Isola d’Elba is Tuscany’s emerald island—an easy ferry ride from the mainland—famed for crystalline beaches, vine-tufted hills, and the storied exile of Napoleon (1814–1815). Its coastline shifts from white-pebble coves to golden crescents, with water so clear you’ll spot damselfish from the shore. Inland, chestnut forests and fragrant maquis lead to Monte Capanne, the island’s high point, where views stretch over the Tuscan Archipelago.

Elba pairs beautifully with Florence, your practical gateway. Fly into Florence or Pisa, ride the train to Piombino, then hop a short ferry to Portoferraio. On the island, slow down: swim early, linger over seafood lunches, and watch the sky pinken over harbor promenades. With a mid-range budget, you’ll comfortably enjoy terrace-view stays, trattoria dinners, and a few special experiences.

Expect laid-back logistics: frequent ferries in season, reliable trains to the port, and scenic roads perfect for a compact car or scooter. Taste Elban specialties—cacciucco (fisherman’s stew), schiaccia briaca (a sweet island cake), and Aleatico dessert wine. Summer buzzes, but May–June and September are sublime for warm water, fewer crowds, and soft light.

Florence

Renaissance Florence is your gateway—and a delicious prologue and epilogue to island life. Stroll the Arno at golden hour, sip Chianti in the shadow of Santa Croce, and let the city’s art and cuisine set the tone. It’s compact, walkable, and filled with artisan workshops, historic wine windows, and trattorie that champion Tuscan simplicity.

• Top picks: Duomo complex, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, Oltrarno artisans, and the Accademia (Michelangelo’s David).
• Eat & drink: Try ribollita and pappa al pomodoro at cozy osterie; for gelato, look for seasonal, muted colors (not neon).
• Stay: Browse centrally located stays on VRBO Florence or hotel deals on Hotels.com Florence.
• Getting in: Compare flights with Omio (flights in Europe). From Florence/Pisa to Piombino Marittima (for the Elba ferry), use Omio (trains) and Omio (ferries).

Portoferraio (Isola d’Elba)

Portoferraio, Elba’s historic harbor, arcs around pastel palazzi, Medicean fortresses, and Napoleon’s seaside villa. It’s a strategic base: quick access to beaches like Le Ghiaie and Sansone, ferries at your doorstep, and scenic drives radiating toward Marina di Campo, Marciana Marina, Capoliveri, and Porto Azzurro.

• Don’t miss: Villa dei Mulini and Forte Stella, the basket-lift to Monte Capanne, snorkeling at Sansone, sunsets in Marciana Marina, and Fetovaia’s aquamarine bay.
• Local flavor: Fresh catch grilled with wild herbs, schiaccia briaca with Aleatico, and espresso at a harbor bar before morning swims.
• Stay: Beachy apartments and mid-range hotels on VRBO Portoferraio or Hotels.com Portoferraio.
• How to reach: Train Florence SMN → Piombino Marittima: ~2.5–3h, ~$20–35 via Omio trains. Ferry Piombino → Portoferraio: ~1h, ~$16–24 foot passenger via Omio ferries.

Day 1: Arrive Florence (afternoon), ease into Tuscany

Afternoon: Land in Florence or Pisa. Check in near the historic center. Stretch your legs with a gentle loop: Piazza della Signoria → Ponte Vecchio → Oltrarno lanes. Pause for a caffè and a sweet bite—try a slice of schiacciata alla fiorentina if in season.

Evening: Kick off with a guided food stroll showcasing Tuscan staples, wine bars, and hidden courtyards.

Recommended tour: Winner 2025 Florence Sunset Food & Wine Tour by Eating Europe (small plates, wine windows, gelato).

Late: For a quiet nightcap, find a neighborhood enoteca in Oltrarno and sample a glass of Chianti Classico; turn in early for tomorrow’s island transfer.

Day 2: Florence → Elba, first dip at Le Ghiaie

Morning: Train Florence SMN → Piombino Marittima (~2.5–3h, ~$20–35) via Omio. Grab a station panino for the ferry.

Afternoon: Ferry to Portoferraio (~1h; sit on deck for the lighthouse approach) via Omio. Check in, then walk to Spiaggia delle Ghiaie—white pebbles, cobalt water, and excellent off-the-beach snorkeling. Rent mask/fins from a kiosk and follow the rocky headland.

Evening: Dinner in Portoferraio’s old town: consider Osteria Pepenero (seasonal Tuscan plates, thoughtful wine list) or Il Chiasso (intimate alleyway tables, seafood pasta). Gelato along the harbor promenade to finish.

Day 3: Northern coves—Sansone, Sottobomba, Fortresses

Morning: Espresso and a warm cornetto at a harbor bar, then set out early for Spiaggia di Sansone (arrive before 10:00 for easy parking). The white shingle and translucent water make it a top snorkel spot; swim along the right-hand rocks to see schools of salema.

Afternoon: Picnic on the beach or light lunch back in town. Visit Villa dei Mulini (Napoleon’s seaside residence) and climb to Forte Stella for sweeping views over the bay and Medici ramparts.

