What to do in Elba?
Best Outdoor Activities for your Unforgettable Holidays
Want to know what to do in Elba and what outdoor activities Elba has in store for you?
Having spent several weeks on Elba, I had the chance to try out a variety of exciting outdoor adventures and had a lot of fun exploring all that the island has to offer.
In addition to the undoubtedly beautiful beaches, there are breathtaking hiking trails and extraordinary outdoor experiences off the beaten track that you should not miss.
Here are the best activities and outdoor adventures on Elba that will make your vacation unforgettable, including the most beautiful hiking trails for an extraordinary experience!
Map Overview of the best Elba Activities
1. Hike or cable car ride to Monte Capanne
My top recommendation for things to do in Elba is a visit to Monte Capanne, the highest mountain of the island. From its summit I had a fantastic view as far as Corsica, the islands of the tuscan archipelago and the Italian mainland.
I hiked to the top of the mountain, but an alternative, faster and more comfortable option is to take the cable car up to 1019m.
The various hikes on Monte Capanne are incredibly beautiful, but not for beginners.
Apart from the fact that they are not always signposted, you have to climb at least 600 meters, depending on the starting point. The easiest tours, which I did, start on the north side of the island.
Alternatively, you can take the cable car from the village of Marciana (⇨ location) to the top of Monte Capanne in just under 20 minutes. The cable car ride itself is exciting, as you float towards the summit in yellow lattice gondolas for a maximum of 2 people.
Whichever way you choose to reach the summit, visiting Monte Capanne is definitely one of the best Elba activities and should be at the top of your to-do list!
2. Stroll through Portoferraio
Spend at least an afternoon visiting the island’s capital, Portoferraio. The historic center is truly beautiful!
Along the old harbor, yachts and fishing boats bob gently while small, colorful, and sometimes crooked houses line the narrow streets of the old town.
At the entrance to the port stands the “hammer tower,” Torre del Martello, which you can spot from the ferry as you arrive on Elba.
Forte Stella and Forte Falcone are part of the well-preserved 16th-century fortifications, while the Forte Inglese at the western end of the historic center dates from the 18th century.
You should also take a look at Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon Bonaparte’s official residence during his time in Elba.
From the upper part of the old town, enjoy a fantastic view of Portoferraio and the entire port basin.
In the old town, discover boutiques, small shops, fish restaurants, and bars where you can sit on the cobblestones and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere.
My tip: If you’re not staying in the island’s capital, it’s best to visit Portoferraio right at the beginning or at the very end of your trip, as you’ll have to go into town anyway thanks to the ferry trip.
3. E-Bike Tour from Capoliveri
The southeastern tip of Elba, the Calamita Peninsula, is perfect for an e-bike adventure! While hiking is always an option, the routes are long and the area is vast.
The dusty trails are wide but offer little shade—trust me, I tried it! A mountain bike or e-bike is a much better way to explore this stunning landscape.
You’ll see traces of ore mining everywhere, a testament to the island’s history. On the eastern side, there are several beautiful bays with fine sand, perfect for a detour or a refreshing swim.
Riding around Monte Calamita, the highest point on the peninsula, provides wonderful views of Porto Azzurro and the many small bathing bays, especially at sunset!
My Tip: Elba has a limited number of e-bikes, and they get booked up quickly during the high season (July & August). I highly recommend reserving your e-bike in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic experience.
⇨ Reserve your spot in a 2-Hour Magical E-bike Tour at Sunset in Capoliveri
4. Diving or Snorkeling to the Wreck of Pomonte
On January 21, 1972, the cargo ship L’Elviscot capsized during a storm on the Ogliera cliff off Elba’s west coast. The ship was en route from Naples to Marseille when it sank just 200 meters from the shore near Pomonte.
The 65-meter-long shipwreck lies at a depth of only 12 meters, creating an ideal environment for various types of fish (⇨ location). Over the years, it has developed its own microclimate, teeming with bream, conger, sea bream, petrale sole, flatfish, sole, and porgies.
This wreck is one of the few that can be reached directly from the beach without a boat. Alternatively, you can rent pedal boats from Pomonte Beach, including ones with glass bottoms, so you don’t have to get wet at all.
If diving isn’t for you, you can still admire the ship’s skeleton from above with just a mask and snorkel. The crystal-clear water makes this possible.
Experienced divers can explore the kitchen and engine room through larger holes in the outer walls.
My Tip: You can buy cheap snorkeling equipment in lots of shops on nearly all beaches.
5. Coastal Hike from Zanca to Marciana Marina
One of my favorite hikes on the island is the coastal hike from Zanca to Marciana Marina. Start at the bus stop on the main road (⇨ location), then turn left at the entrance to the village and head steadily downhill towards the sea.
The narrow path along the coast leads steeply downhill at times to the charming beach of the vacation resort of Sant’Andrea. The beach is rocky on the sides with a gently sloping, white sandy entrance in the middle.
