Tuscan archipelago

The island of Elba includes 6 municipalities in the Province of Livorno: Campo dell’Elba, Capoliveri, Marciana, Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro, Portoferraio, Rio Marina and Rio in Elba. Each municipality offers attractions that ensure a truly wonderful holiday in an unspoilt natural environment full of history and beauty. It is an ideal place for those who enjoy water sports such as sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, kite surfing, kayaking, fishing and more. There are numerous hiking trails that allow trekking to the mountains and historic sites of the island. Children and families find all the comfort they need in the well-equipped beach resorts. In addition you can find the excellent island food and wine offer.

How to get to Elba Island

To reach Elba Island you must take the ferry from Piombino Marittima (Piombino municipality – province of Livorno), easily reachable by car, train or bus, where in summer four shipping companies (Toremar, Moby Lines, Blue Navy and Corsica-Sardinia Ferries) have comfortable ships carrying a number of daily trips to the towns of Portoferraio, Rio Marina and the town of Cavo. The Piombino-Portoferraio route usually lasts one hour and a quarter. Alternatively, taking the airplane from the main European cities you arrive directly to Marina di Campo Airport within Elba Island.

To be seen- beaches and attractions by municipality

CAMPO NELL’ELBA – Naturalistic seaside resort

Monumenti: Forte Teglia e Palazzo della Specola, Aquarium of Elba, Catacombs of Pianosa
Beaches: Marina di Campo
Locality: Pianosa island
Itineraries: The villages of di Sant’Ilario e San Piero – the granite quarries
Sport:  Hiking, water sports, sailing, windsurfing, fishing

It is one of the most renowned tourist centers on the island of Elba. The beaches present in the area are many, almost all made up of sandy sandy arenas of granite origin. In addition to the Marina of Campo beach, the largest of the island’s beaches, the beaches of Cabbages , Seccheto, The Piscine Strong> and Fetovaia . Among the less crowded Galenzana , Colle Palombaia and Spruce . The whole area allows practicing almost all water sports. To signal the ‘Elba Aquarium with more than 2,000 species of fish. In the municipal area is also included Pianosa Island with the famous catacombs of the 4th century. The island can only be visited in groups and only in April-October. Boarding takes place in the port of Marina di Campo. The visit to the island follows a predetermined schedule: stop on Cala Giovanna beach, kayaking, hiking or mountain biking.

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CAPOLIVERI – seaside resort

Churches: Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie
Monuments: Forte Focardo
Museums: Museo  di minerali Alfeo Ricci
Natural reserves: Sanctuary of Wales, Natural Park of Tuscan Archipelago
Beaches: Felciaio, Lido, Norsi, Madonna delle Grazie, Barabarca, Zuccale, Innamorata, Naregno, Morcone
Sport: Trekking, cycling, water sports, sailing, windsurfing, divingr

In the past, Capoliveri was an important Etruscan mining center whose traces are still visible in the territory. Its beautiful beaches offer a particularly attractive view. The area is part of the Cetacean Sanctuary , where you can enjoy marine excursions in search of whales passing through the sea around the Elbe Island. The best beaches are:

Felciaio – Cove with sand and gravel bottom;
Norsi – Particularly attractive beach due to the black sand;
Lido  – The sand shore is well organized in terms of reception and catering services;
Innamorata  – Last fence of free coast before the mining district, appreciated for the depth of the backdrops
Gemini islands, which can also be accessed simply by swimming;
Pareti –  This beach was the favorite point for apneist diving Jacques Mayol;
Morcone  –  ideal for diving;
Straccoligno  – well organized in terms of tourist hospitality;
Lacona e Laconella – of fine sand, are among the most popular beaches;
Margidore  – Of fine sand, are among the most popular beaches.

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MARCIANA – naturalistic seaside resort

Churches: Sanctuary of Madonna del Monte, Romitorio di San Cerbone
Monuments: Pisana Fortress
Museums: Museo Archeologico di Marciana
Beaches: Paolina, Redinoce, Campo all’Aia, Procchio
Sports: Trekking, cycling, water sports, windsurfing, diving

Part of Marciana’s territory with regard to the coastal stretch is bathed by the Corsica Canal where there are numerous sandy beaches that receive great tourist flow for the beauty and quality of the sea that deserves the recognition Flag Blue . From Marciana there are numerous trekking paths to the surrounding mountains which up to now have traces of settlements and necropolises of the Bronze Age. Point out the paths to Serious with the Grotto of Giuliano , Monte Capanne, which is the highest peak on Elba Island Mount Giove where the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mount and Monte Castello is located, keeping traces of an Etruscan settlement. A short Roman coast has been found just a short distance from the coast: a cargo ship from the 1st to 2nd century AD. Well-preserved (visible only with underwater equipment). Hiking, cycling, water sports, windsurfing, diving

The main beaches are equipped with parking, bathing establishments, umbrellas, boats, pedal boats, watercraft. They also offer windsurfing courses and boat trips. To be reached by car:
Procchio,
Campo all’Aia,
Spartaia,
Sant’Andrea,
Patresi,
Chiessi,
Procchio e
Pomonte (with wreckage of the Roman ship of the seabed)
Beaches within walking distance:
Paolina,
Redinoce. 

