The Isola d’Elba, an amazing island situated between the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Sea, is the largest of the Tuscan Archipelago. It can be easily reached from Piombino with both Toremar, Blu Navy, Moby Line x ferries. There is also an airport on the island, Marina di Campo, that is served by Intersky for international flights (to Friedrichshafen, Munich, and Zürich), and ElbaFly for national routes.

The Isola d’Elba is a true natural paradise, so beautiful it is hard to describe: see-through, turquoise waters, green landscapes, and beautiful hills, all combined with fantastic flora and fauna, as well as the warm friendliness of its inhabitants, makes it a true slice of heaven. Choose to spend time on one of its gorgeous beaches – there are multiple beaches and bays and tourists have the option of trying several of them in one visit, depending on whether you prefer sand, rocks, gravel, shingles, or pebbles: there is truly a beach for each taste! – and enjoy a crystal clear sea; if you like scuba diving, then the island has something for you too, as it is surrounded by beautifully preserved coral reefs, many outfits around the island offer scuba diving tours.

Elba’s history dates back to Etruscan and Roman times, as both invaded it and left vestiges of their presence, but the island is especially remembered for having been the home of Napoleon Bonaparte during his 1814 exile. The houses where he lived, one in Portoferraio and the other in San Martino, are some of the famous tourist attractions of the entire island.

The island is divided into eight municipalities: Campo nell’Elba, Capoliveri, Marciana, Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro, Portoferraio, Rio Marina and Rio nell’Elba. They are different one from another, but it is worth visiting each of them. Let’s see some details about one of the most beautiful Italian islands!

Major attractions of Elba

Monte Capanne

Monte Capanne, also known as the “roof of the Tuscan Archipelago”, is one of the highest mountains on the island (1,018 meters); it is home to many animal species and it offers a wide variety of plants and trees. Famous for the beautiful view one can enjoy from its top, Monte Capanne is particularly loved by tourists, who can reach its peak thanks to a 5-hour hike ( round trip )or the ski lift (small yellow cages that fit two people in a cage).   I took the ski lift up to a great view.

Castello del Volterraio

It is a Castle situated at the top of Volterraio; at the basis of its structure, there are traces of some ancient roman walls. The castle was built to protect the island from foreign invasions and it was fortified by the Medici family.  After purchasing it from the descendants of a shepherd who manage to gain title through adverse possession, the state restored the castle in 2017 and you can now hike up from the road below and get a guided tour and watch the sun set over behind Portoferraio.   The sunsets are breathtaking.

Bagnaia

Bagnaia is a small, charming village, twenty minutes from Portoferraio. It is the perfect destination to enjoy the true essence, flavors and scents of the Isola d’Elba: rejoice in the beauty of a sunset at Bagnaia, sitting by the sea, sipping some local wine and dining on delicious local produce.   Try the Sunset Beach Bar Club for a great meal and spectacular sunset.

Villa di San Martino

The Villa of San Martino, also known as Villa Bonaparte, was one of the residences of the emperor Napoleon from 1814 to 1815.  In case you didn’t know who owned the place, one of his descendants placed N all over the adjacent building.  At the entrance of the Villa, there is a statue of Galatea, by Antonio Canova, inspired by Paolina Bonaparte.

Capoliveri

Capoliveri is situated on the top of a hill. It is famous for its street markets and typical pubs and restaurants. It is also famous for its ‘borgo medievale’, the Chiesa di San Michele, a Romanesque church, and for its panoramic route to the Cala dell’Innamorata, a famous beach called this way because it was the place where, according to a folk tale, Lorenzo de Medici and Maria met secretly because they couldn’t disclose their love.  It may not sound good at first spending a night on a village away from the seaside but we had a great time in Capoliveri!  

Portoferraio

This is the main town and port of the Elba Island and is known to be one of the oldest towns of this region. Just before turning into a Roman colony, Portoferraio comprised mostly Greek, Ligurian and Etruscan population. The remains of a once  majestic Roman villa are visible, just a few kilometers across Portoferraio, along the district of Le Grotte.

Portoferraio as it stands today was constructed as per the will of Cosimo I Medici, who carried out a lot of fortification works during 1548. Besides, in the year 1814, it acted as a host to Napoleon Bonaparte who lived here for around 19 months. The Palazzina dei Mulini and Villa San Martino are significant evidence symbolizing his presence on this island.

