Location: Portoferraio
Top Things to do in Portoferraio
10 Things to Do in Portoferraio That You Shouldn't Miss
Portoferraio is a town and comune in the province of Livorno, on the edge of the eponymous harbour of the island of Elba. It is the island's largest city. Because of its terrain, many of its buildings are situated on the slopes of a tiny hill bordered on three sides by the sea.
Restaurants in Portoferraio
1. Spiaggia di Sansone
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Barbara R
As all of the Beaches in this part, it is really beautiful with white stones and turquoise water. Although it is quite a long walk to reach it, the beach is crowded. If you wish to have a little bit more privacy, continue to beach on west side. You can reach it by walking around rocks in the water (not deep, cca 60 cm).
2. Spiaggia di Capo Bianco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Antonietta T - Dumont, New Jersey
Small white pebbles instead of sand....what an amazing place. The water is crystal clear. First time in Elba, truly a gem. A must see..one beach is more beautiful than the next, if that's possible.
3. Sottobomba Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By Universe888 - Florida
White pebbles (some quite big!), you can always find a tiny peaceful corner. No bars and a swimming paradise for those who like crystal clear waters. No ideal for children or for those who can't walk a large number of stairs (to get to and back from)
4. Spiaggia delle Ghiaie
Overall Ratings
4 based on 517 reviews
Reviewed By jongable - Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
This beach is only a 5 minute walk from the cruise ship port. However, it is actually on the other side of the harbor's peninsula. So, you have no noise from the ships. However, it is the first beach that tourists can get to so it may be a bit more crowded than other options especially in August. For our needs, we found Ghiaie to be very nice. 3 chairs and umbrella rental was only 13 EUR and restaurants and bars were right on the beach. The water was crystal clear, but a bit chilly. Bring beach shoes so the rocks do not hurt your feet.
5. Spiaggia della Biodola
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Milan Ć
Nice place but hell of cars around, spent a day to find some parking (but on the road, not real one). All "offical" parking not available or already full at 10:00 in the morning. Beach ok for kids, sand and restorants near by.
6. Padulella Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By Brun066 - Florence, Italy
We experienced this beach only a few hours of an afternoon in June, down from a direct private path from "Acquamarina" hotel. The pebbles and the white cliffs are attractive and unusual.
As others have written, this place is even more valuable, because it's at walking distance from Portoferraio, the capital city of Elba island.
I imagine that in August the beach would be crowded; but in June (also with an even cooler weather) it was delicious.
Still, the water temperature allowed us - after a bit of initial cold feeling - to take an invigorating swim in the crystal clear water.
7. Spiaggia La Sorgente
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By Martin P - Olomouc, Czech Republic
Very nice white stone beach. Try to avoid passing through the camping directly as they warn they would call police on of the signs. We went there when the sky was overcast, but I am sure it is long enough for everyone to find the right spot.
8. Castello del Volterraio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Chris Z - Exeter, United Kingdom
Well worth the 45 minute hike (from hotel mare) to Castello Volerario. Highly recommend sun rise/sun set for the best pictures. Great work out and well signposted up to the top.
9. Percorso dell'Enfola
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Brun066 - Florence, Italy
The "Capo d'Enfola" is a characteristic cone-shaped headland, overlooking the sea on the north coast of the Elba island. It is quite isolated, so clearly visible even from a distance.
It's not only scenic when viewed from the sea: it allows also a striking and easy ring trail along its coast.
The trail is starting and finishing at the isthmus where the headland begins. On the isthmus there was an ancient tuna fishery, now converted into a visitors center of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park (but often it's closed), along with some eateries.
At the tuna fishery you can park your car; but you can also ride from the center of Portoferraio by the no. 6 public bus ("Viticcio" bound), which from mid-June to mid-September has an acceptable frequency. You must get off at the Enfola junction (ask the driver), then walk about 1 km.
The path is well marked and, as you can imagine, it's scenic, allowing almost always nice sea views.
To get up precisely to the Capo D'Enfola's edge you have to take a detour (also signposted) leading finally to a Terrace overlooking the sea and a nearby rock. The rock is made lively by the flight of seabirds and is called "La Nave" (the ship) because it has precisely the appearance of a long and narrow ship.
Along the route you can also see the remains of some fortresses built immediately before IIWW: some galleries enter for a few tens of meters into the hillside and you need a flashlight to walk them.
This route is very recommendable; except - perhaps - in the hottest July and August days.
10. Forte Falcone
Overall Ratings
4 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By Giffoni - Sydney
Worth the climb mainly because the views are so amazing. The fortress walls are built on the native stone which is full or iron. The Gardens could be more enticing and the museum has several interesting paintings and a large statue of Cosimo. We went on a Sunday afternoon, which was convenient too.
Plenty of stairs, so hard for a stroller or wheelchair.
