Boating vacations in the Tuscan Archipelago: the ports of Elba Island

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Rio Marina
Rio Marina’s marina is dominated by the Appiani or Clock Tower. © Carlo Pelagalli/CC BY-SA 3.0

There are six well-protected harbors, not counting the many small or large but well-sheltered coves that offer shelter to those circumnavigating Elba.

Few people know it, perhaps, but if you want to, it is possible to make the complete circumnavigation of Elba Island-it involves covering about 50 miles of sea-in just one day. Of course, for those who are truly passionate about the sea and boating, this presents no real interest. More importantly, in doing so, one would certainly not have the time to fully and properly appreciate the unique charms of the Tuscan island. In short, better to have the time available to wander from anchorage to anchorage or port to port, without even giving up the pleasure of an inland excursion. Do it on foot, by bus, by bike, or perhaps by renting a car or scooter.

Marina di Campo
The historic center of Marina di Campo with its Pisan-medieval watchtower. © Carlo Pelagalli/CC BY-SA 3.0

Elba Island: safe on all sides of the island

1. PORTOFERRAIO

42°48′ 70N – 10°19′ 70E

Its wide, sheltered bay-there is only a little undertow in SO winds-is the island’s main landing. Nothing but fortifications can be glimpsed from the open sea: one has to go into a deep bay, describing an arc of more than 180° to discover at the last moment a town gathered around an old dock that is also fortified and offers an excellent redoubt with all times.

Approach: quiet and easy landing. The roofs of the village are conspicuous. Dangers: coming from the W, you will have to pass more than 400 m off the tip of Cape Bianco to avoid the unmarked dangerous shoal jutting out to the N of the tip.

Mooring: there are three different possibilities. In the Porto Vecchio or Darsena Medicea, located on the right as you enter the gulf and where it is difficult to find a place in summer without a reservation, in the Marina Esaom Cesa, on the NO corner of the roadstead beyond the commercial harbor, and in the Edilnautica Esaom dock, immediately S of the former. Maximum boat length: 70 meters. Depth: 2.5-6.5 meters. VHF: channel 09.

Services: water and fuel at the dock. Available: mechanical and electrical repairs. Ashore: directly in the dock are a bar and restaurant, and in the nearby town center are stores, bank, and post office.

Portoferraio
Portoferraio

2. CABLE

42°51′ 70N – 10°25′ 45E

In front of the village settlement is a harbor suitable for small and medium-sized boats.

Approach: the village roofs are conspicuous.

Mooring: at one of 5 floating docks, where indicated by harbor staff. In good weather you can bottom N of the harbor in 3-5 meters of water on good sand tenor. Maximum boat length: 12 meters. Depth: 0.5-2.5 meters. VHF: 09 and 16.

Facilities: water and fuel in dock. Ashore: stores and restaurants in the village.

Cable
Cable

3. RIO MARINA.

42°49′ 00N – 10°25′ 90E

It is the town’s old mining port, repurposed to accommodate nautical tourism as well. It consists of a breakwater about 100 meters long and a quay 250 meters long. For recreation, in addition to the old pier, floating docks are available.

Berthing: where indicated by Rio Service employees. Maximum boat length: 15 meters. Depth: 2-3.5 meters. VHF: channels 16 and 09.

Services: water at the dock and fuel in the village. Available: slipway, slipway and crane. Restrooms in the dock. Ashore: market, stores and restaurants.

Rio Marina
Rio Marina

4. BLUE PORT.

42°45′ 70N – 10°23′ 90E

It consists of a SO-oriented pier and privately operated floating docks. Approach: there are conspicuous rooftops in the center and two fortresses guarding the inlet. Hazards: watch out for commercial and ferry traffic.

Mooring: following the directions of the managers, Marina Porto Azzurro and D’Alarcon. Maximum boat length: 50 meters. Depth: 2-6 meters. VHF: 16 and 09.

Services: water and fuel at the dock. Available: slipway, slipway, crane, electrical and mechanical repairs. On the ground: bank, post office, stores, bars and restaurants.

Porto Azzurro
Porto Azzurro

5. MARINA DI CAMPO

42°44′ 60N – 10°14′ 40E

A small harbor located at the very end of the bustling village, it consists of a short quay that nonetheless offers excellent shelter. Approach: easy to spot the village due to the houses.

Mooring: where indicated by dock workers. Also, only in clear weather is it possible to give bottom in front of the beach or in the small inlets S of the harbor. Maximum boat length: 25 meters. Depth: 1-5 meters. VHF: 09 and 16.

Services: water at the dock and fuel at the dock. Available: engine repair, crane, slide and toilet facilities. Ashore: market, stores and restaurants.

Marina di Campo
Marina di Campo

6. MARCIANA MARINA

42°48′ 50N – 10°12′ 00E

Pleasant marina located in front of the village of Marciana is one of the most picturesque landings on Elba. Approach: conspicuous low downtown rooftops. Hazards: when landing beware of surrounding shallows.

Mooring: on the pier along with local boats or on the docks at the Marina di Marciana. There is then a hundred other moorings with different management. The ridge is good but poorly protected when grecale and north wind blow. Maximum boat length: 30 meters. Depth: 0.5-8 meters. VHF: channels 09 and 16.

Services: water and fuel at the dock. Ashore: there are several stores, bars and restaurants.

Marciana Marina
Marciana Marina

 

Marciana Marina
The town of Marciana Marina is located in the center of a small gulf, surrounded by a rich forest of pine and chestnut trees and oaks.

Don’t miss the other installments of Boat Vacations in the Tuscan Archipelago

 

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