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Elba Island by sailboat

Guide to the most beautiful places, bays and beaches on Elba Island

Elba offers everything you would expect from an island: short but fun sailings, roadstead stops in a clear sea, and underwater explorations to discover the rich seabed

Elba Island is the third largest island in Italy, and precisely because of its size it hides a myriad of bays to explore by sea, equaled in number by the thousands of small restaurants that can be experienced on land. The sea surrounding it ranges in color from azure to aqua green, is calm and docile, and carried by its waves it is possible to observe a wide variety of marine mammals. In fact, it is immersed in the Pelagos Sanctuary, a protected natural area characterized by a very high biodiversity of species. As you sail from one side of the island to the other, from east to west, and then back east along its uneven coastline, you will realize the diversity of its inlets, with wild, rocky coves or very crowded beaches, and the good fortune of being able to sail while enjoying the view from a comfortable cockpit.

Best time of year

In spring for a weekend getaway, or in summer for a week of sun and fun.

Sea color

What shade of blue prevails around the coast?

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Light blue

seal-color-type

Beach type

Fine sand, small pebbles, shells or rocks?

Pebbles

Wind strength

How much wind is there in the peak season?

Moderate breeze

Elba Island is the perfect destination for

Comfort & relaxation

Comfort & relaxation

Calm sea and moderate wind are the masters along the Elban coastline

Nature

Nature

Cetacean sightings are numerous in the Pelagos Sanctuary

Art & culture

Art & culture

Opportunity to discover a land rich in history

Who to go with and what to see on Elba Island

Elba Island with the family

Elba Island with the family

The Island of Elba is a particularly suitable destination for families with children: even the largest ones here will be able to enjoy a vacation without any unforeseen events, lulled by a calm sea and buoyed by the moderate wind. Children will have fun discovering the fascinating world of sailing, either at the helm or struggling with knots, and then diving in and discovering the even more impressive underwater life that dominates these waters. In the Pelagos Sanctuary, all it takes is a mask and snorkel to catch a glimpse of seahorses, turtles, and all manner of fish. Not to mention possible sightings of dolphins, sperm whales, or minke whales in the silence surrounding the sailboat.

Elba Island as a couple

Elba Island as a couple

This island also offers couples strong emotions. For example, they can take a tour of the sandy coves or black rocks, rich in hematite, which are among the most beautiful on the island and can sometimes only be reached by sea or by steep, winding paths. These include Punta Polveraia and a little further on, the Sedia di Napoleone (Napoleon's Chair), a rock jutting out of the sea where, according to legend, the emperor reflected as he gazed at his Corsica in the distance; Le Tombe, or Aliva, among the wildest and most unspoilt. A sunset from the Cala dell'Innamorata, a short distance from Capoliveri, is a must, where you can stay in the evening for a good dinner at the restaurant.

The most beautiful Elban roadsteads

The most beautiful Elban roadsteads

There are many coves where you can stop to enjoy the sea, sheltered from the wind and enveloped in complete peace. Definitely the Gulf of Biodola and that of Viticcio, two inlets to the north of the island from which to spy the Island of Capraia and Corsica in the distance. Also on the same side of the island is the Paolina Beach with its namesake rock peeping out of the sea a short distance away. It owes its name to Napoleon's sister and offers a unique view. Also not to be missed is Fetovaia, a small bay sheltered by a tongue of land. For the more curious, a stop at the roadstead between Pomonte and Ogliera is a must, where at a depth of only 12 meters lies the wreck of the Elviscot, which sank in 1972.

History and nature of the Island of Elba

History and nature of the Island of Elba

Elba Island is known for having welcomed Napoleon during his exile. It is worth stopping for a visit to the Villa dei Mulini, which the emperor chose as his home. It is an old Medici villa, repurposed in some of its parts: on the outside Napoleon had an Italian-style garden made, while inside he had a small theater built. As a true lover of theater, he had another one built that is still in use in Portoferraio, the current Teatro dei Vigilanti, in full imperial style. With a walk through the hinterland, it is also possible to observe the typical Mediterranean scrubland, as well as the many trees in bloom during spring and summer.

The Elba Island by sailboat

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Practical Info

Territory

The island of Elba is the largest of the islands in the Tuscan Archipelago, and the third largest in Italy. It has a fish-like shape and over 147 km of coastline where you can go to discover more than 150 beaches.

Population centers

Portoferraio is the most populous town on the island and certainly the one with the most amenities. Other towns such as Porto Azzurro or Capoliveri, however, are the chicest, where you can dine in elegant restaurants or stroll among the stalls that are set up every evening.

How to get there

Numerous ferries depart daily from Piombino and Livorno to land in Portoferraio, and runs intensify during the summer season. A passenger ticket without a vehicle is inexpensive and can also be purchased shortly before departure.

How to get around

Once on the island, you can get around by bus or the more convenient scooters.

Ports and marinas

There are many ports, but among the most distinctive are Marciana Marina and Rio Marina. In any case, Elba guarantees safe sailing: the distances between one port of call and another are short, and it will be enough to move to the other side of the island to stay comfortable in the roadstead even when the wind picks up.

Activities

Apart from enjoying the sea and sun in total relaxation, Elba offers numerous activities. Snorkeling first of all, which becomes diving for the more experienced. But also treks inland and visits to the artistic heritage preserved on the island.

Gastronomy

It is impossible to leave Elba without trying some of its typical products, such as cacciucco and stoccafisso alla riese, but also DOC and DOCG wines, produced according to the tradition carried on by the island's farms.

Guides & tips

Tuscan Archipelago by sailboat

Tuscan Archipelago by sailboat

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Corsica by sailboat and catamaran

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Whale watching sailing cruises  with WWF

Sailing vacations for singles and solo travellers

Sailing vacations for singles and solo travellers

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The best destinations for your first time sailing

Perfect sailing vacations for families

Perfect sailing vacations for families

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