Camping holidays on the island of Elba
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Camping is one of the most popular ways to vacation on Elba: campsites are usually just steps from the sea, and the island is so manageable that you can reach all corners from a single campsite. Here you'll find information on how to get to Elba with a motorhome or caravan, which campsites are available, and what rules apply to campers.
Camping on Elba – at a glance
- Arrival: Car ferry from Piombino to Portoferraio (approx. 1 hour) or with Toremar to Rio Marina (approx. 45 minutes), according to the ferry company year-round; only speedboats for passengers go to Cavo – details on Arrival to Elba
- Free standing: Wild camping And overnight stays outside of approved sites are prohibited throughout the island.
- Campsites: especially around Lacona and Capoliveri (south), Marina di Campo and Portoferraio/Biodola (north).
- Season: Most campsites are open from around Easter to October, with the peak season being July/August.
- Gas: German gas cylinders are not exchanged in Italy – see Camping gas in Italy
Travel to Elba by motorhome or caravan
The ferry from Piombino
The port of departure for Elba is Piombino on the Tuscan coast. Moby, Toremar, and Blu Navy offer several daily crossings to Portoferraio year-round; the crossing takes about an hour. Toremar also operates year-round services to Rio Marina (car ferry) and Cavo (speedboat, passengers only) in the east of the island; the number of departures depends on the seasonal timetable (as of November 2026). For motorhomes and caravans, the ferry fare is based on vehicle length (and sometimes height).
Booking tips
- When booking, please enter the actual dimensions Included – including bicycle rack, rear box or towbar with carrier. Those who book for too short a time will have to pay extra at the port.
- From June to September, especially on weekends and at the start of school holidays, you should take the ferry. and Book your campsite early.
- Allow plenty of time at the port before embarkation – vehicles must be at the loading dock before departure.
Campsites on Elba
Elba, at just over 220 km², is a small island; nevertheless, it offers a wide selection of campsites, many with bungalows or mobile homes, and some attached to working farms ( Agricampeggio ). The following campsites are listed in current directories (as of 2026) – please check opening times and prices directly with the campsite.
South: Lacona, Capoliveri and Marina di Campo
Those primarily interested in swimming will find what they're looking for in the south. The Gulf of Lacona, with its long sandy beach, and the Gulf of Marina di Campo are well-suited for families with children.
- Camping Lacona Pineta, Camping Valle Santa Maria, Camping Stella Mare, Camping Laconella (Lacona/Capoliveri area)
- Camping Le Calanchiole, Camping Lido Capoliveri, Casa dei Prati (Municipality of Capoliveri)
- Ville degli Ulivi Camping Village (Marina di Campo)
North: Portoferraio, Biodola and Enfola
In the north, the campsites are located near the ferry ports and beautiful bays such as Biodola.
- Camping Scaglieri Village, Camping Enfola, Camping Village Rosselba Le Palme, Acquaviva Village Camping (all municipality of Portoferraio)
East: Porto Azzurro and Rio Marina
- Camping Reale (Porto Azzurro)
- Elbadoc Camping Village (Cavo, Municipality of Rio – formed in 2018 from Rio Marina and Rio nell'Elba)
Those who prefer to filter by terrain and facilities will find a good overview in camping guides – for example, the ACSI* camping guide . Further campsites on the mainland can be found in our overview of the most beautiful campsites in Tuscany directly by the sea.
Facilities of the places
Most campsites have a bar or a small supermarket; larger ones also have a restaurant, pool, or entertainment. Electricity is usually available via CEE sockets – a Schuko adapter should be in every campervan. Many campsites rent bicycles or scooters, allowing you to explore the island without a large vehicle. Those traveling without their own campervan can rent bungalows or mobile homes at many campsites; hotels and holiday apartments can be found, for example, on Booking.com (accommodations in Portoferraio).
Motorhome on Elba: Rules and pitches
Free camping is prohibited.
Wild camping and overnight stays in motorhomes outside of designated areas are prohibited throughout Elba; the municipalities have issued corresponding regulations, and large parts of the island belong to the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. A properly parked motorhome is permitted – however, as soon as chairs, tables, awnings, or stabilizers are extended, it is considered camping. Many parking areas at beaches are also restricted by height limits. You can read more about this topic under Wild Camping in Italy.
Parking spaces (Aree di sosta)
Besides campsites, there are several paid motorhome pitches, including in Procchio (Area Camper La Perla), near San Giovanni (Portoferraio), and in Porto Azzurro. These are usually open seasonally and fill up quickly during peak season – it's best to check availability beforehand. For pitches on the mainland, see our overview of motorhome pitches in Tuscany.
Best time to go camping on Elba
The island has mild winters and summers, which, thanks to the sea breeze, are often somewhat more pleasant than inland. The camping season usually begins around Easter and ends in October. In spring, it's mainly hikers who visit – Monte Capanne, at 1.019 m, is the island's highest mountain – while the sea only becomes truly warm for swimming from about June onwards and often remains so until October. July and August are peak season with full campsites and highest prices; June and September are often the best choice for campers.
Excursions and experiences on Elba
Elba is more than just beaches: In Portoferraio you can visit Napoleon's residences (more information under Napoleon on Elba ), hike in the island's interior, or snorkel and kayak in crystal-clear waters. Our pages on Elba's most beautiful beaches and sights will help you plan your trip. Our Elba overview provides a good overview of the island.
Many bays are most beautiful from the water – boat trips around Elba can be booked in advance with GetYourGuide, so the campervan has to stay on the campsite.
Frequently asked questions about camping holidays on Elba
Is it permitted to camp freely with a motorhome on Elba?
No. Wild camping and overnight stays outside of campsites and approved parking areas are prohibited throughout the island. Parking is permitted as long as you do not drive or park anything.
How do you get to Elba with a campervan?
Take the car ferry from Piombino. Moby, Toremar, and Blu Navy operate year-round ferries to Portoferraio (approx. 1 hour). Toremar also serves Rio Marina. Only speedboats without vehicles travel to Cavo. The price depends on the vehicle length.
Which area on Elba is best for camping with children?
For beach holidays with children, the bays in the south are suitable, such as the Gulf of Lacona or Marina di Campo with their flat sandy beaches.
When do the campsites on Elba open?
Most campsites are open from around Easter to October; only a few are open year-round. Outside of peak season, please inquire directly with the campsite.
Can I get gas for my German gas cylinder on Elba?
German gas cylinders are neither exchanged nor refilled in Italy. You need an Italian cylinder with an adapter or a refillable cylinder for LPG filling stations.
