Elba - an island with a wide range of offers
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Elba is the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago and the third largest in Italy after Sicily and Sardinia. Located just 10 km off the coast of Piombino, it can be reached by ferry in about an hour. It boasts over 147 km of coastline, sandy and pebbly beaches, mountain villages, the 1.019 m high Monte Capanne, and traces of Napoleon, who lived here in exile in 1814/15.
Elba at a glance
- Size: around 224 km², 147 km coastline; Main town Portoferraio.
- Einwohner: Approximately 31.000 in seven municipalities.
- Highest mountain: Monte Capanne, 1.019 m (basket cable car from Marciana).
- Arrival: Ferry from Piombino to Portoferraio (approx. 1 hour), Rio Marina or Cavo.
- Best travel time: May to June and September; July/August hot and crowded.
- Protected area: Large parts of the land and sea belong to the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.
Where is Elba?
Elba lies in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of Tuscany, opposite Piombino in the province of Livorno. Corsica lies to the west, and the small islands of Pianosa and Montecristo to the south . The island is approximately 27 km long and up to 18 km wide. Our map of Tuscany shows where the island is located.
Discover Elba: our guides
We have dedicated pages for the most important topics. Here's an overview:
Arrival and ferry
All car ferries depart from Piombino – with Moby, Toremar and Blu Navy. Timetables, prices, routes by car or campervan, train and plane: Getting to Elba.
Places
From the fortress city of Portoferraio to the mountain village of Capoliveri and the port of Porto Azzurro: you can find information and tips about each place in the section on the most beautiful places on Elba.
Beaches
Long sandy beaches in the south, white pebble bays in the north, colorful mineral beaches in the east: Our selection with map shows the most beautiful beaches of Elba.
points of interest & sights
Monte Capanne, Medici fortresses, Volterraio castle ruins, Rio Marina mines and excursions to the neighboring islands: sights on Elba.
Napoleon
From May 4, 1814, to February 26, 1815, Napoleon was Prince of Elba. His residences are now museums – history, opening hours, and prices: Napoleon on Elba.
Campsite
Elba is also a popular destination for campervans and tents. You can find campsites and tips at Camping on Elba.
Activities on Elba
- Water sports: Many coastal towns offer schools and rentals for sailing, surfing, diving, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Particularly clear water for snorkeling can be found in the pebble beaches of the north.
- Hiking and mountain biking: The mountainous west around Monte Capanne and the hills in the east are crisscrossed by marked trails; large parts of it lie within the national park.
- Boat trips: to secluded coves, to Pianosa, or – on a few dates – to Montecristo. In summer, the national park also offers tours for observing wildlife. Whales and dolphins
- History: Etruscans and Romans mined iron ore here; the traces range from the mining park in Rio Marina to the Roman Villa delle Grotte near Portoferraio.
Tours & Excursions
- Boat trips around Elba – guided boat tours, for example to the wreck of the Pomonte or to the Gemini Islands, as well as catamaran excursions from Portoferraio.
- All tours and activities on Elba – including kayaking and snorkeling tours, e-bike tours and tastings.
Find accommodation
Hotels, holiday apartments and agriturismi all over the island can be found at Booking.com (Elba) , specifically in the main town under accommodations in Portoferraio.
Find accommodation on Elba
Best time to travel to Elba
| Period | What she expects |
|---|---|
| April to mid-June | Green island, flowering maquis shrubland, ideal for hiking; swimming is pleasant from the end of May. |
| July and August | High season: hot, all beaches and ferries full, higher prices; book ferry and accommodation early. |
| September to mid-October | Warm sea, less hustle and bustle – for many, the most beautiful time. |
| November to March | Quiet, many hotels and restaurants closed; mild climate for walks. |
Other islands of the Tuscan Archipelago
Elba is the largest of seven islands in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. You can also visit Capraia , Giglio , and Giannutri ; Pianosa , Gorgona , and Montecristo have limited access.
Frequently asked questions about the island of Elba
How big is the island of Elba?
Approximately 224 km² with 147 km of coastline. Elba is the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago and the third largest island in Italy.
How do you get to Elba?
By ferry from Piombino: to Portoferraio in about an hour, also to Rio Marina and – for passengers only – to Cavo. The small airport near Marina di Campo is only served by small planes.
When is the best time to travel to Elba?
May to June and September. Then it is warm, the sea is pleasant and the island is less crowded than in July and August.
How many days should one stay on Elba?
Three to four days are sufficient for a first impression of the beach, Portoferraio, and Monte Capanne. A week or more is ideal for a beach holiday, hiking, and island excursions.
What is Elba known for?
For its beaches and clear water, the iron ore that the Etruscans already mined, and for Napoleon, who lived here in exile in 1814/15.
Do you need a car on Elba?
Not necessarily; buses connect the larger towns. However, those wishing to visit remote bays and mountain villages will find a car or scooter significantly more flexible.
