Lido beach (Lido di Capoliveri)

Lido beach has fine grained sand. For the first 30m the water is shallow and suitable for families with small children. Lots of young people frequent this beach also, which boosts a bar, restaurant, surf and sailing school. You can hire sun-beds and umbrellas, go canoeing or take out a pedalo. There are also 2 diving centres that offer snorkling and diving expeditions if you wish to discover the wonders of the sea-bed and its marine life on the island.

Felciaio beach

Felciaio beach is made up of two small bays surround by rocks. When there are no sun bathers around in the early hours of the morning, this is an idyllic place to visit whilst calm and quiet. One of the bays is visited mostly by couples with no children due to it being situated down a pathway, which could be unsuitable to access with prams or pushchairs. There are no bars or services on this public beach.

Capoliveri

One of the most characteristic places to visit on the island is Capoliveri. It is approximately 4km from the Residence. This is the largest town on the island Elba. It was built on head-land facing the sea and gulf where Porto Azzurro can be seen. The historical centre of the town is suggestive because of the old narrow alleys, full of small traditional shops and restaurants. The open-air night crafts market is not to be missed. The coast line has numerous beaches and bays that can be reached on foot or by sea. There is a bus service that departs from the centre of town and stops at all the main beaches.
There is an interesting mine museum to be visited, where iron was once produced for the mainland. There is also a guided tour on offer to take you down into the mine at sea level so that you can see the remains of what was once a thriving industry here. Capoliveri is also the ideal place to go for a ride on a mountain bike or quad or go horse-riding. ‘Costa dei Gabbiani’ is an uncontaminated area where birds and wildlife are environmentally protected. It is well worth a visit.

PORTO AZZURRO

Porto Azzurro is only 5kms from the Residence and can be reached in 5 mins. It is a well-maintained town of 3000 inhabitants overlooking the sea. It attracts many tourists famous and non during the Summer season. Here the port can get rather busy during this period when many boats arrive. The main square has recently been renovated, which has enhanced the natural beauty of this place. An ancient fort of San Giacomo, once built by the Spaniards is to be visited. It is still in use today as a high security prison where inmates produce handicrafts! Porto Azzurro also holds an open-air crafts market at night. The historic centre has pubs, restaurants and all kinds of shops, tourist centres and a diving centre where short/long excursions can be booked to visit other places of interest accessible only by sea. A stroll along the promenade is a must too.

PORTOFERRAIO

Portoferraio is a small town with 18,000 inhabitants, the biggest population on the island, home to the two ferry companies that offer a tourist service from Piombino to the Island of Elba thanks to a large port. The historic centre is most beautiful, full of archeological sites. In Portoferraio you can stroll along the promenade, go to the Pub, ice-cream parlour, restaurants or visit the many shops and white sandy beaches with crystal clear water around the surrounding area.