How To Get To Elba Island

The Mediterranean island of Elba is located in the province of Livorno in Italian republic and is the largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago. On Ferryhopper, you can find useful data about must-run across places, beaches, local delicacies and ferries to Elba. Accept a wait at our travel tips, routes and volume cheap ferry tickets with just a few clicks!

The breathtaking natural landscape and coastline of Elba

Vacation in Elba

According to the legend, Elba was formed from the centerpiece of the goddess Aphrodite's necklace. It fell into the Mediterranean Body of water and shaped the beautiful island of Elba.

Nowadays, it is i of the top destinations in Italy with thousands of visitors every twelvemonth, eager to discover a paradisiacal corner between sea, history and nature. The island is an exotic blend of Mediterranean cultures: Etruscan, Greek, Roman, Spanish, French and Italian.

Elba is a heavenly place, smartly chosen by Napoleon Bonaparte to spend ten months of exile in 1814. Information technology is home to more than than 100 beaches, archaeological finds and enchanting forests filled with chestnut trees.

Tip: the best fourth dimension to visit Elba is during bound or fall when you tin can fully enjoy the island's pristine beauty.

How to get to Elba

You can reach Elba by car, train, bus, plane, and ferry.

The nearest railway station is Piombino Marittima, next to the port of Piombino. Also, directly buses are leaving from Florence, Grosseto and Milan to the Piombino port.

As for the closest airport, Marina di Campo is 13km from Portoferraio, the capital of Elba. The drome offers direct flights to/from Pisa, Florence, Milan and Bologna all year circular.

Alternatively, you can attain Elba by ferry from the mainland, from the port of Piombino. Ferries to Elba too depart from Corsica and the island of Pianosa. For more information about schedules and tickets, you can have a wait at the ferry routes to Elba.

The stunning panoramic view from the summit of Mount Capanne

What to do in Elba

Elba inspires the soul and the senses with its wonderful landscapes and diversity of views! Explore the cloak-and-dagger mining complex of Ginevro, swim to the crystal-articulate waters of its countless beaches, follow the wheel trails through the forest or dive to shipwrecks on the bounding main floor!

The island'south best attractions are scattered between the communes of Portoferraio, Campo nell'Elba, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro, Rio and Marciana. Picturesque villages, museums, mining and hiking trails in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park await you to experience an unforgettable adventure!

Then, are you ready to explore all the natural wonders and cultural treasures of Elba within its 233 km²? Read on to observe out all you need to know about your trip, including travel tips, useful information and what to do and run into in Elba!

Beaches in Elba

With some of the most beautiful beaches of the Tuscan coast, the island of Elba consists of infrequent, diverse landscapes. From rocky coastlines and wild beaches to well-equipped sandy resorts, Elba invites you lot to observe its pristine natural beauty and spectacular beaches.

Hither are the 10 all-time beaches in Elba:

