Why Elba is perfect for your trip, the most beautiful places & beaches
The Tuscan island of Elba is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. Crystal clear water, charming villages, and varied beaches make it a perfect destination. Elba is especially ideal in September: the high season is over, the beaches are no longer quite as crowded (at least according to the locals; for us, there was still plenty going on), and the temperatures are still pleasantly warm—simply perfect for a vacation. The island is not very big, so you can explore a lot even with a toddler without having to worry about long car journeys.
Getting to Elba: ferry or flight and rental car
Most travelers reach Elba by ferry from Piombino, from where over 200 ships per week sail to Portoferraio, the island's capital. The crossing takes just over an hour. On the ship (at least on our Moby ferry), there was a bar with snacks and even a small indoor play area for children. So the time flies by. Money-saving tip: if you book your accommodation first, you'll get a discount code for booking the crossing, so you'll pay a little less for the ferry fare. We were also told that the longer you book in advance, the cheaper the prices are. We booked last minute again, and it was a Sunday, so the ferry was a little more expensive. Alternatively, there are flights to Elba from some Italian cities. Direct flights from Central Europe are rather rare, so it's usually worth driving to Piombino. On Elba itself, you can rent a car, which is especially recommended if you want to explore the island flexibly.
The most beautiful places on Elba
Marina di Campo – ideal family destination with a flat sandy beach
Marina di Campo in the south of the island is a perfect starting point for families with small children. The town is only about 20 minutes from Portoferraio and has a long, gently sloping sandy beach where even the youngest children can play safely. Restaurants and cafés are located right on the beach promenade, which is really convenient if you want to take a little break. In the small center of Marina di Campo, you will also find a few nice shops and, of course, some restaurants and bars. We found the hotel with the best breakfast there: Hotel Punto Verde. The hotel is only a few minutes from the beach and offered the best breakfast we have seen in Italy so far, with everything you could wish for. We were also very happy that we could borrow bicycles (even with child seats and helmets) free of charge to ride into town in the evenings.
Porto Azzurro – picturesque harbor town for relaxing evenings
Porto Azzurro charms visitors with its picturesque harbor promenade, small boutiques, and cozy taverns. The town is a wonderful starting point for exploring the beaches of the southeast coast. In the evening, there is a particularly relaxed atmosphere here, perfect for a “passegiata,” a short walk, aperitivo, and dinner. There are two small beaches in the town itself, which are not quite as beautiful as many others on Elba, but still okay for a quick dip. However, we ended up driving about 10 minutes to Barabarca beach, which we really liked. After a short walk with a few steps, you reach the somewhat quieter sandy beach, where there is even a small bar and wonderfully clear water.
Portoferraio – charming capital and good starting point
If you arrive by ferry, you will land in Portoferraio, the capital of Elba. In addition to charming alleys and historical sights such as Forte Falcone, an impressive 16th-century fortress with stunning views, and Villa dei Mulini, where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his time in exile, you will also find plenty of shopping opportunities and nice restaurants here. From Portoferraio, you can reach some of the most beautiful beaches on the north coast in a short time. We ended up staying at Spiaggia Le Ghiaie, 5 minutes away, and found accommodation right on the beach. When we wanted to visit the supposedly most beautiful beaches such as Sansone and La Sorgente, unfortunately the rain thwarted our plans – well, then we'll just have to come back to Elba ;). We'll also take the day trips by boat to the surrounding small islands next time.
The most beautiful beaches on Elba
Elba is known for its beautiful beaches, each with its own character.
- Marina di Campo, as well as Cavoli & Fetovaia in the south: small bays with fine sand, ideal for children as the water slopes gently.
- Barabarca & Zuccale in the southeast near Capoliveri and Porto Azurro: smaller bays, perfect if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.
- Sant'Andrea in the northwest: crystal clear water and large rocks that you can climb on, forming a small natural “children's pool.”
- Le Ghiaie & Sansone im Norden rund um Portoferraio gelegen: mit weißen Steinen und türkisblauem Wasser, fast karibisch.
- Pomonte on the west coast: a small village with clear waters for snorkeling, where you can also discover the remains of a sunken ship.
Discover Elba's small villages
In addition to the beaches, it is also worth taking a trip to the island's picturesque villages:
- Capoliveri in the southeast: located on a hill with beautiful views and narrow streets, small shops, and restaurants.
- Rio Marina in the northeast: a small fishing village known for its mining industry.
- Cavo in the northeast: a quiet place on the northeast coast, from where you can even see the Italian mainland.
- Marciana in the west: this charming mountain village offers winding streets, stone houses, and a great view of the coast. The Fortezza Pisana is another highlight of the region.
- Monte Capanne: the highest peak on the island (1,019 m) offers breathtaking views and can be reached by cable car (small open gondola) from Marciana.
Conclusion: Elba in September with a toddler
A vacation on Elba with a toddler in September means relaxing days on the beach, charming towns, and authentic Italian flair without the hustle and bustle of the high season. The island is compact, family-friendly, and offers the right beach for every taste. We were there for 5 days and, of course, didn't see everything, but we did visit every corner of the island. It rained for a few hours on 2 days, but then the sun came out again and we went swimming in the sea every day.
Hier noch eine Karte die wir dort bekommen haben:
Have you ever been to Elba? What did you like most about it?
