Elba Island sits off the Tuscan coast in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, a short ferry ride from Piombino. At 223 km², it is Italy’s third-largest island, but it never feels like one uniform destination.
Elba Island itinerary for 3 days
Day 1: Portoferraio, Napoleon’s residences and the north-coast coves
Start in Portoferraio, Elba’s principal port and the arrival point for most ferries from Piombino. Its old town climbs the hillside behind the harbour, within the defensive walls built for Cosimo I de’ Medici in the 16th century.
The main historical stop is Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon Bonaparte’s official residence during his exile on Elba in 1814–15. Villa San Martino, Napoleon’s country residence outside town, adds useful context if there is time.
The afternoon works well for the pale-stone beaches west of Portoferraio: Spiaggia di Sansone, Spiaggia della Sorgente and Capo Bianco. A swim here is more comfortable with water shoes, particularly on the pebble beaches.
Day 2: Elba’s south-west beaches
The south-west coast has several of Elba’s better-known sandy beaches. Getting there early in peak season is the difference between a straightforward beach day and circling for parking in the heat.
Spiaggia di Cavoli, near Seccheto, is a sheltered sandy bay with shallow areas and beach services.
A little further along, Spiaggia di Fetovaia curves around a sheltered turquoise bay.
For a quieter alternative, Spiaggia di Seccheto has a smaller village-beach feel, while nearby granite slabs create good spots for a dip away from the main sand.
Day 3: Marciana, Monte Capanne and inland Elba
The west of Elba is hillier, greener and noticeably cooler once the road climbs away from the coast. Base the day around Marciana, one of the island’s oldest settlements, with steep lanes, stone houses and the remains of the Pisan Fortress.
Above Marciana, the Monte Capanne cable car carries passengers towards Elba’s highest summit, at 1,019 metres. On a clear day, the view takes in much of Elba, the other Tuscan islands and, occasionally, Corsica.
For walkers, the surrounding Tuscan Archipelago National Park has marked paths through Mediterranean scrub, chestnut woodland and granite terrain.
What to see on Elba Island in a week
A seven-day Elba Island holiday leaves room to explore its different corners without treating each day like a military operation. Alongside Portoferraio, the beaches and Monte Capanne, these places deserve time.
Capoliveri and the south-east coast
Capoliveri sits on a hill above the south-east coastline, with narrow lanes, small piazzas and traces of its mining past. It has a more lived-in feel than the waterfront resorts, particularly outside the main summer weeks.
The nearby coastline has several useful beach choices, including Spiaggia di Barabarca and Spiaggia di Zuccale.
Porto Azzurro
Porto Azzurro is a handsome fishing harbour on Elba’s east side, centred on Piazza Matteotti. It is a good place for an evening wander and dinner, especially if staying nearby.
Above the town, Forte San Giacomo remains an important part of the skyline. It is still used as a prison, so it is not generally open for casual visits.
Rio Marina and Elba’s mining history
Iron mining shaped Elba for centuries, particularly around Rio Marina on the east coast. The rusty red and ochre soil around this part of the island is a visible reminder of that industry.
- The Mineral Park of Elba Island runs guided visits through former mining areas and is a worthwhile stop for anyone wanting more than beaches and aperitivo.
- The Ginevro Mine near Capoliveri is another major mining site. Access depends on the current guided-tour programme and safety arrangements.
Marina di Campo and the central-southern coast
Marina di Campo has one of Elba’s longest sandy beaches, with shallow water and a broad strip of services. It is a convenient base for families and travellers without a car, as shops, restaurants and accommodation are close together.
The Costa del Sole
The Costa del Sole runs along Elba’s south-western shore between Marina di Campo and Pomonte.
Near Pomonte, the wreck of the Elviscot cargo ship lies in shallow water just offshore. Snorkellers often visit in calm conditions, although the site is exposed to wind and sea conditions must be taken seriously.
Living on the Island of Elba
Living on Elba has obvious appeal for anyone drawn to sea views, outdoor time and a smaller-town pace, but island life comes with trade-offs. Seasonal work is common, winters are quieter, and ferry connections affect everyday logistics, medical appointments and trips to the mainland.
For a move rather than a short stay, the practical stuff matters as much as the sea: year-round employment, ferry timetables, vehicle costs, healthcare access, winter weather and the availability of a lease that is not limited to the summer season
Stay inspired for your travels in Italy —get our weekly newsletter for the latest travel, legal, and lifestyle news.
