Itinerary for discovering the Island of Elba

A true paradise on earth, the Island of Elba is world-famous for the extraordinary variety of its seascapes and its amazing vegetation, lush and fragrant. But Elba is not only sea and nature, but also history and culture. In fact, there are forts, castles and towers, as well as several villages, just waiting to be discovered. In short, it has so much to offer, and for all tastes!

The itinerary includes a complete tour of the island, which takes about a day, but can also be done in stages.

Our itinerary to discover the wonders of the Island of Elba begins in Portoferraio, the main port and capital of the island. A town of ancient origins that still retains its Renaissance charm, it is certainly worth a stop to visit the Medici fortifications, from which you can admire wonderful views of the bay, and the Palazzina dei Mulini, now the Museum of Napoleon’s Residences, chosen by the Emperor as his home during his first exile, which still preserves relics, furnishings and furniture from the period and part of the interesting library. The itinerary continues westwards towards Marciana Marina. The road, characterised by continuous ups and downs among scrubland and vineyards, skirts enchanting sandy beaches such as Biodola and Procchio.

In Marciana Marina, the smallest of Elba’s municipalities, we recommend a walk through the old and picturesque village of Cotone, a pretty cluster of historic houses built on the rocks from which you can watch a spectacular sunset between the Tower and the cliffs of Punta del Nasuto. The next stop is Marciana, but before arriving, a stop near Poggio is a must. Here is Fonte di Napoleone, a spring of low-mineral water that gushes from a valley on Monte Capanne renowned for its beneficial properties. In Marciana, which still retains its medieval layout of yesteryear, you will find the Archaeological Civic Museum, the Tuscan Archipelago National Park House and the imposing Pisan Fortress.

From Marciana we take the road along the coast again, with the view of nearby Capraia accompanying us for a good stretch, later replaced by that of the island of Pianosa. After passing the village of Pomonte, the famous beach of Fetovaia and the long sandy shore of Cavoli, we arrive at Marina di Campo, which lies on one side of the bay from which it takes its name. Overlooked by the ancient Medicean tower of Marina, it is one of the most famous resorts in Elba tourism. Here is the largest beach on the island, entirely of fine golden sand with a gently sloping seabed. The ancient and characteristic villages of San Piero and Sant’Ilario, located on the hills overlooking the gulf of Marina di Campo, are worth a visit.

The next stop is Capoliveri, a delightful village perched on a hilltop, almost 170 metres above sea level. In addition to its precious medieval village and the renowned Lacona beach, there are many places to visit, including: the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie, one of the most evocative places of worship on the island; the 17th-century Forte Focardo, of Spanish origin; and the Calamita mines, a unique excursion into an ancient and fascinating world. The itinerary continues to Porto Azzurro, one of the most characteristic villages. Don’t miss: the beautiful Piazza Matteotti, the nerve centre of village life; the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monserrato, where the image of the Black Madonna is preserved; and the imposing Forte San Giacomo, built by the Spanish in the early 17th century.

At this point, the road leaves the fort on the right and bends inland to reach Rio nell’Elba, an ancient mining village whose origins date back to the 10th century. Characterised by an almost completely hilly terrain, it preserves numerous traces of its past. Among the places of interest is the Hermitage of Santa Caterina, home to the Orto dei Semplici Elbano, a veritable living museum of plant species. Just a few kilometres away is Rio Marina, whose territory includes: the pretty village of Cavo, overlooking a wide sandy shore that ends at Capo Castello; and the Mineral Park, with its geological, mineralogical and historical mining heritage of inestimable value. From Rio nell’Elba, take the road to Portoferraio, but before concluding the itinerary, we recommend a short stop to visit the ruins of the Volterraio Castle, from which you can also enjoy a breathtaking view of nearby Portoferraio.