Elba Island

Elba Island, the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago and the third largest by area in all of Italy, is at the same time one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in Tuscany.

Easily reached from Piombino port by ferry and hydrofoil, it boasts 147 kilometres of coastline lined with pebble beaches, rocky outcrops and sandy coves. Here the water is transparent and crystal clear, the sea colours range from pale to intense azure, and there are plenty of magnificent beaches to choose from.

Historically, the island has always been a holiday destination for Tuscans, who often own a second home here. But thanks to mass tourism (or because of it, according to some), and with the spread of photographs across the web and social media showcasing its wonderful beaches, Elba has become a sought-after destination for thousands of tourists from across Italy and beyond.

During a holiday on Elba Island, you can visit typical fishing villages like Portoferraio and Rio Marina, marvel at granite quarries and mining parks, and also hike in the mountains along challenging trails: yes, because Elba’s highest peak is Monte Capanne, which at 1,019 metres in altitude offers a spectacular panoramic view in all directions around the island.

For these and countless other reasons, Elba Island remains the perfect destination for a summer stay, whether for a weekend, a week or a month. Add to this the warmth and hospitality of the locals, the numerous attractions for evening entertainment and accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, and you’ll have a unique mix of ingredients, with a guaranteed result of an unforgettable holiday.

When to visit Elba Island

Beautiful Elba Island is an ideal destination for summer holidays but its unique natural environment and charming fortified villages attract many tourists throughout the year. If you’re looking for a sun-and-sea holiday, the best months to visit Elba are May, June and September when you can fully enjoy the island’s beauty. During July and August, the island is literally invaded by tourists and the small beaches are crowded from early morning onwards, with very high prices.

In March and April nature is a kaleidoscope of colours and scents and the sun begins to warm the seawater and sand. These are ideal months for anyone seeking an escape from city stress and chaos.

During the autumn and winter months Elba is still a pleasant and sun-blessed destination. Visit one of the many mining museums on the island, discover the places of Napoleon’s exile and savour the delicious Elban cuisine.

What to do and see on Elba Island

Although a fairly small island, Elba offers a wide range of activities. The sea is naturally the star attraction of Elban holidays: the beaches are all different from each other, washed by crystal-clear waters and offering breathtaking views. The best way to get a complete picture of the island is to take a boat tour around Elba. Highly recommended!

But Elba is also history and culture. Not to be missed is the beautiful town of Portoferraio, visit the Napoleonic museums of the Palazzina dei Mulini and the Villa di San Martino, the Museum of Napoleonic Relics and the Foresiana Art Gallery. The mining museums in Capoliveri, Rio Marina and Rio nell’Elba are also very interesting.

If you love hiking and trekking, the Elban interior will surprise you. Visit the Castello del Volterraio, visible even from the ferry, the Villa delle Grotte, the island’s most important Roman settlement, and take a few days to visit the other islands of the Tuscan Archipelago such as Pianosa, Montecristo or Capraia.

To buy gifts and souvenirs, browse the little shops in Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio and look out for typical Elban products such as minerals, perfumes, cosmetics, sweets and wine.

Boat excursions

The best way to start your Elba holiday is to take a boat trip to discover the island, even better if you circumnavigate it, with its untouched coves and deserted beaches even during high season. Excursions last a minimum of 2.5 hours to a full day, except for overnight stays on board luxury yachts with private skippers.

Admire the wonderful bay of Fetovaia, the gulf of Procchio with the small island of Paolina, La Biodola, the rocky coasts near Pomonte, and conclude your excursion with a visit to the Formiche di Zanca, rocky outcrops in the north-western part of the island, near Marciana.

As well as discovering the wonders of Elba Island, explore the other islands of the Tuscan Archipelago such as the wild Capraia, ideal for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, or Pianosa, with regulated access due to its considerable natural and archaeological importance. There are also numerous excursions to Giglio Island, Montecristo Island.

Boats depart from the ports of Portoferraio, Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro and Cavo.

Where to stay on Elba Island

Elba Island offers solutions for every type of traveller, from beachfront resorts to farm stays inland. Portoferraio, the main town, is the most convenient choice for those who want to be close to services and connections to the mainland. Marina di Campo and Procchio are instead the preferred destinations for families, thanks to the wide beaches and the presence of holiday villages and hotels with entertainment.

Those seeking tranquillity and wilder landscapes will find in the farm stays inland, among the Ansonica vineyards and chestnut woods, an authentic alternative to seaside tourism. For nightlife and the liveliest beaches, Marina di Campo remains the main reference point, whilst Capoliveri captivates with its medieval alleyways and sea views.

Recommended hotels in Elba Island

Elba Island with children

Elba Island is an ideal destination for families with children thanks to excellent hotel facilities, wonderful equipped beaches and a wide range of activities suitable for both adults and children.

Nature excursions to discover the island are organised by expert environmental guides and are suitable for the youngest too. An environmental education programme for children takes place twice a week and includes activities discovering ancient traditions and animal care.

Marina di Campo is the location most loved by families: the long sandy beach is served by beach clubs, bars and restaurants and is just a short walk from the town centre and a beautiful pine wood with playground and inflatable activities. The town also boasts an electric mini-car track and a small football pitch.

Lacona is another ideal beach for children: with fine sand and shallow depths, it is equipped and hosts a large playground, the Duna Park, with a baby area, mini-golf, inflatables and water pools.

If your children love the sea, you can enrol them in a sailing or diving course at one of the island’s many schools. At Segagnana, you’ll also find the Aquarium of Elba with 80 tanks and 150 different species of marine organisms.

Discover the Mining Park of Elba Island at Rio Marina and take a characteristic little train to explore the mines. Children can admire pyrite, haematite and much more.

In Portoferraio you can explore the town or relax on the Le Ghiaie beach where there’s an equipped playground and in June daily or weekly play camps are organised.

Among the activities most loved by families is a trip to the nearby islands of Pianosa, Capraia and Giglio.

Events

Folk festivals, concerts, sporting and cultural events and food fairs enliven the Elban evenings.

Nature lovers must not miss the Walking Festival, in spring, when thanks to free guided excursions you can discover the island’s hidden corners.

Among Elba’s most important events are the Maggio Napoleonico in Portoferraio, where Bonaparte was exiled for 300 days, the Scooter Rally held in Capoliveri in April, the comic Palio of donkeys and the Isola Musicale d’Europa, a festival of classical and jazz music held in September. The historical re-enactment of the Innamorata on 14 July is truly spectacular.

Food lovers will appreciate the Grape Festival and Castaganta in autumn, the Festa della Sportella, the sweets of lovers, Easter Monday at Rio nell’Elba.

In Porto Azzurro, the May Flower Festival and the July Fishermen’s Festival are particularly lovely.

Elba is rich in events even in the winter season, including the enchanting Christmas Markets of Sant’Ilario and New Year’s Eve celebrations in the main square of the medieval town of Portoferraio.

Gastronomy and local products

Elban cuisine, once humble, is refined and features Spanish and Oriental influences. Alongside the promotion of the island’s typical products, it’s not difficult to find ethnic and complex dishes.

Salt cod, anchovies, capers, and seafood in general are widely used. Gurguglione, for example, is a vegetable-based dish much appreciated like squid ink risotto, stuffed squid, the famous Elban cacciucco, boiled octopus, fried grey mullet and stuffed sardines.

Among the delicious desserts are corollo, sportella, schiaccia briaca and schiacciunta.

Elba is also famous for wine production, though very limited and rarely appreciated outside the island. Notable in production are Elba white, Elba red, Rosé, Ansonica, Moscato and Aleatico.