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What to see in Portoferraio, 5 must-see places
Portoferraio is the most famous town on the Island of Elba: administrative center and main port where most of the ferries coming from the mainland dock
It is worth spending time in Portoferraio to discover the colorful soul hidden beyond commercial and somewhat anonymous businesses overlooking the port.
Just 15 minutes by car from Portoferraio, the location of Rosselba Le Pame is strategic in terms of both logistics - for comfortable arrivals and departures and to make the most of your stay - and visiting this lovely Elba center.
Let’s find out together about the five must-see places in Portoferraio during your stay at Rosselba Le Palme!
Must-see places in Portoferraio certainly include its historic center: this gem will amaze you and win you over, especially if you are expecting the usual port center of a transition town.
Overlooking the sea, you will find a string of colorful buildings bordering the dock; small and medium-sized boats packed with visitors of all nationalities enjoying drinks at nightfall or going ashore for a few hours of shopping, a walk or dinner.
Boutiques, little shops, fish restaurants, lounge bars: you will certainly find something for you, to try or just admire, and you will certainly be fascinated by the romantic and chic mix of the dock front.
Can you smell the scent of the sea for a while? Can you hear the chatter of people in patios and the tinkling of glasses raised to toast?
Well, this row of colored walls conceals a maze of narrow streets and more rustic and varied shops, all to be discovered, because Portoferraio really has something for everyone!
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Behind and to the sides of the dock of Portoferraio, like a strong defense embrace, there are still ancient Medici fortifications and splendid walls that surround the town.
Forte Falcone is the most imposing structure, Forte Stella with its lighthouse is the most romantic, and Torre della Linguella or del Martello is the symbol of the port, as it welcomes sailors arriving on the island.
The discovery of the Medici fortresses not only offers the sight of fortifications kept in excellent condition, but also breathtaking views of Portoferraio and the whole inlet on which the port town rises.
Villa della Linguella lies near the tower of the same name, also called Torre del Martello, acting as a watershed at the end of the dock with the wonderful Le Ghiaie Beach. The remains of this ancient villa dating back to the 1st century AD are not very rich, but the place is worth visiting thanks to the contamination of the Medici period and the amazing view of the sea from the fortress.
The Roman Villa Grotte is located on a promontory behind Portoferraio, also in a panoramic position, reflecting the fact that ancient patricians chose where to build their villas dedicated to idleness very tastefully.
Napoleon’s exile on Elba was brief but intense! In just ten months of his stay here, the emperor did leave a footprint.
Villa dei Mulini is located in the upper part of Portoferraio and dominates the sea thanks to its position and height. While walking in the upper part of the city you may confuse it among the other buildings, which is something impossible in the case of Villa di San Martino. This second villa is located in the countryside of Portoferraio: small and modest, since it was built on a country house from a previous period, it lies beside the majestic neoclassical Napoleonic museum built by Prince Demidoff.
We can list countless wonders of Elba, but its most alluring charm lies in its beaches. Portoferraio boasts some of the most beautiful, with pebbles or sand, for the most disparate tastes.
Biodola is one of the most famous beaches on Elba: the blue color of the waters that bathe it creates an amazing mix with its fine golden sand; unlike more rocky beaches, Biodola is suitable for walking and bathing even with children, thanks to its gently sloping, soft sand bottom.
The Le Ghiaie Beach, as you could guess from the name, is a small coast of very white stones bathed by waters that are so blue and crystal clear that make it look like a natural swimming pool. Popular with more or less experienced divers, we recommend it as a last visit to the island before embarking for the mainland: it is in fact a short walk from the center of Portoferraio and is in our opinion the most appropriate way to greet Elba with eyes full of beauty.
Did we make it?
Did we succeed in enticing you to admire the beauty of Portoferraio?
Rosselba Le Palme awaits you as a starting point immersed in greenery, to discover these historical and natural beauties!
