Portoferraio is the port you reach by taking the ferry from Piombino, and too often this town is perceived merely as a place of transit, completely escaping the attention of the distracted guest. It's a shame, because it is a city rich in history and beauty. Cosimo I De Medici, lord of Florence, built it as an impregnable fortress: he equipped it with mighty walls and called it Cosmopoli. It was 1548. The course of history has made this island and this city, once an island within an island, accessible via a drawbridge and completely surrounded by the sea, a protagonist on several occasions. Unfortunately, the drawbridge no longer exists. Cosmopoli/Portoferraio is connected to the rest of the island by a strip of asphalt, but the people of Portoferraio continue to call the place that was once the entrance to the fortified citadel "Ponticello."
Named the island's capital by Napoleon Bonaparte, it was the arrival of the emperor, exiled here in 1814, that brought Portoferraio its heyday. Today, it is possible to visit his residences: the Villa dei Mulini and the Residence of San Martino. The former was built in 1724 and was remodeled at Napoleon's request, adding a large ballroom. The period furnishings, library, and garden are splendid. The Residence of San Martino is surrounded by countryside and is located a little further away. 5 km from the town. The neoclassical façade is stunning, with the main entrance framed by four columns supporting a pediment. As the largest town on the island, Portoferraio is always bustling with people and bustling with events. Don't miss the international classical music and jazz festival "Elba, European Musical Island," held in September in various locations across the island. In Portoferraio, the event takes place inside the Teatro dei Vigilanti, an ancient church transformed into a theater at the request of Paolina Bonaparte.
How to get to the beaches
Portoferraio has many beaches, all of them beautiful. Padulella is surrounded by high cliffs that plunge into the blue sea. It extends for 170 meters and is made up of smooth white pebbles. It can be reached by taking the road from Portoferraio to Ghiaie and following the signs for Padulella, Enfola. From here you can admire a wonderful panorama that frames the imposing Medici walls. Very close to the center, Ghiaie beach is famous for the beauty of its seabed: it extends for 300 meters, is part of a biological protection area and is located near the public gardens. It is Easily accessible from the port, even on foot. Le Viste is a stunning beach, located near the historic center and close to Villa dei Mulini and Forte Falcone. Its proximity to these sites has made it one of the most photographed beaches on Elba. It consists of white sand and small pebbles, and the easiest way to reach it is to follow the signs for Villa dei Mulini. Capo Bianco beach is made up of white pebbles produced by the erosion of the cliffs behind it. Protected by steep cliffs, it offers transparent waters rich in blue and turquoise reflections. To reach it, turn right onto the avenue that leads to Le Ghiaie, immediately after leaving the historic center, then continue for a kilometer until you find the signs. The road ends in a large square overlooking the beach, and a staircase leads down to the shore. Sansone beach is picture-perfect, framed by a rock and a large sea stack. It features a beach club and a small bar. To reach it, take the Portoferraio-Enfola provincial road for 4.5 km, then stop at the signs for the beach. After parking, pass Sorgente beach, the campsite on the left, and climb the promontory separating the two beaches. Scaglieri is another natural masterpiece, located in the Gulf of Biodola and featuring golden sand. To reach it, take the provincial road from Portoferraio to Marina di Campo, then turn right after 6 km, towards Biodola. Shortly before reaching Biodola, a well-signposted turnoff appears that leads to the beach. A short distance away lies another wonder, Biodola Beach. Surrounded by nature, this beach is a glimpse of incredible beauty: 600 meters of golden sand, bordered by Mediterranean scrub that in some places reaches the sea. To reach it, simply take the state road leading to Procchio, then follow the signs and descend for about 2 km along the well-marked detour.
