Portoferraio
Portoferraio is the picturesque capital of Elba, the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago. Convenient ferry connections to nearby destinations – including Piombino, Cavo and Rio Marina – make Portoferraio the perfect destination for a tranquil holiday on a sublime beach with crystal-clear waters.
The historic centre is close to the Deepwater quay, where cruise ships call: there, you can find elegant shops and typical restaurants just a stone’s throw from places evocative of Napoleon, who was indeed exiled on the island from 1814 to 1815.
The charming Teatro dei Vigilanti built on the ruins of an old church and skilfully restored, is now a favoured venue for important international cultural events. Napoleon also left two magnificent residences, both of which have become national museums: Villa dei Mulini, with period furnishings and furniture, signed letters and numerous paintings and his summer residence at San Martino, about 6 km from Portoferraio.
Visitors coming to the island can immerse themselves in the history of the Roman Villas of Le Grotte and Capo Castello. The former overlooks the entire Gulf of Portoferraio and is decorated in opus reticolatum, whose perfection of style can be admired even today. The second one is located on the top of Capo Castello Promontory, near Cavo village.
Elba’s coasts consist of uncontaminated natural spots: from jagged coasts to beaches of rock and sand and to mountain landscapes of the inland, with extensive sporting and leisure facilities such as golf, horse riding, scuba diving, water-skiing.
Guided Tour of the Port of Portoferraio
Bus
The tour unfolds among the dock (Darsena), the piers and the Fortess all dating back to the Medici period. The finishing points of the tour are the antique towers called Torre del Gallo and Torre della Linguella: a charming view on the whole town and port structures.
The Route of Ferrous Lands
Bus
The route – about 11.5 km long – winds its way through the pine forests and the Mediterranean scrub of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, starting from Capoliveri, a charming village with shops, bars, restaurants and information centre.
The trail continues offering the views of the Capoliveri Mine and its iron-rich red soil. On the way back, there are several paths leading to the Mining Museum on the main Calamita road, which is also accessible by car.
Pianosa: the archeological gem of Tuscan Archipelago
Diving & trekking
Bus
Elba Island is a favourite spot both for diving and for trekking to discover spectacular views of the Elba coast that jumps vertically inside clean waters.
DISCOVER ALL POINTS OF INTEREST