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MARCIANA MARINA – naturalistic seaside resort

Beaches: Fenicia, beach of Marcia Marina, Ripa Barata, La Cala
Sport: Trekking, cycling, water sports, windsurfing, diving

The charm of the town is based on quaint quarters, full of narrow streets and houses with pastel-colored facades. Equally pleasing is the promenade, a large semicircle, flanked by tameric trees. There are numerous beaches at Marciana that can be reached by car, by foot or by sea only. They are small in size, with a largely rocky sea bottom, with small sandy shores, a crystal-clear and fish-rich sea. The offer of tourist services is multiple, from the rental of umbrellas, boats, bathing establishments, restaurants, bars, parking, sailing courses, diving and windsurfing.

 Le main beaches are: Ripa Barata , Fenicia e Fenicetta, Marciana Marina (bandiera Blu), Crocetta, Bagno, Sprizze, La Cala. 

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PORTO AZZURRO – seaside resort

Churches: Sanctuary of Madonna di Monserrato
Monuments: Forte Longone
Museums: Piccola Miniera (Small Mine)
Beaches: Barbarossa, Terranera, Reale La Pianotta
Itineraries: Cima del monte
Sport: Trekking, cycling, water sports, windsurfing, diving

It is located on the coast of Elba overlooking Piombino Canal. There are lovely well-equipped beaches from the tourist point of view. To report the beaches:

Barbarossa  – The beach is also suitable for underwater activities and windsurfing. There is also a parking area for camper and other services.
La Pianotta e La Rossa – There are two small well-equipped beaches located in the port harbor, in gravel-sandy sand.
Terranera – It’s a narrow strip of gravel that separates the small mining pond from the open sea. The beach is characterized by black sand , due to the presence of iron and other minerals. It is suitable for underwater activities.

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PORTOFERRAIO – seaside resort

Churches: Monastero di San Mamiliano,
Monuments: Villa di San Martino, Torre della Linguella, Forte Stella, Forte Falcone, Fortezza del Volterraio, Grotta di San Mamiliano
Museums: Museo Napoleonico della Palazzina dei Mulini
Archaeological sites: Villa romana delle Grotte, Villa romana della Linguella
beaches: Bagnaia, Capobianco, Acquaviva, Enfola Forno
Natural reserves: Sanctuary of Wales, Natural reserve of Montecristo Island
Locality: Montecristo Island
itineraries: Nautilus
Sport: Trekking, cycling, water sports, windsurfing, diving

It is the most populous town on the island of Elba. The municipal territory also includes the ‘island of Monte Cristo . According to the writings of Apollonio Rodio, the place where the Argonauts landed was called Porto Argo and is located at the Le Ghiaie beach. In the area were discovered the remains of two Roman houses, Villa delle Grotte and Villa della Linguella. In the territory of Portoferraio there are beautiful well-equipped beaches that offer to the tourist all the possibilities of excellent hospitality and enjoyment.

The main beaches are: Acquaviva,  Bagnaia (Starting point for excursions by boat or canoe), Capobianco, Enfola, Forno,  Le Ghiae, Magazzini, Ottone, Paduella, San Giovanni, Sansone, Viticcio, Schiopparello (dog beach) e Scaglieri.

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RIO MARINA – Seaside mining village

Monuments: Fortezza del Giove
Museums: Park minerario e mineralogico, Museo dei Minerali e dell’Arte Mineraria
Beaches: Cala del Telegrafo, Cavo, Cala Seregola, Topinetti
Locality: Palmaiola Island, Topi Island, Cavo locality
Sport: Hiking, cycling, water sports, windsurfing, diving, fishing

It is located on the east coast of the island and the territory also includes Palmaiola Island . In the past, it has been an important mining center. Even today, we can visit some mines that are part of the Mineralogical and Mineralogical Park which can be accessed partly by a train. Rio Marina is a tourist destination for fabulous beaches and crystal clear sea. The tourist services offered include parking, a bar, a bathing establishment, restaurants, umbrellas, sailing, sailing school, diving, windsurfing, landing gear, dock and others. Some beaches are only accessible on foot and others by bicycle.