1. Fetovaia: it's i of the near popular and mesmerizing beaches on the island of Elba. It's part of a magnificent natural setting composed of fine granitic sand and crystal turquoise waters. At that place, you can find umbrellas, lord's day-loungers and showers. It is as well equipped and accessible for people with disabilities.
2. Sansone: information technology's a serene beach backed by rocky cliffs located near the town of Portoferraio. You tin can reach it on pes, walking along a path for about fifteen minutes. The beach offers plenty of serenity corners to chill and more decorated ones with bathing establishments, services and restaurants. Besides, its crystal-clear waters brand it ideal for diving enthusiasts!
3. Punta Rossa: it'southward located in the mining heart of the municipality of Capoliveri. The declension is long and narrow, surrounded by cerise rocks. It does not offer bathing services and it is simply accessible by body of water.
4. Forno: it is the smallest beach of the Biodola Gulf and is made up of various types of sand. Information technology is a secluded and repose embankment with a bar and a restaurant. The shade of the beautiful pine copse along its shallow coastline makes it ideal for families.
5. Laconella: it's an unspoiled beach with white sand and crystal blue body of water. The cape of Punta della Contessa with its cliffs surrounding the beach is perfect for snorkeling. It'due south very close to the urban center of Lacona and easily accessible. Nonetheless, there are no services then it's preferable to bring some snacks and water with you.
6. Sant'Andrea: it'south located in the northern part of Elba. It'southward a small embankment with light grey, granite sand and turquoise waters, ideal for scuba diving. It is equipped and offers rental services for canoes and pedal boats to explore the coast.
7. Felciaio: y'all can find this small beach on the southern side of Elba. Rocks divide the beach into two parts with blue waters and fine pebbles. It's equipped and you can attain it on foot post-obit a narrow road.
8. Madonna delle Grazie: it'due south a tiny, mesmerizing beach very close to the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie. It has fine sand and rocky bottoms, bully for snorkeling. At that place, you tin can likewise find a eatery, sunbeds and showers.
9. Enfola: the narrow isthmus of Enfola has a beach on either side. On the s side, in that location is a small pier with polish gravels mixed with gray-shaded pebbles. The embankment offers umbrellas, sunbeds and paddle boats to detect the underwater world of the coast.
10. Padulella: it's a white-sand beach to the north of Portoferraio surrounded by white cliffs that plunge into the emerald light-green body of water. It offers many bars, restaurants, sunbeds and umbrellas as well equally pedal boats. Paduella beach is also function of the Protected Biological Area.

The turquoise waters and stunning scenery of Fetovaia embankment on Elba

Sightseeing in Elba

Elba presents itself every bit a sparkling gem surrounded by the deep blueish waters of the Tuscan Archipelago.

Yous can get familiar with the glorious past of the island past peering into the archaeological findings in its museums. Stroll in its stone-paved alleys and explore the impressive fortresses and military constructions such as the Volterraio Castle.

Here are the 10 places of Elba you shouldn't miss:

1. The Fortress of Giogo, a shelter from the invasions of the Barbary pirate Barbarossa
2. The Civic Archaeological Museum, home to many fascinating archeological artifacts found in Elba
3. Mount Capanne, for hiking in the highest mountain on the Italian island of Elba
4. The Butterfly Sanctuary, with over 50 different species of butterflies
5. The Elba Aquarium, offering a panorama of the incredible biodiversity of the isle
6. The Monserrato Sanctuary, built in 1606 on the rocky ridge of Mount Santo
7. The Volterraio Castle, the oldest fortification on the island of Elba
8. The Baths of San Giovanni, a natural spa with thermal waters in the Gulf of Portoferraio
9. The Shipwreck of the Elviscot, lying on the sea floor since 1978
10. The Sassi Neri Mine, with its tiny light-green lake backed by blood-red rocks

The magnificent Volterraio Castle overlooking the ocean on the island of Elba

Nightlife in Elba

Elba offers diverse entertainment options, peculiarly during the summer. You lot can cull between beach parties, music concerts, disco nights or drink a cocktail in ane of the clubs near the declension.

However, if you want to experience like an Italian y'all should have an aperitif before dinner as locals do! You tin can find the almost pop bars for the best aperitif in Portoferraio, Marina di Campo, Marciana Marina and Capoliveri. Amongst the best, we recommend the Caffè Roma and Anfiteatro.

Food in Elba

Simplicity is the central to success for Elba's local delicacies. Fish is the main ingredient in the island'due south cuisine and it is lavishly used in thegastronomic specialties of Elba.

Still, vegetarian dishes and delicious traditional desserts are also part of the isle's bill of fare! Elba as well stands out for its vino production. According to legend, Napoleon tried to encourage the tillage of grapes because he loved Elba's wine!

