Holiday in Elba
Island in Italy — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇮🇹
Country
Italy
Type
Island
Best time to travel
May–June, September–October
Budget/day
90–160 €
Getting there from Germany
Ferry from Piombino (1 hour) to Portoferraio. Piombino is accessible by train from Pisa/Florence.
About Elba
Elba, the third largest island in Italy, is inextricably linked to Napoleon Bonaparte, who spent his short exile here in 1814/15 — his residences in Portoferraio are now museums. But Elba offers much more than history: crystal-clear water in over 150 coves and beaches, wild romantic mountain landscapes up to 1,019 meters high, and a mining tradition that dates back to the Etruscans. Portoferraio, the capital, welcomes visitors with a powerful Medici fortress and a charming harbor. The most beautiful beaches are Sansone and Sorgente (white pebbles, crystal-clear water), Cavoli and Fetovaia (sandy beaches), as well as the black Spiaggia di Terranera — a former ore mine, whose dark sand creates a surreal contrast in the turquoise water. The mining museum in Rio Marina and the mineral beaches showcase Elba's geological wealth: hematite, pyrite, and even tourmalines can be found. The Monte Capanne cable car takes hikers and nature lovers to the highest peak with panoramic views as far as Corsica. The island is a paradise for mountain bikers and divers. Culinary highlights include Cacciucco (fish stew), Schiaccia Briaca (cake with Aleatico wine), and the sweet Aleatico dell’Elba DOCG. The ferry from Piombino (Tuscany) takes only an hour.
Top 5 highlights in Elba
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Spiaggia di Sansone
The beach with white pebbles and turquoise water is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy.
Napoleon's Residences
The Villa dei Mulini in Portoferraio and the Villa San Martino showcase the life of the emperor in exile.
Monte Capanne
The highest mountain on Elba (1,019 m) is accessible by cable car and offers panoramic views as far as Corsica.
Capoliveri
The charming mountain village with narrow streets and wine bars is the most atmospheric place on the island.
Underwater World
Elba's clear water offers excellent snorkeling and diving spots with colorful fish and starfish.
Hotels in Elba
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Elba
Recommended travel time
May–June, September–October
Summer
Hot, 28–34 °C, perfect beach weather
Winter
Mild, 10–15 °C, quiet, many hotels closed
How much does a holiday in Elba cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
50–75 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
90–160 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
200–450 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Elba
Compare thousands of package holidays to Elba and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Elba
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Explore Elba by scooter or rental car – the coves are spread all over the island.
Arrive at the beaches early in the morning – the best spots fill up quickly in summer.
The island wines (Aleatico di Elba) are surprisingly good – tastings at local wineries.
The east coast is quieter than the touristy northwest coast around Portoferraio.
Take a boat tour around the island – this way you can reach the most beautiful hidden coves.
Food & drink in Elba
These specialties you must try!
