The 9 things to do on the island of Elbe

Are you staying in Tuscany and wondering what to do in Elbe, a beautiful Italian island? So here are the must-see in your travel notebook to visit the island of Elbe!

Located in the Tuscan archipelago, in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the island of Elbe is the largest of the seven islands with its 224 km2 of land. This is an ideal place for a holiday in the sun in an enchanting setting. This island is the most popular in the archipelago and hosts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year to visit the island of Elbe.

The island of Elbe is of course known for its climate, but also for its rich culture and its many points of interest, be it beaches to lose sight, villages to old and typical houses of Tuscany, or many monuments to visit as well as possible hikes on the island.

Do you want to discover Tuscany but do not know how to organize your stay? Discover without further delay our selection of incontours to visit Elba Island.

1. Cabinovia Monte Capanne

If the name does not tell you anything, it is a set of cable cars located in Marciana, and more precisely at the following address: Localita Pozzatello 1, 57030, Marciana. These cable cars invite you to board, towards the top of the island! Up there, a superb panoramic view promises you a taste worthy of this name.

2. Castello del Volterraio

Located between Portoferraio and Rio nell’Elba, Castello del Volterraio is a former fortress castle whose construction dates back to the 13th century. The Pisans used it for centuries for defensive purposes, and the building was assaulted by Turkish pirates on many occasions. Moreover, the latter never managed to take this fortress, unlike the tens of other fortifications of the islands of Tuscany!

Partly renovated between 2016 and 2017, it is now possible to penetrate the fortress when you visit the island of Elbe. From vestiges to different points of view, Castello del Volterraio remains invites you to discover its history and to cross the centuries.

Note : The guided tour being the most coveted, we advise you to book your arrival in advance.

3. Spiaggia di Lacona

Known to be one of the largest beaches on the island, the Spiaggia di Lacona is perfect if you ask that to make Elbe the time of a fierce session. Here, golden sand and translucent water warmly invite you to enjoy the places as you like. Indeed, several nautical/aquatic activities are proposed, small and large will find their happiness there. After a nap so, to your masks and tubas!

4. La Piccola Miniera

The Piccola Miniera is a former iron mineral mine located just outside Porto Azzurro. If it was widely used at the time (this was one of the main activities of the island), it is now abandoned.

Visiting the Island of Elbe is therefore making a detour through this place for the least symbolic. By choosing the guided tour, you will discover the history of the Piccola Miniera. From tools to machines, the mine still houses traces of a whole time.

5. Museo Archeologico di Linguella

Archaeological Museum of Portoferraio, the museum is a host of many vestiges. Amphores, vases, tools and even weapons from the entire archipelago illustrate the small collection. Even more impressive, the remains of wrecks, necropolises or Otium villas immerse history enthusiasts in the ancient Elbe.

6. Forte Stella

In the historic centre of Portoferraio, Forte Stella is one of the city’s main medicinals. These were built by Giovan Battista Bellucci and Giocanni Camerini. In her womb, stop in front of her star walls which, in the past, have been used to protect the city. Enjoy the coast view, it is breathtaking!

7. Santuario della Madonna di Monserrato

A pilgrimage place between the 17th and 18th centuries, the Santario della Madonna di Monserrato. Located in the vegetation of Porto Azzurro, the sanctuary is a spiritual place, surrounded by a wild environment. Give yourself a few moments in this place open to worship, then stop on its architecture. Marked by time and restored many times, the sanctuary invites to discover a whole story around the Madonna of Monserrato.

8. Fortezza Pisana

Fortezza Pisana, or Pisane fortress, is another historic must see if you come to visit the island of Elbe. Built in the 12th century in Marciana, it overlooks the city from the top of its 415 meters high.

The time of a visit, to you the panoramic view of Marciana and its surroundings! Enjoy it to discover the inside of the fortress, walk on the old round paths. The two bastions at the entrance house white weapons and objects of times. A real jump in medieval times!

Also note that in the summer, indoor classes are transformed into a place of shows and concerts. What to travel a little more in time...

9. A boat ride

Visiting Elbe Island is also enjoying its coastline. Indeed, after taking the boat (or plane) to arrive on the island, why not turn it around?

In addition to discovering all the coasts, rent a boat on the island of Elbe you would also enjoy the sumptuous setting offered by the Mediterranean.

To see and do also on the island of Elbe

You still want some? Here are some additional ideas to visit the island of Elbe in its smallest corners:

• Spend time in the sun on the Sant’Andrea Beach and swim in the waters ensures the Tyrrhenian Sea;
• Enjoy the many water sports on the coast of Elbe Island;
• Take a walk in the Villaggio di Sant’Andrea, near Marciana;
• Visit the Villa of San Martino, a secondary residence belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte;
• Get up at the top of the Torre della Linguella, an old observation tower in Portoferraio;
• Visit the Chiesa Reverenda Misericordia, a magnificent little church of several centuries;
• Visit Forte Falcone, a fort overlooking the city of Portoferraio and enjoy the small museum within it;
• Go through the Medidei Bastioni, an important monument of the island.

How do I go to Elbe Island?

By plane

To get to the island of Elbe, the easiest is to fly from France to Rome Pisa or even Florence. From these destinations, you will then have to take another plane from among those who connect with the island. You will then land at Elbe Airport, just two kilometers from Marina di Campo.

The departures are regular and three companies link from Italy, including Switzerland, Sardinia and Corsica. To find a flight at the best price, do not hesitate to jaunt the rates on Ulysses , reference in this matter.

By ferry

If you wish, you can also take the ferry from Piombino to get to Cavo, Portoferraio or Rio Marina in a short time (with departures every 20 minutes). This option is ideal if you only want to spend a few days on the island before leaving on the continent.

Note : From Corsica, Corsica Sardinia Ferries provides the Piombino-Bastia connection. Take a little over an hour’s drive.

Where to stay on the island of Elbe?

The island of Elbe has many complex hotels, villas, apartments, campsites and Bed & Breakfast all over the island. You can quickly find the accommodation of your dreams by searching among establishments on a Compare hotels . And whatever your budget is.

However, if you want to have an idea of the best cities and villages to start your research, here are some ideas:

• Procchio
• Marina do Campo
• Portoferraio
• Porto Azzurro
• Sant Andrea
• Marcian

Here you now have the cards in your hands to visit Elba Island! What are your favorites of this Tuscan jewel?