Here are some of the well-nigh delicious local dishes:

• stoccafisso alla riese (stockfish, garlic, onions and potatoes in herbed broth)
• cacciucco elbano (soup made with a mix of fish trimmings such as mussels and octopus)
• risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto)
• gurguglione (vegetable stew with peppers, eggplants, zucchini, potatoes and tomatoes)
• goat cheese
• sburrita (stockfish soup with vegetables served with garlic-flavored croutons)
• schiaccia briaca (ruby cake with Aleatico scarlet wine)
• l'imbollita di fichi (sweet breadstuff with figs, fennel seeds and honey)
• Ansonica (white vino) and Aleatico (red wine)

The traditional seafood stew cacciucco

Villages in Elba

If yous tin stay on the island for a few more than days, you should visit the nearby picturesque villages of Elba. Wander around the stone-paved alleys, try some succulent local products and dive into the rich history of Elba!

Hither y'all can detect a listing of the all-time villages in Elba:

• Marciana Alta: information technology'southward a small medieval village on the slopes of Mount Capanne. Marciana is a corking identify offer many hiking trails. Go for a long walk surrounded by unspoiled nature and enjoy the mountain air. After your hike, exercise not forget to treat yourself to tasty local products!
• Poggio: information technology's a charming village where the Chestnut Festival is held. For the past 30 years, food stalls accept offered typical Elba specialties made from chestnuts in the Chestnut Tree square. You tin endeavour anecdote pasta and cakes as you lot stroll along the spiral-shaped center of Poggio and its narrow, granite-paved streets.
• Porto Azzurro: it is situated in the southern function of Elba. Porto Azzurro is a littoral town with aureate beaches and clear waters. It has a cute central square and magnificent buildings dominating the one-time part of the enchanting village. During your visit, you lot tin have the Carmignani walk leading you to the Barbarossa beach. Information technology's only a 1km walk offering many scenic panoramas and it'southward an easy road suitable for children.
• Capoliveri: this picturesque hamlet is situated on a small loma. Information technology is famous for its wine and mineral extraction. Yous can visit the mines ofMount Calamita and learn more almost the fascinating history of atomic number 26 extraction. Walk in the narrow alleys, pass under the characteristic archways and find the best-handcrafted gifts from the pocket-size local shops of Capoliveri.

Tip: practice not miss the annualGrape Festival, held every October in Capoliveri! It is a 3-day commemoration defended to the ancient harvest and the authentic flavors of Elba.

The picturesque village of Capoliveri on the island of Elba

Tips for Elba

Hither are some useful tips for your holidays in Elba:

• The minimum recommended time to visit the island is 3 days.
• For those who do not want to motion around and are mainly looking for a beach to relax, it is best to stay nearly Portoferraio, Porto Azzurro or Rio Marina.
• The island tin be an expensive destination depending on the flavour so the best low-cost options in Elba are the area of Marina di Campo or campsites.
• Some of the most beautiful beaches of Elba are pebbly, and then it is expert to bring water shoes with you!
• Very often, due to the tropical temperature of the waters in summer, the sea of ​​Elba is populated by jellyfish. Therefore, to avoid shut encounters during your holidays, we recommend that you meet where the current of air blows and choose the beaches on the opposite side.
• Spend a day visiting the nearby Giglio Island. Guided excursions to discover the wonderful island leave every Wednesday from Porto Azzurro.

Useful information for Elba

Elba offers diverse services to residents and visitors. In the isle'southward major towns, you tin find many accommodation facilities, supermarkets, banks, mail service offices, petrol stations, pharmacies and tourist data centers.

As for the health facilities, there is a infirmary and a medical center in Portoferraio. Also, the tourist medical guard service is active throughout the summer in example of any emergency.

When it comes to accommodation, Elba is full of hotels, villas and guest houses for all budgets. The cheapest options are around Portoferraio, a few minutes by car from the city center and the island's all-time beaches.

The island of Elba is well equipped to ensure a well-rounded stay. Some beaches are too equipped with services for people with special needs, offer platforms and special cabins.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Elba

Hither are some useful contacts to keep inside accomplish during your trip to Elba:

• Tourist Medical Guard: +39800064422
• Municipality of Elba: +390565979311
• Elba Port Authority (Portoferraio): +390565914000
• Elba Drome: +390565976011
• Portoferraio Hospital: +390565926111
• Radio taxi services: +3905651822
• Emergency Police: 113
• Roadside Assistance: 116
• Sea Rescue: 1530
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Elba

The near comfy way to go around Elba is past auto or motorcycle. You can embark your own vehicle on the ferry or rent a vehicle when you become to the island. Elba offers several rental services and the daily rates are around €35.

