Must See Elba
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 1 January 2024
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With an island as beautiful as this, it wasn't easy to pick out a must see Elba list of sights, and there are many missing from the selection below that could feel hard done by at being omitted. However, for visitors that have just a short visit to the island planned, it can be quite useful to pick out some of the highlights to avoid leaving the island having missed something essential.
The first place to start is the island's capital, Portoferraio. If you're coming in on a cruise ship this is where you will dock and most other visitors to the island will arrive here by ferry. The town was founded by the famous Medici family in the 16th century and its port is a great place to explore. |
Portoferraio, Elba
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Napoleon's temporary home
Aside from the port-side cafes and restaurants, there are some fascinating fortifications to discover along with the famous Palazzina dei Mulini, the home of Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile on the island.
Of course the big attraction of Elba is its wonderful array of beaches. Elsewhere on the website you'll find a list of the Best Beaches of Elba and I've narrowed that down even further on this page.
For me, the most spectacular setting on the island is Sansone Beach; its white pebble beach is encrusted by the most dazzling azure sea. Whether or not you want to visit the beach to swim in the sea, you can also enjoy walking around the cliffs just above it, with some fantastic photo opportunities along the way.
Of course the big attraction of Elba is its wonderful array of beaches. Elsewhere on the website you'll find a list of the Best Beaches of Elba and I've narrowed that down even further on this page.
For me, the most spectacular setting on the island is Sansone Beach; its white pebble beach is encrusted by the most dazzling azure sea. Whether or not you want to visit the beach to swim in the sea, you can also enjoy walking around the cliffs just above it, with some fantastic photo opportunities along the way.
Soft, sandy beaches
Unlike the pebbly Sansone Beach, Biodola is a long stretch of soft, powdery sand where the only activity that makes sense is to lie down and lap it all up. Swimming here is wonderful, the shallow waters of the sea create a remarkable palate of colour and it's an ideal place to while away the hours in peace.
The bustling port town of Porto Azzurro (Blue Port) is smaller and slightly quieter than Portoferraio but no less interesting. The town is neatly laid out and offers some modern shopping areas combined with its own great beaches and places to eat.
For many locals, the best beach on the island is Cavoli, situated on the south coast. This is another beach with soft, fine sand and clear blue water that paints pretty patterns, particularly when viewed from the roadside above.
The bustling port town of Porto Azzurro (Blue Port) is smaller and slightly quieter than Portoferraio but no less interesting. The town is neatly laid out and offers some modern shopping areas combined with its own great beaches and places to eat.
For many locals, the best beach on the island is Cavoli, situated on the south coast. This is another beach with soft, fine sand and clear blue water that paints pretty patterns, particularly when viewed from the roadside above.
Interior towns
Elba can boast an interesting collection of hill towns as well, these are particularly attractive on hot summer afternoons when you're looking for somewhere slightly cooler.
Each of the hill towns has its own character but the most charming for me are little Poggio with its multi-coloured buildings and Capoliveri with its wide-open squares and great views of the surrounding area.
In a similar way to Sansone Beach, the white pebbles of Padulella Beach contrast beautifully with the speckled cobalt blue waters of the sea beside it. These are great waters for snorkelling in and you can also enjoy walks along the cliffside path adjacent to the beach.
Each of the hill towns has its own character but the most charming for me are little Poggio with its multi-coloured buildings and Capoliveri with its wide-open squares and great views of the surrounding area.
In a similar way to Sansone Beach, the white pebbles of Padulella Beach contrast beautifully with the speckled cobalt blue waters of the sea beside it. These are great waters for snorkelling in and you can also enjoy walks along the cliffside path adjacent to the beach.
Portoferraio
Portoferraio, Elba
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Sansone Beach
Sansone Beach, Elba
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Biodola
Biodola Beach, Elba
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Porto Azzurro
Porto Azzurro, Elba
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Capoliveri
Capoliveri, Elba
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Padulella Beach
Padulella Beach, Elba
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