Evening: Aperitivo on the Darsena. For dinner, try grilled catch of the day (orata or spigola) and a carafe of local Vermentino. Night stroll under the fort walls.

Day 4: West Elba—Monte Capanne and Marciana Marina

Morning: Drive the panoramic road to Marciana and ride the vintage basket-lift (Cabinovia) up Monte Capanne (usually Apr–Oct; weather dependent). At the summit, take the short loop path for views across Corsica on clear days.

Afternoon: Descend for lunch in the stone hamlet of Poggio (try wild-herb pappardelle) or seaside in Marciana Marina (look for spaghetti alle vongole). Swim at calm La Fenicia beach or continue to Sant’Andrea for granite boulders and emerald shallows.

Evening: Dine in Marciana Marina—order fritto misto and a crisp Ansonica. Return to Portoferraio via the coastal road at sunset.

Day 5: South-coast blues—Cavoli and Fetovaia + Capoliveri

Morning: Head to Spiaggia di Cavoli for gentle waves and clear, warm water. Rent two sunbeds and an umbrella for a lazy, relaxing vibe.

Afternoon: Move to Fetovaia, one of Elba’s most photogenic bays—shallow, bright turquoise, great for long swims. If you’re feeling active, rent a kayak for a quiet cove just beyond the point.

Evening: Sunset in Capoliveri’s hilltop lanes. Dinner suggestions: La Taverna dei Poeti (rustic Elban dishes, vaulted interior) or Da Pilade (country-inn feel, generous seafood portions) in the nearby countryside. Try a glass of Aleatico dessert wine with schiaccia briaca.

Day 6: Porto Azzurro, mining heritage, and back to Florence

Morning: Easy stroll on Porto Azzurro’s seaside piazza. Browse artisan shops, then grab a cappuccino and small pastry. If curious, detour to the Parco Minerario (Rio area) to learn about Elba’s iron-ore past and see the rusty-red landscapes.

Afternoon: Ferry back to Piombino (~1h) via Omio, then train to Florence (~2.5–3h) via Omio. Check in near the center for a final night. Light dinner: share a bistecca fiorentina (for two) or go simple with ribollita and crostini.

Evening: Post-dinner passeggiata to Piazza del Duomo and a gelato by the Baptistery. Early night or a quiet amaro at a neighborhood bar.

Day 7: Florence art or cooking class, depart (afternoon)

Morning (choose one):

• Art hit: See Michelangelo’s David with a guided visit to the Accademia—insightful, efficient, and time-friendly before departure. Florence Accademia Gallery Tour with Entrance Ticket Included.

• Hands-on: Prefer a relaxed foodie finale? Make fresh pasta downtown (ravioli + fettuccine), then enjoy your lunch with wine. Florence: Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine.

Afternoon: Pick up a few edible souvenirs (Tuscan olive oil, cantucci), then head to the airport or station. For flights in Europe, compare on Omio.

Where to stay (summary)

• Florence (Nights 1 & 6): Stay near the Duomo, Santa Croce, or Oltrarno for easy walking. Browse VRBO Florence or Hotels.com Florence.
• Portoferraio (Nights 2–5): Harbor-view apartments or beach-adjacent hotels (Le Ghiaie/Biodola) are ideal for relaxed days. See VRBO Portoferraio or Hotels.com Portoferraio.

Transport at a glance

• Flights: Aim for Florence (FLR) or Pisa (PSA). Check Omio for intra-Europe fares.
• Trains & ferries: Florence/Pisa → Piombino Marittima on Omio trains (2–3 changes; ~2.5–3h). Ferries Piombino ↔ Portoferraio via Omio ferries (~1h; frequent in season).
• On Elba: Consider a compact car or scooter for beach-hopping; island buses run to major towns in season.

Eat & drink (specific picks)

• Portoferraio: Osteria Pepenero (seasonal Tuscan plates), Il Chiasso (seafood in a historic alley), casual harbor spots for fritto di mare and Vermentino; gelato along the Darsena.
• Capoliveri: La Taverna dei Poeti (island classics), countryside Da Pilade (generous seafood and pastas).
• Marciana Marina: Seaside trattorie by La Fenicia for spaghetti alle vongole and grilled catch.
• Florence: Rustic osterie for ribollita/pappa al pomodoro; treat yourself to bistecca or a schiacciata panino at lunch; finish with a nocciola gelato.

Budget tips (for a 50/100 budget): Mix free beach days with one paid lounger setup, picnic lunches, and trattoria dinners. Book trains/ferries in advance for sale fares. Traveling in late May or September keeps costs down and the sea warm.

Optional add-ons if you extend time on the mainland: a half-day Tuscan wine country experience from Florence—Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside—or, with a full extra day, a classic countryside sampler—Tuscany Day Trip from Florence.

This itinerary blends Florence’s flavors and masterpieces with Elba’s restorative rhythm—sunlit swims, scenic drives, and quiet evenings by the harbor. Expect easy logistics, generous meals, and a steady, relaxing pace that makes a week feel wonderfully long.