Elba Island has it all. Find out the top 3 places to stay.
Looking for an Italian island which offers a little bit of everything, but without the crowds of Sicily for example? Stunning beaches, beautiful coastline, Mother nature, hills for hiking and delicious fresh Italian food?
Have you heard of Elba Island?
Probably not. It’s one of the less known Italian islands (Giglio Island is another) which is a good thing I guess. There’s more island for you and me, let’s keep this a secret between us!
Struggling to decide where to stay on Elba Island? Use our handy guide to the Elba Island regions to ensure you make the most of your time there.
Portoferraio
As the island’s largest city, Portferraio offers a little bit of everything and makes a great place to stay on Elba Island for everyone. While Portoferraio is the busiest port on Elba Island, you should definitely take the time to explore if you’ve decided to stay somewhere else.
Photo by magnetismus
Portoferraio is the king of beaches and has many to choose from. Sottobomba Beach is a favourite with the locals so it must be good. Padulella Beach small but quiet. Spiaggia delle Ghiaie is great for snorkling.
Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano is a picture perfect park. Museo Archeologico Portoferraio offers great archaeological finds. For the best views over the city and sea, the steep climb up to Forte Falcone is worth it.
Marciana Marina
Marciana Marina is the most postcard picturesque region on Elba Island.
Photo by KlausNahr
Marciana Marina is perfect for water sports, offering the best diving experience on Elba Island. Kayaking is also very popular in the region. And for partners who prefer to keep dry can enjoy a drink or two in the very cool Yachting Bar.
Marciana Marina is considered to have the best and freshest seafood on Elba Island due to it’s active fishing community.
Marciana
For those who don’t need the beach or water directly on their doorstep will find plenty to do in Marciana away from the crowds.
A gentle hike to Santuario della Madonna del Monte (which Napoleon once stayed at) in the shade of the trees offers great views. On a clear day Corsica can be seen. Marvel at the churches extremely well-maintained painted ceiling.
Photo by lucacorsato
The best views on the island can be seen by taking a cable car up Monte Capanne and is considered a must see and do on Elba Island. Enjoy the view from the top with a quick bite to eat and a coffee at the cafe.
How to reach Elba Island
Reaching Elba Island couldn’t be simpler. There are daily ferries to Elba from Piombino port to Portferraio, Cavo and Rio Marina.
