Villages, hamlets and places to visit on Elba

Elba is a quiet and authentic island. Don't expect a great nightlife, but the right mix of history, nature and fun and above all, as I always say, there is more than the sea!

Furthermore, the size of the island is not quite as small as we tend to believe: Elba measures 223.5km2 and is the third largest Italian island. The places to visit are therefore different.

Elba boasts 7 municipalities: Portoferraio, Campo nell'Elba, Marciana, Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro, Capoliveri and Rio. You are therefore spoiled for choice on the ancient villages and villages to visit, both during the day and in the evening.

An ancient medieval village in the south-eastern area of the island, it is characterized by a maze of alleys that wind throughout the town, in a succession of stone staircases. There are many artisan shops and romantic and panoramic restaurants to discover (click here to discover the best!).
Its elevated position offers, in fact, a suggestive panorama of some of the Islands of the Tuscan Archipelago: Montecristo, Griglio, Pianosa and Corsica.

It stands just below the Capoliveri promontory, on the eastern side of the island, it is a quiet fishing village overlooking the sea. The large main square, surrounded by picturesque colored houses, overlooks the small port that characterizes the place with its blue waters. The small boutiques in the alleys of the historic center and the restaurants along the seafront are interesting, worth trying!

On the northern side of the island, it is the capital of Elba and a place rich in history: alleys, ancient buildings and villas, all immersed in nature and surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches of the Island.
Absolutely not to be missed is the walk inside the Medici Fortresses, the imposing architectural complex built in 1500 to defend the Grand Duchy of Tuscany from attacks by pirates and enemies.

To the north west, it is known for its sheltered harbor which in summer hosts many boats and sails, even medium sized ones. Overlooking the sea, it offers many shops selling crafts, antiques and typical products of the island, as well as some of the most popular restaurants on Elba. Visit it at sunset to enjoy a show of colours!

It is the main municipality on the south-west side of the island. Famous for its large golden sandy beach and the long promenade along the seafront, it offers several more or less characteristic shops, excellent restaurants, various services and a few bars for after dinner.
In summer it is always very lively, both during the day and in the evening.

If you feel like it a good ice cream, in each of these locations you will find the characteristic shop of Zero Gradi ice cream shop, my favorite ice cream shop chain on the island 🍦 Trying is believing, you won't be able to do without it anymore!

A few kilometers from Marina di Campo itself, it stands in a panoramic position and dominates the Campo nell'Elba plain and its beautiful Gulf.
The main attractions of this small village are: 'Facciatoia', the natural viewpoint that offers a breathtaking view (Piazzale Belvedere) and the Mineralogical and Gemological Museum.
If you are in these parts, don't miss a dinner at Cheese and wine!

On the south-west side of Elba along the Costa del Sole road, there are two very small places that are not very touristy and immersed in an authentic natural context. Few but excellent restaurants, small walks by the sea and cliffs from which to admire one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

Stops not to be missed on your tour along the Coast of the Sun!