The main beaches are: San Bennato , Cable (ferry landing and departure point for Piombino), Capo Castello, Cala del Telegrafo, Rio Marina.

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RIO NELL’ELBA – naturalistic seaside resort

Churches: Eremo di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria
Beaches: Le Secche, Ortano, Nisporto
Itineraries: Volterraio panoramic road
Sport: Hiking, cycling, water sports, windsurfing, diving, fishing

There are beautiful sandy beaches and pebbles in an unspoilt scenery with a clear sea. In addition to Rio dell’Elba, there are several sea-going trails on the Pescaturismo – a recreational activity that takes place on the craft of fishing craft. With prior authorization, fishermen can accommodate on board a number of people outside the crew. Short sea trips or sport fishing trips are carried out each month of the year (information: Le Barche in Cielo – road to Ortano 12)

The main braches are: Zupignano,  Cala dell’Inferno , Rivercina, Nisporto, Nisportino

Monuments: Rocca Aldobrandesca, Torre del Sarraceno, Torre del Campese, Faro delle Vaccherecce
Museums: Museo della Mineralogia e Geologia
Archaerological sites: Villa Romana dell’Isola Gianutri
Beaches: Campese, Le Caldine, Le Canelle, Arenella
Natural Reserves: Parco naturale dell’Arcipelago Toscano
Events: Festa di San Lorenzo, Festa dell’Uva e delle Cantine Aperte
Locality: Giglio Porto, Giglio Castello, Campese, Isola Gianutri
Products and Crafts:  Ansonica wine
Sport: Trekking, Cycling, Water Sports, Water Sports, Climbing, Diving

L’Giglio Island is one of the most picturesque islands of the Tuscan Archipelago and is part of the National Archipelago Tuscan National Park . It is by no means the goal of a constant flow of tourism for most of the year. There are three residential areas: Porto Lily , Castle Lily and Campese . The coastal perimeter is 28 kilometers and is largely rocky, except for a few stretches of beaches: Campese (the widest island), Arenella , Cannelle and Caldane , with bathing establishments and excellent tourist services in general, including boat barges, a kind of sea taxi that takes beach tourists to the beach. In recent times the island has become an international seaside resort and has an equipped marina. The island has recently been known for the incident of the cruise ship Costa Concordia due to the joke by Commander Schettino.

The island is known for seaside, caves, dunes and wrecks, offering a number of diving spots for diving practice. Most of the possible dives are not very demanding, but the real attraction is the beautiful red gorgonies, visible over 35 feet deep, dotted with seabeds inhabited by a rich marine fauna. In deeper waters you can see tuna fish, barracudas, leeks, while in the many cracks of the rocks there are murines, lobsters and horns.

From Giglio Porto you can rent sailboats or hire scheduled boat trips. In these trips, it is common to observe dolphins pursuing boats.

The island is reachable by ferry departing from Porto Santo Stefano ( municipality of Monte Argentario) in the province of Livorno.

The Capraia Island is located in the Corsica Channel, a stretch of sea on the border between the Ligurian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is a volcanic island with a perimeter of about 30 km. It still has an eroded cone visible from Cala Rossa , one of the most enchanting and unique beaches in the Archipelago. The coast is rocky with some sandy areas with beautiful small beaches with caves formed by volcanic eruption. In the interior dominates Monte Castello with 447 m s.l.m. The island has a strong tourist vocation, although the bargains are few. From the center of the small town of Capraia Isola, there are numerous footpaths or bicycle trails that run along the entire length of the island. Capraia is part of the National Archipelago Tuscan National Park . Please note the Fort of St. George , the Tower Harbor and the Capraia Lighthouse , located at places Excellent naturalistic landscape.

To get there to the island there are ferries departing from the Livorno harbor. Also recommend the boat trip around the nearby islands.

Fortress: Fortezza di Montecristo
Churches: Monastero di San Mamiliano
Monuments: Grotta di San Mamiliano
Natural Reserves: Riserva della Isola di Montecristo

The Montecristo Island is a protected biogenetic area designed to protect the island’s particular nature. The historical and geomorphological conditions that prevented the population of the island of Monte Cristo favored the conservation of fauna and flora. Noteworthy are the giant tree-trees and the millennial hollies, besides the viper of Montecristo and the Sardinian discoglosso, a rare species of amphibious. The island is stalled for thousands of migratory birds. It also hosts wild goat, especially at risk. On the seashore there are rich marine environments with anemones, corals, moonfish among others. On the island it is not possible to stay overnight and fishing, bathing and sailing within 1000 meters from the coast is prohibited. To get to the island you must ask permission to the Follonica Forestry Corps.

