Procchio: Beaches, Coastal Paths and Island History

Procchio combines beaches, paths and historical traces. This becomes particularly vivid along several shores and routes: from here, you can get an overview of natural coastal stretches and other destinations. When choosing accommodation in Procchio, this range provides helpful guidance if you would like to plan your excursions according to your interests and daily rhythm.

Beaches and Coastal Paths

An important reference point for hikes is the Sentiero Elba No. 245. It begins at Campo all’Aia Beach in Procchio and leads to San Martino near the Villa Napoleonica. Along the way, it passes through the unspoiled beaches of Porticciolo. The route thus combines specific beach sections with a trail that links Procchio and San Martino.

At Spartaia Beach, the coastal location proves particularly practical: the beach borders Procchio and is about 300 m from the town center. It has very fine white sand and shallow water. There are also bathing establishments, sun lounger and parasol rentals, pedal boats, a bar and a restaurant. This specific proximity to the town may play a role when choosing your accommodation.

La Paolina and Historical Traces by the Sea

La Paolina also combines nature and history. La Paolina Beach is named after Paolina Bonaparte, the sister of Napoleon Bonaparte. The nearby islet of La Paolina was formerly called Castiglioncello; visible archaeological remains can be seen at its summit. The islet next to the beach is easily accessible through the shallow water. The beach itself can be reached via a 200 m-long path through tall woodland.

Part of the wreck of a Roman merchant ship from the 2nd century AD is still located in the Bay of Procchio.

From Procchio Beach, you can reach the nearby beach of Cantone either along the shore or via a roughly 150 m-long path with steps. Two submerged fragments of columns lie there at a depth of 1.5 m. They are considered archaeological evidence of ancient marble quarrying, which was already carried out in Roman times above the beach and along the rocky coast. When snorkeling along the rocky coast, you can observe limpets, sea urchins and octopuses, among other marine life. Cantone thus combines direct coastal access with underwater archaeological traces.

Hiking and Cycling Around Procchio

For nature-oriented hikes, the La Guardiola–Biodola trekking route offers a different landscape experience. It begins at La Guardiola Beach in Procchio, runs through undergrowth with tall-stemmed holm oaks and is shaded along approximately 90% of its length. From Procchio, you can also reach Monte Perone as far as the “Malpasso”. The range therefore extends from the coast to Monte Perone.

The Via del Mare cycling loop reaches Procchio via a steep, unpaved path from Acquaviva, avoiding a long section of the provincial road. For local orientation, the Salotto di Procchio tourist information point is located at Piazzetta dei Delfini. These two fixed reference points can help structure your planning of cycling tours and visits to the town.

Discover More Places

La Guardia, Marciana Marina, Poggio, Chiessi, Pomonte

For the higher-level travel overview: Marciana.