At least once

Must-do experiences

Elba Island is full of natural beauty, history, charming villages and stunning views. In this section, you’ll find must-do experiences to enjoy at least once during your stay.

Diver among fish over a rocky seabed
  1. 01Coastal trails
  2. 02Old mines
  3. 03Scenic villages
  4. 04Boat tours

Every suggestion helps you discover the most authentic side of Elba. Don’t miss iconic spots like Monte Capanne, crystal-clear beaches or sunset views over the sea.

A practical guide to the island’s highlights, with selected tips, routes and activities not to be missed.

The best of the island

The unmissable experiences

Six big themes to discover the soul of Elba: from the sea to the mountains, from the villages to the sunsets. Each experience links to its dedicated section, with all the details and tips.

The sea and diving
Snorkelling on the Elviscot wreck, dives in the National Park and boat trips.
Discover
Hiking and the GTE
The Grande Traversata Elbana and the trails up to the summit of Monte Capanne.
Discover
The finest beaches
From Fetovaia to Sansone: golden sand, white pebbles and crystal-clear water.
Discover
Villages and towns
Capoliveri, Marciana, Portoferraio: history, alleys and sea views.
Discover
Sites and fortresses
The Volterraio, the mines, the Napoleonic residences and the sanctuaries.
Discover
Sunsets and evenings
Aperitifs with a view, summer events and the finest Tyrrhenian sunsets.
Discover
Sand, pebbles and crystal water

The dream beaches

Over 150 beaches and coves, each one different: from stretches of golden sand to coves of white pebbles, to pink granite rocks. Here are some of the best loved.

N.1
Fetovaia
No.1 most beautiful beach in Italy 2026
Sansone
white pebbles and turquoise water
Cavoli
sand and beach life
Sant'Andrea
pink granite and snorkelling
Le Ghiaie
steps from Portoferraio
Padulella
cove of white pebbles

Beach photos from Wikimedia Commons, cropped and optimised, released under the same licence as the original — Fetovaia: philiTizzani, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Sansone and Sant'Andrea: Carlo Pelagalli, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Cavoli: Carsten Steger, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Le Ghiaie: Westernelba, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Padulella: Luana, CC BY-SA 2.5.

All the island's beachesMap filterable by town, seabed type and services.
Go to beaches
History, art and views

Villages and historic sites

Beyond the beaches, Elba holds medieval villages, fortresses, mines and the places of Napoleon's exile. A heritage of history and culture to discover step by step.

Portoferraio
Capital
The Medici forts, the old town and the harbour: the island's historic heart, founded as Cosmopoli by Cosimo I de' Medici.
Capoliveri
South coast
Elba's liveliest medieval village: alleys, workshops, Piazza Matteotti and views over the double gulf of Stella and Lacona.
Napoleonic Residences
Portoferraio & San Martino
The Villa dei Mulini and the Villa di San Martino, Napoleon's homes during his exile on Elba (1814-1815).
Rio Mines
Rio Marina
The Mining Park tells the story of Elban iron, from the Etruscans to 1981: little-train tours and mineral workshops.
Madonna del Monte Sanctuary
Marciana
A hermitage set in the woods above Marciana, reached on foot: silence, beech wood and a historic spring.
Volterraio Fortress
Rio
The Pisan stronghold perched above the gulf of Portoferraio: a short climb for one of the island's finest 360° views.
In the open air

Nature and views

Half the island is a protected area of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Peaks, ridges and wild coastlines offer views that reach as far as Corsica.

Monte Capanne
Marciana • 1019 m
The archipelago's highest peak: on foot or by cable car, a 360° view over Corsica, Capraia, Pianosa and the Tuscan coast.
The trails and the GTE
Across the island
About 375 km of waymarked trails, with the Grande Traversata Elbana crossing the island along the ridge.
The wild coastline
Capo d'Enfola, Sant'Andrea
Headlands, granite cliffs and hidden coves: the wildest stretches of coast are perfect for snorkelling and sunsets.
The Elviscot Wreck
Pomonte • Ogliera rock
The cargo ship that sank in 1972 lies at just 12 metres deep, a few metres from the shore of Pomonte: one of Italy's most famous wrecks, perfect for snorkelling too.
The Blue Grotto
Costa del Sole, between Cavoli and Seccheto
A sea cave with turquoise reflections on the south-west coast, reachable only from the sea: by boat from Marina di Campo or by kayak and SUP from Cavoli beach.
At the table

Flavours to try

Elban cuisine blends sea and land: fish, garden vegetables, scrubland herbs and the famous traditional sweets. Here are the flavours not to miss.

Aleatico DOCG · sweet passito wine Schiaccia briaca · cake with raisins and nuts Gurguglione · vegetable stew Stoccafisso alla riese · typical dish of Rio Sportella · Easter sweet
Where to eat on ElbaRestaurants, wineries, local products and island recipes.
Go to Eat & Drink
Frequently asked questions

Must-see Elba: FAQ

How many days do you need to visit the Island of Elba?
To enjoy the best of it you need at least 4-5 days; a week lets you mix beaches, villages, hiking and boat trips at a relaxed pace. Even a long weekend, though, is enough to fall in love with it.
What is the one thing not to miss?
Hard to pick just one: the summit of Monte Capanne, a sunset at Sant'Andrea and a day by boat along the wild coast are the island's authentic heart. If you love history, add Portoferraio's Napoleonic residences.
When is the best time to visit?
May-June and September offer a mild climate, a sea that is already (or still) warm and fewer crowds, ideal for combining beaches and hiking. July and August are the peak of beach life; spring and autumn are perfect for walking.
How do you get around the island?
A car or scooter is the handiest way to reach coves and villages; line buses connect the main towns. Some of the more hidden coves are best reached by boat or on foot along the trails.
Is Elba suitable for families?
Yes: many beaches have shallow, sandy seabeds ideal for children, and attractions such as ElbaBrick in Marina di Campo, the Rio Mining Park and the Monte Capanne cable car make the days out of the water fun too.
Keep exploring

Go further

Elba Events
The full calendar of festivals and concerts.
Sport & Leisure
All the island's sport and outdoor activities.
Holiday Quote
Request a free, tailor-made quote.