Elba Island (Isola d'Elba) is a slice of paradise, in the Tyrrhenian Sea’s Tuscan Archipelago National Park. This island is known for its gorgeous beaches, and as Napoleon’s place of exile in 1814–15. 🕶👙
From the Tuscan town of Piombino it is very easy to reach this island by a 45 min ferry.⛴
Why Visit Elba?
Avoid Crowds
Elba is a stunning spot off the beaten path. It is not a typical tourist destination, so you’ll not find hordes of people or lines and crowds like in other Mediterranean islands. Usually Elba is mostly frequented by Tuscan residents and, if you want to avoid even those travelers, book a trip in Spring or early Autumn to have the island all to yourself.
Fresh Fish
At every restaurant you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood, from polpo (octopus) to cozze alla marinara, linguine allo scoglio, and calamari alla griglia.
Explore Untouched Hamlets
Elba is home to many historical hamlets that have remained untouched and unchanged. You can easily discover its history seeping from the streets and walls of the old town.
Gorgeous Sunsets
There are so many wonderful spots to capture a breathtaking sunset overlooking the Tyrrenean Sea.
How to Arrive
Take the Ferry into Portoferrario ⛴
From the town of Piombino, you can easily take the ferry (about 45 min) to a few different places on the island. I recommend taking it into Portoferrario, especially if you don't have a car.
For example, from Florence you can easily take the train (a few hours) to Piombino, walk to the port, and hop on the ferry.
Buy your train/ferry tickets in advanced!
I don't recommend rushing your time on the island. Stay for at least 2 nights, 3 days but I highly recommend at least 3 nights are needed for full relaxation and time to explore. 🍴🏖⚓
Where to Stay
This modest hotel was all about its views. With standard, clean rooms it made for a great landing point to quickly escape to the beaches. We had a private balcony overlooking the beautiful private beach, and free breakfast included.
Our free breakfast was simple, a coffee and an Italian cornetto (croissant) but what more do you need when this is the breakfast bar view. We came to the hotel's bar for lunches as well, with fresh seafood and killer views🤩
Views of the private beach from our hotel room balcony.
Swim in Pristine Waters 🌊
Beaches in Portoferrario
An Easy Bus Ride from Portoferrario
Beaches to Reach with a Car 🏖🏊♀️
Diving
Discover its Ancient History
Napoleon has been an extremely important character for the island, which still celebrates him and preserves his major works, such as villas, theatres, museums and houses.
One of the best examples of this is Villa dei Mulini.
A beautiful view overlooking the port awaits you from the fortress.
Walk around the Port area
Lined with restaurants, cute boutiques, artisans selling crafts/artwork, and boats, the port area is very cute for an evening stroll on the way to/after dinner.
If you're traveling elsewhere in Italy, be sure to save this FREE Complete Italy Guide
For more information on travels to Florence, Rome, Bologna, Puglia and more!
Thank you for your support!
I hope you have a great trip! If you appreciated this map at all, please consider leaving a tip and spreading the word to anyone you know about this service. Thank you so much for your support!
Elba Island (Isola d'Elba) is a slice of paradise, in the Tyrrhenian Sea’s Tuscan Archipelago National Park. This island is known for its gorgeous beaches, and as Napoleon’s place of exile in 1814–15. 🕶👙
From the Tuscan town of Piombino it is very easy to reach this island by a 45 min ferry.⛴
Why Visit Elba?
Avoid Crowds
Elba is a stunning spot off the beaten path. It is not a typical tourist destination, so you’ll not find hordes of people or lines and crowds like in other Mediterranean islands. Usually Elba is mostly frequented by Tuscan residents and, if you want to avoid even those travelers, book a trip in Spring or early Autumn to have the island all to yourself.
Fresh Fish
At every restaurant you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood, from polpo (octopus) to cozze alla marinara, linguine allo scoglio, and calamari alla griglia.
Explore Untouched Hamlets
Elba is home to many historical hamlets that have remained untouched and unchanged. You can easily discover its history seeping from the streets and walls of the old town.
Gorgeous Sunsets
There are so many wonderful spots to capture a breathtaking sunset overlooking the Tyrrenean Sea.
How to Arrive
Take the Ferry into Portoferrario ⛴
From the town of Piombino, you can easily take the ferry (about 45 min) to a few different places on the island. I recommend taking it into Portoferrario, especially if you don't have a car.
For example, from Florence you can easily take the train (a few hours) to Piombino, walk to the port, and hop on the ferry.
Buy your train/ferry tickets in advanced!
I don't recommend rushing your time on the island. Stay for at least 2 nights, 3 days but I highly recommend at least 3 nights are needed for full relaxation and time to explore. 🍴🏖⚓
Where to Stay
This modest hotel was all about its views. With standard, clean rooms it made for a great landing point to quickly escape to the beaches. We had a private balcony overlooking the beautiful private beach, and free breakfast included.
Our free breakfast was simple, a coffee and an Italian cornetto (croissant) but what more do you need when this is the breakfast bar view. We came to the hotel's bar for lunches as well, with fresh seafood and killer views🤩
Views of the private beach from our hotel room balcony.
Swim in Pristine Waters 🌊
Beaches in Portoferrario
An Easy Bus Ride from Portoferrario
Beaches to Reach with a Car 🏖🏊♀️
Diving
Discover its Ancient History
Napoleon has been an extremely important character for the island, which still celebrates him and preserves his major works, such as villas, theatres, museums and houses.
One of the best examples of this is Villa dei Mulini.
A beautiful view overlooking the port awaits you from the fortress.
Walk around the Port area
Lined with restaurants, cute boutiques, artisans selling crafts/artwork, and boats, the port area is very cute for an evening stroll on the way to/after dinner.
If you're traveling elsewhere in Italy, be sure to save this FREE Complete Italy Guide
For more information on travels to Florence, Rome, Bologna, Puglia and more!
Thank you for your support!
I hope you have a great trip! If you appreciated this map at all, please consider leaving a tip and spreading the word to anyone you know about this service. Thank you so much for your support!