Palazzina dei Mulini

It is located at the highest point between Forte Falcone and Forte Stella; it was residence of Napoleon Bonaparte. It takes its name from the water mills found in the surrounding area.

Baths of San Giovanni

The Baths of San Giovanni have been built over five hectares of muddy land, rich in iodine and sulphur. Once upon a time, this area was known for its salt marshes, whereas today spas and thermal treatments of all kind have taken their place. Particularly renowned at San Giovanni are the sodium chloride, iodide and bromide treatments, very useful for curing various skin related problems.

Porto Azzurro

Across eastern Elba lies the Spanish capital of Porto Azzurro, which has a fortress and was used as a prison. The gulf of Mola is probably its most beautiful natural scenery. Porto Azzurro is a typical, small, charming fishermen village, where time seems to have stopped; it is also quite close to the Miniature Mines park, where you can learn about the mines on Elba. You can also visit the other historical sites along this region, including the Sanctuary of Madonna del Monserrato and the Spanish Church. Porto Azzurro is one of the eight municipalities of the island, certainly one of the most beautiful. This place is famous for its typical small streets where cars do not have access. It is renowned for its local markets where you can buy souvenirs or the local ores, extracted from the mines of the island, used to create jewellery.

Marciana

Marciana is a very old settlement of the western coast of Elba, which offers a scenic glimpse of the town and the surrounding areas with shady trees and stone streets. You can visit the Museo Archeologico to have a look at some of the Roman collections, as well as learn about prehistory on the Isola d’Elba.

Eating and drinking in Elba

Food on the island is centered especially on vegetables and fish. Seafood is particularly popular. The island even features a few Michelin-rated restaurants:  https://www.viamichelin.ie/web/Search-Restaurants/Restaurants-Isola_d_Elba-_-Livorno-Italy  If you are from the US take advantage of the opportunity to eat at a star restaurant for a fraction of the price of what it costs in the US.

Cacciucco, a fish stew with different types of fish and shellfish cooked in wine, tomatoes and chili pepper, is one of the most popular fish dishes. Stoccafisso all’elbana is another local recipe, consisting of fresh stockfish cooked with Mediterranean spices.

For dessert, try the Schiacciabriaca, an Elban traditional cake; it is made using raisins, nuts and other local ingredients.

Shopping on the Isola d’Elba

If you love shopping, you can find a lot of shops on the island; Portoferraio, Porto Azzurro and Capoliveri are the main centers that can satisfy your shopping needs. Isola d’Elba is famous mostly for its local jewelry, created from local stones and ores, and for a famous perfume, a fresh and subtle essence, that takes its name from the island.

ACTIVITIES:

 Calamita Mines, Capoliveri Isola d’Elba ( ** Suggested Tour)

From Capoliveri you can take a 6km ( 4 miles ) tour to the only underground mine on the Island of Elba. An exciting journey through the history of the mines: through the galleries where the miners worked hard to extract the magnetite used in the best Italian steel mills until 1981.

Island Boat tour ( ** Suggested) 

The Isle of Elba is the biggest of the Tuscan sea and a private boat tour is the best way to discover its coast and bays. Elba will surprise you with its wild beaches and grottos along the coastline. If you are lucky, you can even see dolphins. The boat tours leaves around 9:30 and returns at 3:30pm. The tour I took did 3 stops for a swim and we even stopped and snorkeled over an old shipwreck.

Stay and Accommodation on the Island

Some Hotels offer a Mezza pension choice.  Sleep breakfast and one of the two meals are included. Camping and Air BnB apartments are alternative options. During peak season expect to pay about 300 Euro a day for an apartment for a family of four.  

Events in Elba

There are a lot of cultural and historical events held in Elba: concerts, and especially village fairs honoring local traditions of the region are probably the most attractive events for tourists. International Regatas are organized throughout the year. The Raffaello Brignetti is an important literary event held here every year.

