Visiting Elba Island: Boat Tours, Hidden Beaches, and Mediterranean Landscapes
Among the gems of the Tuscan Archipelago, Elba Island is perhaps the most surprising. Not just for its history, hilltop villages, or vibrant colors, but for the incredible variety of landscapes it holds within a small stretch of land surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Exploring it by sea means connecting with its most authentic soul.
Elba is more than just sea: it’s the scent of pine trees, hidden coves, sunken wrecks, abandoned mines, and stories of emperors and fishermen. It’s a place to explore slowly, guided by the wind and the Mediterranean light.
A coastline that’s always changing
Sailing around Elba is never the same. The northern side is lush, with pine and chestnut forests and steep cliffs that plunge into the deep blue sea. To the east, the landscape becomes mineral and almost lunar, with red rock cliffs and dark pebbled beaches. The south offers sandy bays and warm inlets, while the west glows at sunset with wild coves and rocky shores.
By boat, you have the privilege of reaching beaches inaccessible from land, diving into turquoise waters in complete solitude, and admiring the coastline from a silent and respectful perspective.
Must-see coves
Fetovaia – A sandy inlet protected by granite headlands, with Caribbean-like waters.
Cala dei Frati – Only accessible by sea, a tiny white-pebble beach among the island’s purest.
Punta Calamita – In the old mining area, a wild and rarely visited stretch with dramatic seabeds.
Sant’Andrea – Smooth rocks and crystal-clear water, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Capo Enfola – A promontory full of caves, perfect for hiking and diving adventures.
Boat tours and nearby islands
Elba’s location is also perfect for exploring other islands. From here, you can easily reach Capraia, Pianosa, Montecristo (by permit), and even Corsica, which can be seen on clear days rising on the horizon.
Elba’s villages: identities suspended between sea and hills
Elba is not only about beaches. It’s a land rich in life and history, dotted with small villages that tell stories of the sea, of work, and of resilience. Each village has its own character, rhythm, and changing light through the seasons. Visiting them by boat is like leafing through a diary written in granite and wind.
Portoferraio
Overlooking one of the safest natural harbors in the Mediterranean, Portoferraio is the island’s gateway for many travelers. Founded by the Medici in the 1500s as a defensive fortress, it still preserves bastions, stairways, and views that tell a long military and commercial history. The Darsena Vecchia, with its moored boats and ochre facades, is perfect for an evening stroll. There are museums, bookstores, wine bars, and a pleasant atmosphere all year round.
Capoliveri
Perched on the southern hills, Capoliveri looks like a Greek village but beats with a deeply Tuscan heart. Narrow alleys, colorful houses, sea-view terraces, and artisan shops make it one of Elba’s most charming villages. In summer, it hosts concerts, markets, and exhibitions under the stars. From here, you can reach some of the island’s wildest beaches, like Morcone and Innamorata.
Marciana
Elba’s oldest—and perhaps quietest—village. Located at 375 meters above sea level, Marciana feels like it preserves time itself. Its stone-paved streets lead to hidden squares, ancient fountains, and a surprisingly rich archaeological museum. From here, trails depart toward Mount Capanne, the island’s highest peak, also accessible by cable car.
Marciana Marina
Lower down, on the northern coast, lies Marciana Marina—the island’s most maritime village. A neat promenade, a 16th-century tower watching the mainland, and a small port where sailing boats gently sway. It’s the perfect spot for a sunset dinner, with the scent of the sea and the calm of the evening.
Rio Marina and Rio nell’Elba
To the east, the island changes again. These two villages were once tied to iron mining and still carry an industrial soul. In Rio Marina, you can still see red dust on the rocks, visit the mining museum, and ride small trains through the old tunnels. Rio nell’Elba, further inland, is quiet, intimate, and almost hidden—perfect for those seeking silence and authenticity.
Ten authentic experiences to enjoy on Elba
Sail around the island in a full-day boat tour
Go snorkeling near the shipwreck in Pomonte
Hike to Mount Capanne, the island’s highest point
Visit the abandoned mines in Rio Marina
Sip a glass of Aleatico wine in a seaside winery
Reach Le Ghiaie beach by boat and swim among the fish
Stroll at sunset through Capoliveri’s historic center
Visit Napoleon’s residence at Villa dei Mulini
Swim at sunrise in Cala Biodola
Watch the stars from one of the western promontories
