What to see in three days on the Island of Elba - Day 3: the western side and the Costa del Sole

An essential stop to understand the true soul of Elba is certainly the western side with the famous Costa del Sole and the towns of Marciana and Marciana Marina; and if the sky is clear and the wind blows from the north, you will be even more enchanted by this imposing granite promontory.

If you visit the section what to do if... you want to explore the western ring of Elba, you'll find many useful tips for planning this stage.

Marciana Marina

Starting from Portoferraio, in about 25 minutes you'll reach Marciana Marina, a typically maritime village nestled on a gravel beach. Parking the car, you can take a pleasant walk along the seafront and reach the oldest part of the town, Il Cotone, where small colorful houses protect a harbor with fishing boats and nets ready for fishing.

Marciana and Monte Capanne

Continuing your journey, before reaching Marciana Alta, stop at the foot of Monte Capanne and take the cable car that takes you to the summit of the highest mountain in the entire Province of Livorno.

After returning to an altitude of 300 meters, get back in the car to reach Marciana, a beautiful medieval village perched on the slopes of Monte Capanne. From here, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view, and you can visit some interesting natural, historical, and cultural sites such as the Casa del Parco, the Pisan Fortress, the Archaeological Museum, and, in about twenty minutes of walking, reach the moving Santuario della Madonna del Monte.

At this point, return to exploring the island and cut through the famous "western ring" by briefly retracing your steps toward Poggio, from where you'll take a narrow, steep road that, passing through Monte Perone, leads to Marina di Campo. In front of you, a stunning panorama will unfold with the villages of San Piero and Sant'Ilario perched on the hills, and Marina di Campo resting on the sandy coastline. In the distance, Corsica, Pianosa, Montecristo, and Giglio emerge from the sea, some timidly, others boldly.

Upon reaching the crossroads Sant'Ilario-San Piero, turn left to make a brief stop in the village of the great musician Giuseppe Pietri, then head to San Piero, the village of granite.

A swim at Fetovaia

Then continue in the direction of Cavoli-Seccheto and reach one of the most beautiful beaches on Elba: Fetovaia, where Caribbean-like waters await you for a well-deserved swim.

Dinner in Marciana Marina

To end the day, complete the western ring in a clockwise direction, passing through the beautiful villages of Pomonte and Chiessi, and arrive once again in Marciana Marina, where a candlelit table will welcome you at one of the most famous restaurants on the Island of Elba.