Island of Elba, Tuscany

The Isola d’Elba, an amazing island situated between the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Sea, is the largest of the Tuscan Archipelago. It can be easily reached from Piombino with both Toremar, Blu Navy, Moby Line x ferries. There is also an airport on the island, Marina di Campo, that is served by Intersky for international flights (to Friedrichshafen, Munich, and Zürich), and ElbaFly for national routes.Capo Bianco beach, Elba Island. 
Ph. depositphoto.com/masterlu

The Isola d’Elba is a true natural paradise, so beautiful it is hard to describe: see-through, turquoise waters, green landscapes, and beautiful hills, all combined with fantastic flora and fauna, as well as the warm friendliness of its inhabitants, makes it a true slice of heaven. Choose to spend time on one of its gorgeous beaches – there are multiple beaches and bays and tourists have the option of trying several of them in one visit, depending on whether you prefer sand, rocks, gravel, shingles, or pebbles: there is truly a beach for each taste! – and enjoy a crystal clear sea; if you like scuba diving, then the island has something for you too, as it is surrounded by beautifully preserved coral reefs, many outfits around the island offer scuba diving tours.

Elba’s history dates back to Etruscan and Roman times, as both invaded it and left vestiges of their presence, but the island is especially remembered for having been the home of Napoleon Bonaparte during his 1814 exile. The houses where he lived, one in Portoferraio and the other in San Martino, are some of the famous tourist attractions of the entire island.

The island is divided into eight municipalities: Campo nell’Elba, Capoliveri, Marciana, Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro, Portoferraio, Rio Marina and Rio nell’Elba. They are different one from another, but it is worth visiting each of them. Let’s see some details about one of the most beautiful Italian islands!The colorful town of Rio nell’Elba
Ph. depositphoto.com/val_th

Major attractions of Elba

Monte Capanne

Monte Capanne, also known as the “roof of the Tuscan Archipelago”, is one of the highest mountains on the island (1,018 meters); it is home to many animal species and it offers a wide variety of plants and trees. Famous for the beautiful view one can enjoy from its top, Monte Capanne is particularly loved by tourists, who can reach its peak thanks to a 5-hour hike ( round trip )or the ski lift (small yellow cages that fit two people in a cage).   I took the ski lift up to a great view.Elba view from Monte Capanne Ski-lift

Castello del Volterraio

It is a Castle situated at the top of Volterraio; at the basis of its structure, there are traces of some ancient roman walls. The castle was built to protect the island from foreign invasions and it was fortified by the Medici family.  After purchasing it from the descendants of a shepherd who manage to gain title through adverse possession, the state restored the castle in 2017 and you can now hike up from the road below and get a guided tour and watch the sun set over behind Portoferraio.   The sunsets are breathtaking.

Bagnaia

Bagnaia is a small, charming village, twenty minutes from Portoferraio. It is the perfect destination to enjoy the true essence, flavors and scents of the Isola d’Elba: rejoice in the beauty of a sunset at Bagnaia, sitting by the sea, sipping some local wine and dining on delicious local produce.   Try the Sunset Beach Bar Club for a great meal and spectacular sunset.

Villa di San Martino

The Villa of San Martino, also known as Villa Bonaparte, was one of the residences of the emperor Napoleon from 1814 to 1815.  In case you didn’t know who owned the place, one of his descendants placed N all over the adjacent building.  At the entrance of the Villa, there is a statue of Galatea, by Antonio Canova, inspired by Paolina Bonaparte.

Capoliveri

Capoliveri is situated on the top of a hill. It is famous for its street markets and typical pubs and restaurants. It is also famous for its ‘borgo medievale’, the Chiesa di San Michele, a Romanesque church, and for its panoramic route to the Cala dell’Innamorata, a famous beach called this way because it was the place where, according to a folk tale, Lorenzo de Medici and Maria met secretly because they couldn’t disclose their love.  It may not sound good at first spending a night on a village away from the seaside but we had a great time in Capoliveri!  Capoliveri, Elba at night

Portoferraio

This is the main town and port of the Elba Island and is known to be one of the oldest towns of this region. Just before turning into a Roman colony, Portoferraio comprised mostly Greek, Ligurian and Etruscan population. The remains of a once  majestic Roman villa are visible, just a few kilometers across Portoferraio, along the district of Le Grotte.Forte Falcone and Portoferraio in Elba Island
Ph. depositphoto.com/masterlu

Portoferraio as it stands today was constructed as per the will of Cosimo I Medici, who carried out a lot of fortification works during 1548. Besides, in the year 1814, it acted as a host to Napoleon Bonaparte who lived here for around 19 months. The Palazzina dei Mulini and Villa San Martino are significant evidence symbolizing his presence on this island.

