Sail away to one of the world’s most idyllic and sensual destinations. The Tuscany archipelago will enchant you with a divine beauty. Allegedly, these islands arose from a pearl necklace that fell into the Tyrrhenian Sea from the neck of the goddess Venus. There are seven pearls or little gems waiting for you to explore. The largest and most impressive pearl is Elba. You will have a chance to sail around Capraia, Pianosa, and Montecristo, and passionate sailors can add Giannutri, Giglio or Gorgona to their itineraries.
Why Choose the Tuscan Archipelago and Elba?
If you have already set foot on the Tuscany land, you know that the landscape, culture and historical heritage are simply unbeatable. Upgrade this experience and let yourself be amazed by the magnificent coastline of the Tuscany archipelago.
Elba is famous for its former inhabitant, Napoleon Bonaparte, who disliked the place for understandable reasons, as he was held captive there. You, on the other hand, will undoubtedly be captivated by panoramic views and beaches. Elba offers wonderful bays with ever-green vegetation and alluring beaches. The city of Portoferraio has the typical vibe of an old town with narrow lanes. The oldest village, Marciana, is known for colder temperatures and is worth visiting. From here, you can take a cable car to reach the highest Elban peak, Monte Capanne. Paddleboarding in the bay of Fetovaia is another activity on your to-try list.
Do not hesitate to sail to a beautiful Capraia with several dazzling spots for a dose of wilderness. This volcanic island close to Corsica was only recently discovered by tourists. Fans of the Caribbean will find their new favourite destination on the Pianosa - an uninhabited island with a maximum safety prison closed 20 years ago with hidden bays and translucent waters. The lighthouse and catacombs are must-sees in Pianosa. You need a permit to stay on the island overnight.
If you want to add a place with unspoiled nature and bird-watching is your favourite activity, sail around Montecristo. Be aware that swimming or sailing less than 1000 meters from its coast is prohibited. It is an uninhabited and somehow wild island.
If you are up for long daily stretches, you can sail 30-40 miles to Giglio, Giannutri or Gorgona islands, all belonging to the national park. Giannutri is a favourite place for archaeology buffs and scuba divers. There are remains that date back to Roman times. Allegedly, this island ranks as the most beautiful among the Tuscan islands. Giglio island is the perfect location for sunset lovers. Visit the island’s highest peak, Giglio Castello, a village, Giglio Campese and the lighthouse Capel Rosso. If you have never laid on the beach with red sand, go to Campese Beach. If you prefer shallow waters for kids, spend some time at Cala delle Cannelle. Gorgona is the smallest and farthest island, with a limited number of tourists that can visit the island in a day.
When To Set Sail?
Mediterranean destinations have something in common. The best time for your sailing holiday is not summer but late spring when everything blooms or early autumn when the water is still warm, winds are stable, and prices go back to off-season level since tourists have already gone home.
Summers are generally busy, but some favourite spots fill up fast, even in the off-season. For instance, arriving in Portoferraio before 17:00 is advisable to spend a night there. The same goes for other popular anchorages.
Sailing around Elba means that you always have at least some breeze to play in. But even in sudden changes in wind force or directions, there are many well-protected spots to find shelter, mainly on the southern and eastern sides of the island.
The prevailing winds are Maestrale and Sirocco. Sirocco blows from the SE and brings humid and sticky weather. Fresh maestrale blows from the northern quadrant (NW) and, when too strong, sails instead on the southern side of Elba. Especially in winter and late autumn, intense winds such as Libeccio (SW) and Ponente (W) can cause pretty hostile conditions with rough seas. Most of the time, however, the wind force reaches the optimal force 3-4 Bf.
Recommended 7-days itinerary
We suggest selecting a boat in the Tuscany region and starting in either Marina di Scarlino or Marina di San Vincenzo. Just sailing around Elba is enough for a full-fledged 7-day itinerary, but you can add other Tuscany islands for some versatility.
- Day 1 (Saturday): Marina di Scarlino (0 nm)
- Day 2 (Sunday): Marina di Scarlino - Palmaiola - Elba/Portoferraio (22 nm)
- Day 3 (Monday): Elba/Portoferraio - Capraia island (26 nm)
- Day 4 (Tuesday): Capraia island - Marina Marciana (22 nm)
- Day 5 (Wednesday): Marina Marciana - Fetovaia or Marina di Compo (15 - 18 nm)
- Day 6 (Thursday): Fetovaia or Marina di Compo - Porto Azzurro (17 nm)
- Day 7 (Friday): Elba/Porto Azzuro - Marina di Scarlino (18 nm)
View the itinerary on the map here.
