Elba

Elba is a paradise island located more than 10 kilometers from the coast of Tuscany.
It is appreciated for its coast with beaches, coves and diving sites, for its mountain that culminates at 1018 meters and its beautiful trails in a preserved and generous nature.
It is the third largest Italian island, grouped within the National Park of the Tuscan archipelago with the other smaller islands of the archipelago: Capraia, Montecristo, Pianosa, Giglio and Giannutri.

The island is accessible in about an hour by ferry from Piombino on the coast to Portoferraio.
It has 30,000 residents, but it is more crowded in summer, as of the end of June. Its discovery is therefore much more pleasant outside the months of July and August which are too crowded, the beaches being crowded and the prices high. From late March to June, for example, you can enjoy the colourful maquis during flowering, and in September, the sea remains warm.

The island’s assets

The island of Elba is a delight for the senses, between its dominant green and blue colors, with silver or golden beaches, blue water shades, turquoise and transparency, a green and fragrant maquis, stained when flowering yellow, blue, white and purple, which often rustle with thousands of bees; the red and ochre of mining parks, the grey of old stones, etc.
With 30 km in its longest length, the island has 147 kilometres of coastline where beaches and coves of pebbles or sand are followed by Snorkeling or scuba diving sites.
The land is traversed by cyclists and hikers, taking advantage of sublime trails through woods and maquis, generous views of the island, the sea, and the surrounding islands up to Corsica.
Several villages keep a fishing activity, In addition to the tourist sail, to garnish the tables with fresh seafood, accompanied by the few wines produced on the island.

Main places and activities

The west of the island is wilder, around its mountain. This is the most charming part. The eastern part is not lacking in qualities, but it is more built.

Portoferraio is the largest locality, a small town with interesting historical center, with several forts or the tourist port. You can visit the Napoleonic museums of the Palazzina dei Mulini, the Villa di San Martino a few kilometers away, the Museum of Napoleonic Memories, the Pinacoteca Foresiana and the Archaeological Museum.
The other villages are Porto Azzurro, Capoliveri and Lacona on the eastern side. West side, Marina di Campo with its large beach is to the southwest, and Marciana Marina to the northwest.
While some localities are well equipped, with camping facilities, others are more intimate.

The hinterland is splendid, with paths on the slopes of its mountain, through woods and maquis, the beautiful medieval Volterraio castle on its rocky peak, the Villa delle Grotte which is the most important Roman settlement.
You can reach the top of the island, on Monte Capanne, by cable car or a beautiful excursion (quite difficult), from where the panorama is grandiose. It is certainly one of the best things to do on the Elba Island

The other islands of the archipelago are varied and very interesting, like the wild Capraia appreciated by divers, or Pianosa, whose access is regulated for its naturalistic and archaeological importance.

Among the curiosities of the island are several granite quarries and especially mining parks, especially in the south-east towards Capoliveri.
It also has several mining museums, in Capoliveri, Rio Marina and Rio nell’Elba.
A nice way to discover Eba is by boat, for example discovering virgin coves and deserted beaches. These excursions are varied, from a few hours to the whole day. It is also possible to reach the Giglio Island or Montecristo island. Boats depart from the ports of Portoferraio, Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro and Cavo.

Gastronomy and typical products

The cuisine of the island is generous, with some Spanish and oriental influences. It showcases local products such as cod, anchovies, seafood, capers, etc.
The wine production is small but original and is hardly found outside the island, with Elba bianco, Elba rosso, Rosato, Ansonica, Muscat and Aleatico which is a sweet sweet wine usually served as dessert.
Other typical products of the island are minerals, perfumes and cosmetics, or sweets.

A family-friendly island

Elba is well suited to families with children, because of its hotel offer, its equipped beaches and the activities offered: sailing and diving courses, naturalistic excursions to discover the island, educational routes to the environment and ancient traditions. The Rio Marina mining park offers a small train to discover the mines.
In Segagnana is the Elba Aquarium with 80 pools and 150 different species of marine organisms.
Marina di Campo is the most family friendly with its long sandy beach and seaside resorts.
Lacona also has a large family beach.

Festivities and events

The island is animated by many popular festivals, sporting and cultural events, and concerts throughout the year: Festival of the March in spring; the Scooter Rally in Capoliveri in April; the Napoleonic May in Portoferraio; The Flower Festival in Porto Azzurro in May; the historical re-enactment of the Innamorata on 14 July; the Fishermen’s Festival in Porto Azzurro in July; the Musical Island of Europe, classical music and jazz festival in September; the Grape and Chestnut Festival in Autumn; etc.

Where is Elba, map

Posts about Elba

• Hotels in Elba
  Easily find accommodation on Elba Island among nearly 500 structures, including apartments and houses, guest rooms and B&Bs, agritourism, etc
• Weather in Elba
  The weather at this moment on the Island of Elba and the forecast for the next days and next week, with rainfall, temperatures or air quality