elba

On the Island of Elba, along the stretch of sea between Procchio and Marciana Marina, there is a small, charming beach that can be accessed via a path that leads down to the sea passing through a cool holm oak thicket. In front of the beach, there is a small island – little more than a rock – which takes the name of Pauline Bonaparte, Napoleon’s sister, who according to legend loved to sun bathe and swim in the sea completely nude, caressed by the wind and stretched out on the fine sand typical of the area, sufficiently equipped to ensure the necessary privacy.

The rock, called Castiglioncello in antiquity, was known to the ancient Romans, as testified by the archaeological remains that one can still note today on its summit.
The beach is part of the Tuscan Archipelago national park and is a special Protected Zone of the EU Monte Capanne–promontories of Enfola.