Tips for alternatives: For a more leisurely sailing trip, stay focused solely on Elba. Here is a sample itinerary with numbers indicating days. You start in the marina, move counterclockwise from the NE of Elba to SE, and then return to the home port.
- 1 Marina di Scarlino - 2 Portoferraio - 3 Marina Marciana - 4 Fetovaia - 5 Lacona - 6 Porto Azzurro - 7 back to marina
Advanced sailors can add other islands from the national park of the Tuscan archipelago. Count with 20-35 nautical miles distances for daily sailing.
- 1 Marina di Scarlino - 2 Giglio or Giannutri - 3 Lacona - 4 Marciana Marina - 5 Capraia - 6 Portoferraio - 7 back to marina
Day 1 - Marina di Scarlino (0 nm)
Your Tuscan romance starts on the Italian mainland. It is a perfect starting point to reach Elba and other faraway islands. Marina offers superb services, and all the moorings are with catways.
Once you get your necessary provisioning in a nearby town, Follonica, return to the marina. Take a bath in a not-so-famous but lovely Cala di Postiglione and later have dinner in one of the excellent restaurants in the marina. There is no wrong dining choice.
Day 2 - Marina di Scarlino - Palmaiola - Portoferraio (Elba) (22 nm)
Leave early morning and head to stunning Elba, breathing with history and nature. You won’t regret stopping by a little islet, Palmaiola, for a short swim or lunch break on the way there.
There are two well-protected bays on the Palmaiola - one is protected from NW winds and another from SW. Both bays have crystal clear waters to swim in while looking at cliffs. The only drawback is waves from ferries during the high season.
On Elba, there are several spots great for a swim break. You may also want to stop at the northern tip of Elba in a gorgeous and uncrowded Cala Mandriola bay for a short break. The bay is protected only from SE winds.
Then continue to the beautiful UNESCO heritage town - port of Portoferraio and explore the old centre. Portoferraio is a very suggestive place with colourful houses built on the slopes and surrounded by the sea from three sides. The port will undoubtedly stick in your memory. The historic centre is a maze of narrow alleys with rustic shops, patios and restaurants. You will find Napoleon´s residences where he spent his months in exile. Don´t miss the astonishing view from the romantic Forte Stella lighthouse.
Where to stay
Elba is dotted with superb anchorages and protected shelters. Tonight, you will berth directly in the Portoferraio port and get the first impressions of Elba´s island life.
You park your boat at the heart of the city in Marina di Portoferraio, or you go further to Esaom Cesa. The town marina has one clear advantage - you are in the middle of this fantastic city centre with the characteristic port atmosphere included. Suppose you do not like noisy ports and need all amenities (showers, toilets, washing machine, etc.) near your boat, moor at Esaom Cesa. This marina is twenty minutes from the magnificent downtown, and you can rent bikes to get to the centre. But you better book your place in the marina in advance.
If you want to spend a night anchored in a quieter place away from the hustle and bustle of the harbour city, go to the Cala della Concia. Exposed to only NW winds but protected from all other directions, this bay is a good compromise when you prefer tranquillity but still fancy historical towns. A bus stop is 3 minutes from the inlet to take the bus to Portoferraio.
Day 3 - Elba/Portoferraio - Capraia island (26 nm)
The biggest yet very rewarding sail of your trip is today. From Portoferraio, set your bearing to spectacular Capraia island. Sea lovers are fascinated with the wild character of the only volcanic island in the Tuscan archipelago. The island is unspoiled and is mainly visited by sailors arriving from/to Corsica or Elba.
On your way to your final destination north of the island, head to the bay of Cala del Ceppo and take your snorkelling gear. Capraia stands out for its timeless beauty. This Tuscan island is a lovely romantic getaway where the time has stopped. For instance, you can go swimming, snorkelling, diving or hiking to Lake Lo Stagnone. Not the lake, but the trail itself is beautiful.
Where to stay?