Palazzina dei Mulini

It is located at the highest point between Forte Falcone and Forte Stella; it was residence of Napoleon Bonaparte. It takes its name from the water mills found in the surrounding area.

Villa di San Martino

Baths of San Giovanni

The Baths of San Giovanni have been built over five hectares of muddy land, rich in iodine and sulphur. Once upon a time, this area was known for its salt marshes, whereas today spas and thermal treatments of all kind have taken their place. Particularly renowned at San Giovanni are the sodium chloride, iodide and bromide treatments, very useful for curing various skin related problems.

Porto Azzurro

Across eastern Elba lies the Spanish capital of Porto Azzurro, which has a fortress and was used as a prison. The gulf of Mola is probably its most beautiful natural scenery. Porto Azzurro is a typical, small, charming fishermen village, where time seems to have stopped; it is also quite close to the Miniature Mines park, where you can learn about the mines on Elba. You can also visit the other historical sites along this region, including the Sanctuary of Madonna del Monserrato and the Spanish Church. Porto Azzurro is one of the eight municipalities of the island, certainly one of the most beautiful. This place is famous for its typical small streets where cars do not have access. It is renowned for its local markets where you can buy souvenirs or the local ores, extracted from the mines of the island, used to create jewellery.Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon’s residence on Elba Island
Ph. depositphoto.com/Fotoember

Marciana

Marciana is a very old settlement of the western coast of Elba, which offers a scenic glimpse of the town and the surrounding areas with shady trees and stone streets. You can visit the Museo Archeologico to have a look at some of the Roman collections, as well as learn about prehistory on the Isola d’Elba.

Eating and drinking in Elba

Food on the island is centered especially on vegetables and fish. Seafood is particularly popular. The island even features a few Michelin-rated restaurants:  https://www.viamichelin.ie/web/Search-Restaurants/Restaurants-Isola_d_Elba-_-Livorno-Italy  If you are from the US take advantage of the opportunity to eat at a star restaurant for a fraction of the price of what it costs in the US.

Cacciucco, a fish stew with different types of fish and shellfish cooked in wine, tomatoes and chili pepper, is one of the most popular fish dishes. Stoccafisso all’elbana is another local recipe, consisting of fresh stockfish cooked with Mediterranean spices.

For dessert, try the Schiacciabriaca, an Elban traditional cake; it is made using raisins, nuts and other local ingredients.

Shopping on the Isola d’Elba

If you love shopping, you can find a lot of shops on the island; Portoferraio, Porto Azzurro and Capoliveri are the main centers that can satisfy your shopping needs. Isola d’Elba is famous mostly for its local jewelry, created from local stones and ores, and for a famous perfume, a fresh and subtle essence, that takes its name from the island.

ACTIVITIES:

 Calamita Mines, Capoliveri Isola d’Elba ( ** Suggested Tour)

From Capoliveri you can take a 6km ( 4 miles ) tour to the only underground mine on the Island of Elba. An exciting journey through the history of the mines: through the galleries where the miners worked hard to extract the magnetite used in the best Italian steel mills until 1981.Capoliveri, Elba Mines

Island Boat tour ( ** Suggested) 

The Isle of Elba is the biggest of the Tuscan sea and a private boat tour is the best way to discover its coast and bays. Elba will surprise you with its wild beaches and grottos along the coastline. If you are lucky, you can even see dolphins. The boat tour leaves around 9:30 and returns at 3:30 pm. The tour I took did 3 stops for a swim and we even stopped and snorkeled over an old shipwreck.Elba Island Boat tour

Stay and Accommodation on the Island

Some Hotels offer a Mezza pension choice.  Sleep breakfast and one of the two meals are included. Camping and Air BnB apartments are alternative options. During peak season expect to pay about 300 Euro a day for an apartment for a family of four.  

Events in Elba

There are a lot of cultural and historical events held in Elba: concerts, and especially village fairs honoring local traditions of the region are probably the most attractive events for tourists. International Regatas are organized throughout the year. The Raffaello Brignetti is an important literary event held here every year.

For more detailed information look at https://www.infoelba.com/ they also offer an app to quickly look up the attractions