Elba Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Expedia
Famed for being the home of Napoleon during his time in exile, this little island in the Tyrrhenian Sea has sun-kissed beaches, imposing fortresses and thermal baths.

Explore the rugged mountains and soaring sea cliffs of Elba Island, the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago. The island’s dramatic landscape is the setting for a captivating history, from the days of the ancient Etruscans to the exile of Napoleon in the 19th century. Discover extraordinary beaches framed by rough rock precipices or cruise the mountaintop trails with your bicycle. Dive to the bottom of the ocean floor and experience the protected waters of Europe’s largest marine park.

Most visitors begin their trip to Elba Island in the harbor town of Portoferraio. Stroll around the compact town center where portside cottages huddle around the natural cove. Admire Renaissance fortifications such as Forte Stella and check out the 18th-century lighthouse. Explore the history exhibits in the Museo Nazionale housed in Napoleon’s official residence, the grand Palazzina dei Mulini. Learn about the French Emperor who spent 300 days on Elba Island in exile. You can also see Napoleon’s country villa, San Martino, in the craggy inland foothills. Ascend Monte Capanne via the ropeway and look out across the entire island from the summit.

Visit the town of Marciana Marina to find a beautifully preserved promenade that showcases the town’s 18th-century heritage. Admire the prettily painted façades in Porto Azzurro and learn about the precious metals that were mined in Rio Marina.

You’ll find idyllic beaches tucked into the notches between cliff-edged headlands. Go to Campo nell’Elba or Cottoncello and stretch out on a sun lounge. Enjoy the wide-open ambiance of Capo Bianco or go camping at Lacona. Dive in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park and come face-to-face with the coastline’s marine life. Embark on a high-octane tour of Elba Island’s mountain trails with your bike or hike between the craggy peaks that shelter olive and chestnut groves. Soothe tired muscles in the thermal baths at San Giovanni.

Elba Island is in the Tuscan Archipelago. Ferries carrying vehicles depart from the port of Piombino and arrive in Portoferraio after approximately 70 minutes. If you are traveling without a car, catch the fast ferry and reach the island in 40 minutes.

Where to stay in Elba Island

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Portoferraio Old Town

You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Portoferraio Old Town. You might want to make time for a stop at The Napoleonic Residences National Museum or Forte Falcone.

Portoferraio Old Town
Hotel Fabricia
Hotel Fabricia
4 out of 5
Golfo di Portoferraio, Portoferraio, LI
The price is ₹7,441 per night from 17 May to 18 May
₹7,441
per night
17 May - 18 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a private beach.
7.8/10 Good! (74 reviews)
On the beach
"This property is beautiful! Your own private beach, aperitivo by the pool, buffet breakfast and multi course lunches and dinners. What more do you need? The rooms are pretty basic, but the views are incredible. Service is excellent and the staff is friendly. We would stay here again."

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2023

Hotel Fabricia
Hotel Le Acacie
Hotel Le Acacie
4 out of 5
Spiaggia di Neregno, Capoliveri, LI
The price is ₹8,617 per night from 12 May to 13 May
₹8,617
per night
12 May - 13 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool.
8.2/10 Very Good! (116 reviews)
Left something to be desired!
"Not sure why this place has a 4 star rating, a 3-star rating is being nice. While it’s close to the beach and the house keeping staff were amazing, that’s about all the nice things I can say. The check in staff was rude and basically threw us our key and didn’t explain anything. We got yelled at ..."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2023

Hotel Le Acacie
Hotel Plaza
Hotel Plaza
4 out of 5
Localita Fanaletto, 1, Porto Azzurro
The price is ₹9,431 per night from 12 May to 13 May
₹9,431
per night
12 May - 13 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (59 reviews)
"Beautiful location. Reception clerk helpful in showing us the path to town and a dinner recommendation. View from room amazing. The only negative is the spa hot tub was not hot or clean. The Turkish spa was great."

Reviewed on 27 Nov 2023

Hotel Plaza
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Allegroitalia Elba Capo d'Arco
Allegroitalia Elba Capo d'Arco
Loc. Capo D'Arco (Cantinone), Rio, Livorno
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Rio. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Ortano Beach and Terranera Lake are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
"Rigtig fin lejlighed med god plads og en fantastisk udsigt over havet. Vi blev dog temmelig overraskede over, at det kostede 29 EUR pr. dag for 2 liggestole + parasol! Stor ekstra omkostning, som vi ikke kunne se omtalt noget sted. Man skal bruge bil for at komme til lejlighederne - det tager ca. ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2019

Allegroitalia Elba Capo d'Arco
Residenza Sant'Anna del Volterraio
Residenza Sant'Anna del Volterraio
Localita Bagnaia, Rio, LI
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool.
8/10 Very Good! (90 reviews)
"Beautiful setting with lots of greenery, sounds of birds, lovely jasmine aroma as you walk through my the grounds. The rooms were immaculately clean and the facilities were great. Our daughter loved the children's pool and we enjoyed the fabulous service from all staff."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2023

Residenza Sant'Anna del Volterraio
Residence Elite
Residence Elite
3 out of 5
Via Fucini, 299, Campo nell'Elba, LI
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool.
8/10 Very Good! (39 reviews)
Good value
"The stay at the property overall was really great. We only stayed for two nights, spacious rooms with no frills. Bathroom and room very very clean but a bit dated. Close to the bus stop from Portoferraio and about a 5 minute walk to the Main Street and beach in marina di campo."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2019

Residence Elite
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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