Spiaggia di Terranera (Porto Azzurro) Livorno - Elba - Italy Anchorage in Porto Azzurro, Toscana

Spiaggia di Terranera, Porto Azzurro, Elba, Toscana, Italy, is notable for its geological interest and unique colors. The area features Terranera lake, a small emerald green sulphur lake contrasting with the deep blue sea. The beach is divided into two parts: a southern section with dark shiny sand sparkling with hematite, and another about 120 metres long between the lake and the open sea, with reddish and shiny black sand. A large rock to the north is used for diving. The bright colors come from hematite and pyrite, common iron minerals on Elba, with traces of iron visible. Remains of an ancient quarry can be seen further along, and a path along the cliffs crosses a disused mine and leads to Reale beach.