Just 15 minutes by car from Portoferraio, the location of Rosselba Le Pame is strategic in terms of both logistics - for comfortable arrivals and departures and to make the most of your stay - and visiting this lovely Elba center.
Let’s find out together about the five must-see places in Portoferraio during your stay at Rosselba Le Palme!
1.Historic center
Must-see places in Portoferraio certainly include its historic center: this gem will amaze you and win you over, especially if you are expecting the usual port center of a transition town.
Overlooking the sea, you will find a string of colorful buildings bordering the dock; small and medium-sized boats packed with visitors of all nationalities enjoying drinks at nightfall or going ashore for a few hours of shopping, a walk or dinner.
Boutiques, little shops, fish restaurants, lounge bars: you will certainly find something for you, to try or just admire, and you will certainly be fascinated by the romantic and chic mix of the dock front.
Can you smell the scent of the sea for a while? Can you hear the chatter of people in patios and the tinkling of glasses raised to toast?
Well, this row of colored walls conceals a maze of narrow streets and more rustic and varied shops, all to be discovered, because Portoferraio really has something for everyone!
2.Medici fortresses
Behind and to the sides of the dock of Portoferraio, like a strong defense embrace, there are still ancient Medici fortifications and splendid walls that surround the town.
Forte Falcone is the most imposing structure, Forte Stella with its lighthouse is the most romantic, and Torre della Linguella or del Martello is the symbol of the port, as it welcomes sailors arriving on the island.
The discovery of the Medici fortresses not only offers the sight of fortifications kept in excellent condition, but also breathtaking views of Portoferraio and the whole inlet on which the port town rises.
3.Roman villas
Villa della Linguella and Villa delle Grotte are two of the three Roman villas on the island situated in Portoferraio. Whether or not you are fond of stories and archeology, if you have time to discover Portoferraio, these villas are certainly among the things to see.Villa della Linguella lies near the tower of the same name, also called Torre del Martello, acting as a watershed at the end of the dock with the wonderful Le Ghiaie Beach. The remains of this ancient villa dating back to the 1st century AD are not very rich, but the place is worth visiting thanks to the contamination of the Medici period and the amazing view of the sea from the fortress.
The Roman Villa Grotte is located on a promontory behind Portoferraio, also in a panoramic position, reflecting the fact that ancient patricians chose where to build their villas dedicated to idleness very tastefully.
4.Napoleon’s residences
Napoleon’s exile on Elba was brief but intense! In just ten months of his stay here, the emperor did leave a footprint.
Villa dei Mulini is located in the upper part of Portoferraio and dominates the sea thanks to its position and height. While walking in the upper part of the city you may confuse it among the other buildings, which is something impossible in the case of Villa di San Martino. This second villa is located in the countryside of Portoferraio: small and modest, since it was built on a country house from a previous period, it lies beside the majestic neoclassical Napoleonic museum built by Prince Demidoff.
5.Beaches
We can list countless wonders of Elba, but its most alluring charm lies in its beaches. Portoferraio boasts some of the most beautiful, with pebbles or sand, for the most disparate tastes.
Biodola is one of the most famous beaches on Elba: the blue color of the waters that bathe it creates an amazing mix with its fine golden sand; unlike more rocky beaches, Biodola is suitable for walking and bathing even with children, thanks to its gently sloping, soft sand bottom.
The Le Ghiaie Beach, as you could guess from the name, is a small coast of very white stones bathed by waters that are so blue and crystal clear that make it look like a natural swimming pool. Popular with more or less experienced divers, we recommend it as a last visit to the island before embarking for the mainland: it is in fact a short walk from the center of Portoferraio and is in our opinion the most appropriate way to greet Elba with eyes full of beauty.
Did we make it?
Did we succeed in enticing you to admire the beauty of Portoferraio?
Rosselba Le Palme awaits you as a starting point immersed in greenery, to discover these historical and natural beauties!