The ‘Pianosa Island belongs administratively to the municipality of Campo nell’Elba (Elba Island) inserted in the Province of Livorno. The island was inhabited since prehistoric times. It was known as Planasia for its flat conformation. On the backdrops, the remains of an ancient Roman port and oilseed oil dating back to the 1st century AD have been identified. It was a clear sign that Pianosa was along the commercial routes of the Mediterranean. Also used as a confinement site, Agrippa Postumo, nephew and ex-heir of the Emperor Augusto, was exiled here and then executed in 14 AD. In 1858 the Pianosa Agricultural Criminal Colony was set up. In the modern era on the island a major security prison was set up, closed in 1998. The presence of the prison has, however, contributed to the preservation of the natural, terrestrial and marine environment. It is currently in the National Archipelago of Tuscany . Among the buildings are the ruins of a Roman villa known as Villa di Agrippa, where you can visit the theater and the peristyle and a catacombs system on two levels, known as the Pianosa Catacombs.

The island is only available in groups and only in the period April-October . Boarding takes place in the port of Marina di Campo (Elba Island). The visit to the island follows a predetermined schedule: stop on the beach of Cala Giovanna, kayaking, trekking or mountain biking.

A forma di mezzaluna, l’Giannutri Island is characterized by rocky coast full of caves and small suggestive creeks. The whole island is a protected natural area with a marine reserve along a good part of the coast and is part of the National Archipelago Tuscan National Park . Bathing is only permitted on the gravel beaches of Cala Maestra and Cala Spalmatoio .

Giannutri is a point of great interest for every kind of underwater activity , thanks to the underwater walls rich in gorgonia, sponges, corals and tunicates. There are diving spots on the island: Dry Point and Cape Cod among many others. Today, most of the seabed has been formally declared a protected area, but diving is permitted in deep-seas covered with posidonia. There are two wrecks of “ Anna Bianca ” (40-50 meters deep) and “ Nasim ” (60 meters).

The island is connected to a ferry service daily from Porto Santo Stefano (municipality of Monte Argentario) in the province of Grosseto.

Area: Tuscan Archipelago
Province of Livorno: municpality of Portoferraio, Rio Marina, Rio nell’Elba, Porto Azzurro, Capoliveiri, Campo nell’Elba, Marciana, Marciana Marina, Capraia island
Province of Grosseto: Giglio Island
Type: marine nature reserve

All the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago are part of the park: Gorgona, Capraia, Elba, Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio, Gianutri, Palmaiola, Cerboli, Grosseto and some rocks such as Meloria, Isola dei Topi, Portoferraio Scogliolo, Africa and other rock forms. The two main islands as far as landscape and landscape wealth are: Island of Elba and Giglio Island. The archipelago is wet with the Ligurian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea, and includes the Canal of Piombino and the Corsica Channel. The environmental typology predominantly in the islands is granitic with vegetation derived from Mediterranean scrub, broom, heather, and Phoenician juniper. You can find the largest big extensions of woods of leccio and chestnut. The fauna is characterized by migratory birds and nesting mainly gulls and berts and various types of amphibians.

Area: Tuscan archipelago
Type: marine natrual reserve

The Cetaceans Sanctuary, known in Italy as “Sanctuary for Marine Mammals” and known in France as “Sanctuary Pelagos”, is a protected marine area of ​​Italian and French competence. In Italy, the Shrine extends over a marine area between the regions of Tuscany, Liguria and Sardinia. There are a total of 87 municipal administrations. A number of studies have found that in this area of ​​the Mediterranean Sea there is a massive concentration of cetaceans, mainly due to the abundance of food. Marine mammals are represented by twelve species: the common whalebone (Balaenoptera physalus), the second largest animal in the world, the hornbeam (Physeter macrocephalus), the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), the tursiope (Tursiops truncatus), the striated stenella (Stenella coeruleoalba), Globicephala melas, Grampus griseus, Ziphius cavirostris are the most common animals. Less common are the minor whalebone (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), steno (Steno bredanensis), the orca (Orcinus orca) and the pseudorta (Pseudorca crassidens).

The Tuscan Observatory of Cetaceans has been activated in Tuscany, an added value at the Shrine and a reference point for all those who devote themselves to the study and the protection of these marine species. The Observatory has two offices, one in Capoliveri (province of Livorno), the other in Viareggio (province of Lucca).