Keep to the right and follow the rocky path, secured with wire ropes. Initially at sea level, the path soon ascends slightly along the coastline towards the west. It’s so beautiful!
At the small bay of La Cala, the trail descends again before gently climbing once more.
The route continues beautifully through shady forests, almost always with a view of the sea, leading to Marciana Marina.
My tip: Just before reaching Marciana Marina, the path branches off to “Punta della Madonna.” Take this short detour to one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the island! From here, you can see all the way to Sant’Andrea along the rocky cliffs, with the islands of Capraia and Corsica visible on the horizon.
Zanca – Marcia Marina
Hiking time: 3h | Length: 9km | Altitude meters: ↑ 240 & ↓ 400 |
Difficulty level: intermediate
⇨ GPS and more pictures tracked with Komoot
6. Aperitif on the Terrace of Tenuta delle Ripalte
One of the most relaxing activities on Elba, especially for wine lovers, is enjoying an aperitif on the roof-top terrace of Tenuta delle Ripalte.
With its 180-degree view of the sea and surrounding vineyards, the large terrace at this wine resort offers an outstanding setting for a relaxing drink.
You can see as far as the islands of Montecristo, Pianosa, Corsica, and Giglio. It’s undoubtedly one of the most tranquil experiences Elba has to offer.
The panoramic terrace is a perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet of the surroundings. Let your mind wander and unwind after what is sure to be an amazing day full of highlights on this beautiful island!
My Tip: You can easily combine the relaxing aperitif with your E-bike tour from Capoliveri, as both activities are located in the same beautiful area of Elba.
⇨ Book here your Aperitif on the roof-top terrace of Tenuta delle Ripalte
7. Mountain Village Marciana & Way of the Cross to Madonna del Monte
Insider Tip: On the main road between Marciana and Poggio, you’ll come across the spring known as Fonte di Napoleone (⇨ location). This healing spring is said to have alleviated Napoleon’s chronic bladder problems. While the small, unassuming tap might not look spectacular, it is a popular, natural, and free source of drinking water for the local population.
Mountain Village Marciana
Set at 375 meters above sea level, at the foot of Monte Capanne, lies the beautiful village of Marciana. Exploring this picturesque place is a must.
The village is a maze of narrow alleyways lined with old houses, each path leading either up or down, as Marciana is built directly on a slope.
At the top of Marciana, the 12th-century Fortezza Pisana stands proudly. This fortress, combined with the village’s elevated position, made Marciana one of the safest places on the island until it was plundered by pirates in 1553. While there’s not much left of the fortress, it offers a wonderful view of the sea.
Opening times: Daily from 10:30 – 13:00 & 16:00 – 18:30hrs / Closed on Tuesdays & Thursdays
Price: € 2.00 per Person
Way of the Cross from Marciana to Madonna del Monte
A short but very beautiful walk is the Way of the Cross from Marciana to the hermitage of Madonna del Monte.
This hiking trail takes you along wide, ancient stone steps, steadily ascending from the beautiful village of Marciana to the chapel. Along the way, you’ll pass 14 small votive chapels.
I loved the stunning views of the sea and the surrounding forests as I walked.
The pilgrimage church Maria del Monte dates back to the 16th century. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful here. At the hermitage, there are several small picnic spots under shady chestnut trees, perfect for a break. Even Napoleon spent a few days here in 1814!
After a refreshing pause, head back to Marciana along the same beautiful path.
Way of crosses
Hiking time: 1,5h | Length: 3km | Altitude meters: ↑ 210 & ↓ 210 |
Difficulty level: easy
⇨ GPS and more pictures tracked with Komoot
8. Sea Kayak Tour
Sea Kayak tours are very popular being a fantastic way to discover Elba’s stunning coastline from the water. Although I didn’t get the chance to try it, it’s at the top of my to-do list for my next Elba vacation.
Whether you start from Marciana Marina or Porto Azzurro, you can embark on these amazing trips from nearly any major bay or beach.
Prefer not to go alone or want more information about the coastline? I did my research and I am going to book this full-day small group tour with a certified sea kayak guide through the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.
9. Boat Trip into the Sunset
One of the most wonderful (and romantic) activities on Elba is a sunset boat trip. After a fantastic day of hiking on this beautiful island, what could be better than relaxing on the water?
You will set off from the Cala di Mola marina, just south of Porto Azzurro, at around 18:00. Before sunset, you can go for a swim or simply enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. It’s so relaxing!
An aperitif made from local produce adds to the experience. It’s simply beautiful! I absolutely recommend it for your last day on Elba to finish with a bang!!
Conclusion
Your questions was, what to do in Elba? As you have seen, Elba offers much more than just stunning beaches with crystal clear water. This Italian island is full of fantastic outdoor adventures and unforgettable experiences.
From hiking the breathtaking trails of Monte Capanne and exploring the historic streets of Portoferraio, to diving in the waters of the Pomonte shipwreck and enjoying a relaxing sunset cruise, Elba truly has something for everyone.
Check out this article for more outdoor adventures on European islands!
