HOW TO GET TO ELBA
From Piombino we made the crossing to Elba by luxury ferry. Our car was taken on board. In the pre-season it is not always necessary to book the crossing in advance, except at weekends. But in the high season it is highly advisable to do this, and not only for the outward journey, but also for the return journey.
From Piombino there are departures every half hour, the most common is the crossing to Portoferraio, the capital of Elba. It is wonderful to sail into this harbor in the beautiful bay. From Portoferraio, all places on Elba are easily accessible by car.
Other sailings are from Piombino to Cavo or Rio Marina. It was approximately 40 minutes to get to Elba. We got to relax, have lunch and enjoy the scenery.
If you don’t want to drive yourself, the plane is a good option. Book a cheap flight to Pisa, and rent a car there to drive the last bit to Piombino.
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A car is definitely recommended on Elba, public transport is not so good that can you depend on it. And besides, it’s great to tour Elba and enjoy the beautiful views yourself.
Ci vediamo sull’isola Elba! As soon as you drive off the Ferry and drive further into the island from the port of Portoferraio, you are immediately overwhelmed by the “La Dolce Vita” feeling. Especially in the spring when everything is in bloom, the beautiful yellow mimosa, the coloured oleanders. The wonderfully scented pine forests and chestnut trees. It is then wonderful to enjoy the mild climate and the long days in the sun.
Elba is the largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago and the third largest island in Italy after Sicily and Sardinia. The island is considered the most beautiful pearl that fell from the necklace of the goddess Venus and formed the greatest jewel in the sea of the seven islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The island is the perfect holiday destination for lovers of nature, beautiful beaches and bays, authentic island towns and delicious wines. The island of Elba is best known for the exile of Napoleon. He was not a prisoner here, as many will think, but king of the island and did a lot for the development of Elba. The history of Napoleon can clearly be found here, and it is very nice and educational to immerse yourself in his story by visiting his former home, Villa del Mulini, and reliving the history. On Elba you will find many beautiful sandy beaches with cozy terraces and sun loungers and parasols that you can rent. Biodola, Lacona, Marina di Campo, Lido and Procchio are wonderful beaches where the beach slopes gently into the sea.
✈ Our favourite hotel and recommendation is Hotel Airone Isola dÉlba
BEACHES OF ELBA
There are many beaches that you can only reach by sea and that are therefore often almost deserted, even in summer. There are also pebble beaches and rocky outcrops. A very nice beach is the pebble beach of Capo Bianco. The rocks are made of pure white granite and the underlying beach of white pebbles, which gives the sea a beautiful turquoise color.
✈ Tip: Don’t forget your water shoes!
FUN ACTIVITIES ON ELBA
Besides enjoying the most beautiful beaches, the warm sea, the delicious food and the best wines, there is much more to do on Elba.
Elba is ideal for long walks or bike rides. You can do this yourself, but it is of course also very nice to do this with a guide during an excursion. The roads on Elba are fine, so go touring the island. You will be amazed at how diverse this small island is in terms of nature. And you come across beautiful non-touristy spots!
Enjoy the most sensational views and the sunset.
Discover the idyllic villages and wander through the streets of Capoliveri or stroll along the boulevard of Marciano Marina or Marina di Campo.
Browse the stalls at the (evening) market and find the most delicious products from Elba.
Go snorkeling or diving in the clear sea with beautiful flora and fauna. You can also do wreck diving around the shipwreck at Sant’Andrea.
Take the cable car to the top of Monte Capanne, the highest mountain in Elba. From the top you can see Corsica in clear weather. The Monte Capanne is part of Arcipelago Toscano National Park.
Go to Rio Marina to visit the open mines. The Minerario Park. You will find semi-precious stones and pyrite, metal-rich rocks that sparkle in the sun. With a train you can take a trip along the old mines, and you can experience for yourself what the carving of the stones was like.
And for the real sports enthusiasts: climbing, paragliding, horse riding, golf, sailing, canoeing, surfing or rent a boat yourself and sail around the island.