Notwithstanding, if you don't want to drive motor vehicles, acycle is ideal for exploring the island! Rent a mountain bike and follow one of the mountain biking trails in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, surrounded by nature!

Tip: many cycle trails are suitable for inexperienced bikers. Still, qualified centers provide courses and guided excursions to improve your mountain biking skills.

The bus service is also quite efficient. At that place are 3 suburban lines connecting the villages of Elba with departure from the Portoferraio station (very shut to the port).

Ports in Elba

There are 3 ferry ports on the island of Elba: Portoferraio, Rio Marina and Cavo.

All Elba'south ports connect to Piombino port. Also, an internal ferry route connects Portoferraio and Cavo, allowing yous to move betwixt the ii ports in just 20 minutes.

Here you can find more than data about the ports of Elba:

• Portoferraio: it is the main port of the island and is located in the capital of Elba. It is close to Marciana, Procchio and Marina di Campo.
• Rio Marina: it is located in the eastern role of Elba, only a short distance from the most famous beaches and the charming village of Porto Azzurro.
• Cavo: you can notice the port in the north-eastern part of Elba, in one of the most beautiful tourist resorts. It is also the closest port to the Tuscan coast.

Isle hopping from Elba

From Elba, y'all tin can accomplish the nearby islands of Pianosa and Corsica by ferry.

Here you tin find more information about all the ferry connections from Elba:

• Elba - Pianosa ferry: the ferry road from Elba to Pianosa includes upwards to 3 weekly connections parting from the ports of Rio Marina and Marina di Campo. The crossings tin last from 45 minutes to 2 hours.
• Elba - Corsica ferry: from Elba you tin can accomplish Corsica in 1.5 60 minutes. The ferries depart from the port of Portoferraio and arrive in the town of Bastia. There are ii weekly trips usually operated past Corsica Ferries.

The imposing lighthouse and the historic buildings near the port of Portoferraio

Elba ferry: schedules and tickets

The ports of Elba are well continued with many destinations. Ferry connections from the port of Piombino to Elba are daily and are operated past 4 ferry companies: Blu Navy, Corsica Ferries, Toremar and Moby Lines.

They offering upwardly to 77 daily crossings with ferries and hydrofoils. Depending on the various destinations, the rides tin last from 15 minutes to 1 hour.

Tip: during the high flavor (especially on weekends), we recommend you lot volume in accelerate, especially if yous want to board your vehicle.

Here you can find more than information about all the ferry connections from the port of Piombino to Elba:

• Piombino - Portoferraio ferry: the ferry route from Piombino to the port of Portoferraio includes 24 daily crossings lasting between 40 minutes and i hour.
• Piombino - Rio Marina ferry: the connectedness from Piombino to the port of Rio Marina includes up to 28 weekly trips with crossings of 45 minutes.
• Piombino - Cavo ferry: the ferry from Piombino to the port of Cavo includes upward to 10 daily connections with crossings of xv to 30 minutes. Traveling from Elba to other islands

Tip: go on in mind that travel times change depending on the ferry operator.

Take a look at our Map of ferries with all the connections available from the port of Elba and start planning your getaway right away!

Where to book ferry tickets to Elba online

Can't wait to take hold of the ferry to one of the nearly beautiful places in the Mediterranean Sea? The paradisiacal island of Elba awaits yous to discover its pristine beaches off the Tuscan coast. On Ferryhopper, you can detect all connections to Elba, compare prices, divergence times and book your ferry tickets online safely!

Frequent ferry connections

Nearby destinations

Elba has straight ferry connections with 7 ports :

Source: https://www.ferryhopper.com/en/destinations/elba

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