What to see on the Island of Elba.
Elba is the largest of the Tuscan islands, a microcosm made of splendid seabed under the sea, natural parks of rare beauty, evocative memories and evidence of a past linked to mining and iron…
Visiting our island is an experience that will remain forever in the memories of the whole family. There are so many places to explore, each with its own particularity! Whatever the weather, whatever the inspiration of the moment and whatever the personal passion, each visitor will find just what they are looking for or simply feel like doing!
Visiting our island is an experience that will remain forever in the memories of the whole family. There are so many places to explore, each with its own particularity! Whatever the weather, whatever the inspiration of the moment and whatever the personal passion, each visitor will find just what they are looking for or simply feel like doing!

What to see on the Island of Elba
Portoferraio
Born in antiquity as Cosmopoli, Portoferraio has a millenary soul. Evidence of Etruscan and Roman times are only the first in its long history: Pisans, Genoese and Florentines have worked to show their passage in this beautiful town, as did Napoleon himself, who landed here in his first exile. Its beaches are among the most beautiful in the world: according to the myth, even the Argonauts landed here during their long journey. Castles and towers will fill the eyes of little ladies and knights, Roman and Napoleonic villas will fascinate history buffs and culinary delicacies will tickle everyone's palate!
Porto Azzurro
Porto Azzurro is the best equipped nautical port of Elba, from which to leave for the other islands of the archipelago, such as Pianosa and Montecristo. The characteristic restaurants on stilts are a treat in this town. This fishing village is surrounded by golden beaches and waters full of wonders, which attract especially divers for their beautiful seabeds. Strolling through the old town you will come across Forte San Giacomo, a majestic fortification built in 1602 to protect the city. The entertainment and events of this city are offered to all those who want to live pleasant and carefree evenings.
Island of Montecristo
Don't be fooled by the strange shape of the boulders that make up this island: they are nothing more than the forging work of wind erosion. It is the most rugged and wild among the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. Perhaps this is why Dumas chose it to set one of his most famous novels, "The Count of Montecristo": a story of revenge and love, passionate and overwhelming as the sea! As of today, only four people live here: two guardians and two forest rangers. This impervious landscape will give you unique surprises and emotions.
Island of Pianosa
With an area of just over 10 square kilometers, is the fifth among the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. It owes its name (“Planasia” for the ancients) to the fact of being almost completely flat. Due to its past as a prison colony (the penitentiary was closed in 1998), the island has remained virtually untouched. Its waters offer a safe haven to many species of fish: navigation and fishing have been prohibited around the island for 150 years. You can swim in the sea only on a beach, whose particularly beautiful seabed, represent the pure essence of nature, never really disturbed by man.

Beaches

Comfortable for the family:
1 Biodola
This beach is located in the gulf with the same name in one of the most beautiful sceneries of the whole island, in Portoferraio. Soft sand, gently sloping seabed and crystal-clear water are the ingredients that make it up and create magic! There is a stretch of free beach and one with umbrellas and sunbeds to rent, a convenient parking lot, a bar and restaurant with newsstand and bazaar. Beware: it may be a bit more crowded in July and August.
2 Norsi
It is located inside Golfo Stella, in the southern part of the island. It is a beautiful beach of different sandy beaches of fine and dark sand, alternating with black pebbles. It can be reached by a short walk on the paths: it is a wild landscape, with clear water and seabed which slopes gently. Quiet, there are free and paid parking lots nearby, the possibility to rent beach umbrellas and sunbeds as well as two small bars.
3 Laconella
The beach of Laconella is ideal for the family, past the promontory of Fonza and Ghiaietto. Clear and fine sand, clear water and shallow water for several meters will immerse your children safely. It is a quiet beach, about 210 meters long, uncrowded and unspoiled nature. It is also very popular with snorkeling enthusiasts for the variety of fish to admire, in the nearby promontory of Punta della Contessa.
4 Remaiolo
Inside Tenuta delle Ripalte, a structure of our Vacanze di Charme group, this private beach of golden sand and pebbles is sheltered from the winds by the Remaiolo rock, which creates a corner and for this reason makes it very quiet. It is the only equipped beach of the Costa dei Gabbiani, where you can rent beach umbrellas and sunbeds, canoes as well as equipment and services of the Diving Center.
The most impressive:
5 Capo Bianco
This beach of white pebbles and grainy sand is located just near the center of Portoferraio. Even the seabed has the same composition which creates reflections on the crystal-clear water really special. High cliffs dominate the beach, giving you a unique landscape: the most beautiful background to give to your memories.
6 Topinetti
The sand here is dark, a reminder of the old iron mine nearby, but with large white stones and cliffs colored red and yellow: a swirl of colors in the district of Rio Marina. The water is crystal clear thanks also to the gravelly seabed that, being sloping, allows you to dive in peace and safety. You can also take the opportunity to take a mini tour of the old mine!
7 Fetovaia
On the west side of the island, the beach of Fetovaia will make you walk on golden sand, admire granite cliffs and dive into a turquoise sea. It is dominated by a wild promontory covered with Mediterranean scrub. Let yourself be enchanted, even with children: the beach is sheltered from the winds and the seabed slopes gently, so it is very popular with families with children, thanks to its equipped bathing establishments.
8 Lacona
If you love diving, and our diving center is not enough for you, we recommend this beach: it is located in the largest gulf of the island, in the south, with a sandy shore of almost 1200 meters of fine golden sand. Even lovers of botany will find a surprise: the sea lily grows among its dunes. There are stretches of free beach surrounded by pine forest, with shady areas, but also bathing establishments and water sports facilities.

