As the largest island in the Tuscan archipelago, Elba is a popular holiday destination thanks to its mild temperatures. It offers a variety of opportunities for relaxation or exciting activities. The nickname "Pearl of Tuscany" alludes to the beautiful coasts and hilly landscapes of the Mediterranean island. The capital of the island is on the north coast and is called Portoferraio. Like Rio Marina and Porto Azzurro, Portoferraio has a large port. Through which you can get to the island or from which you can set off on interesting trips by yacht.
Impressions of the island of Elba
Activities on Elba
Water sports are one of the most popular activities on the island of Elba. In most coastal towns, schools offer equipment rental and courses in sailing, surfing, diving or kayaking. On the kilometer-long, fine sandy beach of Marina di Campo, bathers can relax and unwind in the turquoise sea. The beaches on Elba also invite you to take long walks. Also recommended for beach lovers is the Golfo Stella.
The west of the island is hilly and makes the hearts of hikers, trekking fans and mountain bikers beat faster. The highest mountain is the Monte Capanne. With its 1.084 meters you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding area up to the coast. If the ascent on foot is too strenuous for you, you can take a cable car up to the summit from Marciano. Large parts of Elba belong to the Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago Toscano nature reserve. There you will find untouched and intact flora while hiking along the way. Rare varieties of orchids can also be found in this flora. The hiking trails on Elba are well marked.
The coast of the island
The most beautiful beaches on Elba
Since Elba is an island, it is clear that the sea lurks in every corner. The most popular beaches near Lacona are the Spiaggia Grande, which is particularly popular with its fine sand, and the smaller Laconella beach.
At Marina di Campo there is the longest beach in the Golfo di Campo, at Marciano Marina there are also two beaches that are worth visiting.
At Capoliveri you can choose between gravel and sand on the Calomita peninsula.
At Porto Azzurro there are the beaches La Rossa or Pianotta, which are in the local area or just outside, the Spiaggia di Barbarossa and Naregno can also be an excursion destination.
Although Portoferraio is considered a shopping paradise on the island, the small but comfortable beach in front of the old town is very popular, as are the beaches outside the city area.
Short story of the island
For a change you can do a little with the History Employing Elbas. Follow Napoleon's footsteps in his winter residence Villa San Martino in Portoferraio, where the Corsican planned his return to the continent in 1814 and 1815 in exile. In the picturesque old town of the mountain village of Capoliveri, with its narrow alleyways spanned by candle arches, you think you are back in the Middle Ages.
Where is Elba?
Last updated: 06.02.2024