Be aware that Capraia is exposed to the Sirocco, Mistral and Libeccio type of wind, so pick the bay accordingly. The safest place to moor is thus in the harbour in a small village, Porto Vecchio, in the north. You can moor on buoys but call early in the morning to be on the waiting list. Get dinner in one of the few restaurants on the island; they all offer delicious cuisine.
If you decide to stay south of the island, Cala Rossa is a perfect option to drop your anchor for the night, protected from NW and NE winds. The anchorage is spectacular.
Day 4 - Capraia island - Marina Marciana (22 nm)
This day, you will sail down to Elba and back to medieval times. Head to the small and lovely place Marina Marciana, located near Marciana town. Marciana Marina looks almost identical to its form in the 19th century, with the same original features despite tourism. The village consists of enchanting houses and villas set in the green hills.
Marciana is the oldest settlement on the island. What you definitely must experience is getting breathtaking views from the top of Monte Capanne. To do so, take a bus from a bus stop close to the supermarket in the marina and get off at the cable car station in Marciana village. The bus goes every hour, and the journey takes 30 minutes. When up in Marciana, enjoy the scenery with a glass of local wine. Marciana is famous for its liquid treasure - a frank wine.
Where to stay?
The anchorage in front of the port is exposed to only NW winds. It is a safe bet in any weather. You can also moor directly in the harbour (Circolo Vela, pontoon or buoys in the area “da Massimo”).
Stop near the port for dinner at the Ristorante Umami in the evening. This place is known for its refined cuisine and original dishes.
Day 5 - Marciana Marina - Fetovaia or Marina di Campo (15 - 18 nm)
Take it slow and sail further to the southern side of Elba. Make some stopovers for a swim or sail directly to Fetovaia, which is a white sandy beach. Some sailors prefer to stay here only for a lunch break and then continue to the next bay over or to the marina. On the SW side of the island, close to the village of Pomonte, is a bay (not protected at all) with a shipwreck, Elviscot. The wreck is only a few meters down on the bottom, so your snorkelling part of the crew will undoubtedly be happy to jump in the water. The impact is visible even from the water surface.
Where to stay?
Fetovaia is a large bay able to accommodate many boats that come here because of its good protection, sandy button and, typical Elban beauty and blue waters. In the SE wind, the bay can get a bit rolly. Visit the Calamara restaurant situated on the beach and order some classic local dishes.
If you don’t fancy Fetovaia, sail 1 mile further to a bit more secluded Seccheto Bay. This is an excellent alternative in case of mistral, or Fetovaia is too crowded. The sandy bottom has a good grip and adequate 5-8 meters depth. Avoid this bay in southerly winds.
If you are up to sailing more or need marina services, opt for Marina di Campo. The port offers only a few berths (better make a reservation in advance), but the village is adorable, and the harbour management is welcoming. You can also anchor within the Rada di Marina di Campo bay and use your dinghy for transportation to the village or even the tiny port. The whole bay area is protected from NW and NW directions.
Day 6 - Fetovaia or Marina di campo - Porto Azzurro (17 nm)
A charming town, Porto Azzurro is another must-see place when embarking on this Elban adventure. Before reaching the bay of Mola, where the town is situated, have a lunch break in the bay Spiaggia di Remaiolo. It has good protection, no swells, and the sea surface resembles a mirror.
The lively town of Porto Azzurro is filled with restaurants, bars, small shops and many Italian gelato places. Make sure you walk to the Piazza Matteotti, one of the prettiest Italian squares. The whole centre is infused with history. And with ice cream.
Where to stay?
There are several anchorages to choose from close to Porto Azzurro. The safest and most protected place is the port marina, strategically located downtown. Book your mooring spot in advance. The only minus is the distance to the bathrooms.
Another option is to drop an anchor in a well-sheltered Cala di Mola in front of Porto Azzurro, which you can access with a dinghy.
Day 7 - back to home marina
Enjoy your last sailing day to the fullest. In the morning, walk from the port to the Barbarossa Cove. Take a panoramic trail called Passeggiata Carmignani, and after 30 minutes of incredible scenery, you will arrive at the beach. After you sail away from Porto Azzurro to your home marina, use the day for the last stopover to dive into the waters. One such suggestion is Cala Barbiere.
We are convinced that this seductive destination lures you with its crystal-clear waters, nature and excellent sailing conditions.