What to do if...
Is the sea rough? Do you want to immerse yourself in nature?
Go trekking in the green! Go to the Tuscan Archipelago National Park
The park includes 600 square kilometers of sea, between Livorno and the Argentario Promontory, and six islands starting from Gorgona (the smallest), passing through Capraia, Giannutri, Giglio, Montecristo, Pianosa and arriving to Elba, the largest. Our land enriches the park with woods and thick Mediterranean scrub, botanical species that grow exclusively here as the violet and cornflower of Elba, and in the sea vast meadows of posidonia, sea fans, sea anemones, corals, starfish ... For lovers of fauna, dolphins, groupers and rare moon fish swim in the water while birds such as herring gulls, ravens, peregrine falcons and many others fly in the sky.
The park includes 600 square kilometers of sea, between Livorno and the Argentario Promontory, and six islands starting from Gorgona (the smallest), passing through Capraia, Giannutri, Giglio, Montecristo, Pianosa and arriving to Elba, the largest. Our land enriches the park with woods and thick Mediterranean scrub, botanical species that grow exclusively here as the violet and cornflower of Elba, and in the sea vast meadows of posidonia, sea fans, sea anemones, corals, starfish ... For lovers of fauna, dolphins, groupers and rare moon fish swim in the water while birds such as herring gulls, ravens, peregrine falcons and many others fly in the sky.
Bad weather?
Visit the Fortress of Volterraio
To immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient medieval struggles, the Fortress (or Castle) of Volterraio rises on the top of the hill of Portoferraio, which dominates the town to the east, and is also visible from all over the island. The view embraces Elba and enchants as the fairy tales of the past: the views that can be enjoyed from the hill of almost 400 meters on which it is located are extraordinary. Impregnable fortress, is reached through a path and dominates rocky walls of red jasper, barely covered by rare vegetation. We advise you to visit it at sunset: you won't regret it!
To immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient medieval struggles, the Fortress (or Castle) of Volterraio rises on the top of the hill of Portoferraio, which dominates the town to the east, and is also visible from all over the island. The view embraces Elba and enchants as the fairy tales of the past: the views that can be enjoyed from the hill of almost 400 meters on which it is located are extraordinary. Impregnable fortress, is reached through a path and dominates rocky walls of red jasper, barely covered by rare vegetation. We advise you to visit it at sunset: you won't regret it!
Want to enjoy a bit of Tuscany too?
Take a trip on dry land, on the Etruscan Coast
By crossing the sea, from Elba you can reach the Etruscan Coast, the coastline that leads from Livorno to Populonia. These lands are rich in beauty, between the green of the Maremma and the blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Not just history and archeology, from the people who give it its name to the memories of medieval villages, but also excellence in taste and food and wine. You can fill your heart and soul of landscapes, flavors and quiet.
By crossing the sea, from Elba you can reach the Etruscan Coast, the coastline that leads from Livorno to Populonia. These lands are rich in beauty, between the green of the Maremma and the blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Not just history and archeology, from the people who give it its name to the memories of medieval villages, but also excellence in taste and food and wine. You can fill your heart and soul of landscapes, flavors and quiet.
Would you like to taste the unique flavors of Elba?
Visit Tenuta delle Ripalte!
There is another structure of the Vacanze di Charme group on our splendid island. Tenuta delle Ripalte has not only villas and apartments, but also a winery: wines are produced and bottled here according to the Elban tradition, but with an ever-watchful eye on new techniques, in order to always create products of the highest quality.
Discover our wine: visit the wineries.
There is another structure of the Vacanze di Charme group on our splendid island. Tenuta delle Ripalte has not only villas and apartments, but also a winery: wines are produced and bottled here according to the Elban tradition, but with an ever-watchful eye on new techniques, in order to always create products of the highest quality.
Discover our wine: visit the wineries.
Don't feel like being at the beach but love water?
Don't take a single step - you have it all right here at your fingertips!
No problem! Rosselba Le Palme satisfies your desire to dive with the pool park full of water games, splashes and entertainment activities! Our Le Palme Wellness, the spa created with you in mind, is the perfect place to relax and unwind. If it's not the beach you want, there is always the possibility of diving with our diving center!
No problem! Rosselba Le Palme satisfies your desire to dive with the pool park full of water games, splashes and entertainment activities! Our Le Palme Wellness, the spa created with you in mind, is the perfect place to relax and unwind. If it's not the beach you want, there is always the possibility of diving with our diving center!