Some practical tips for getting around the Island of Elba by public or private transport, on four or two wheels. Here's how to get there and how to get around, some practical tips to experience the island of Tuscany.
Do you want to reach theElba island and are you thinking about the easiest and least expensive way to do it? I try to help you with this post to organize an interesting and low cost holiday in one of the most beautiful and famous islands in Italy.
Elba Island: plane or train
For information only, I leave the plane, in fact in Marina di Campo there is a small airport, with flights from the companies Intersky, Skywork and Silver air. Considering a cheaper public transport, for example the train, starting from Florence here is the so-called Freccia dell'Elba which leaves already at 5.35 am (but also at 9.20 or 15.20). The line is direct, you can also take it in Pisa or Livorno, but from the Tuscan capital in two hours and 20 it will take you to the maritime station of Piombino, practically on the pier.
The choice is yours therefore, they are both comfortable and easy to organize choices.
The maritime station
If you leave from Rome the train change takes place in Campiglia Marittima, a stopover not far from Piombino. The important thing is to reach the maritime station: from here, in a continuous cycle, ferries or hydrofoils leave for the Island of Elba. The ferry to Portoferraio takes an hour, but the ship arrives faster in Cavo (closest point to the mainland) or Rio Marina.
The maritime station is well equipped, the companies Toremar, Moby, Corsica Ferries and Blu Navy have practically the same prices.
If you want ferry your car on the island, it will be better to buy the ticket in time (especially in high season).
Buses on the Island of Elba
Once you arrive on the island, there are public transport, and they are buses. There are three different lines of the CTT company, which cross the island in the different sides: 116, 117 and 118. Tickets can also be purchased on board, from the driver, and must be stamped: the costs are absolutely convenient and naturally vary depending on the route. All lines end in Portoferraio, Calata Italia (right at the port). The races are obviously more frequent in the summer. The sections, although not long, are on hilly and winding roads. The island has a road network that is likely to get clogged in the high season and near the most popular resorts.
The flooding occurs mainly near the beaches: for this reason it is advisable to use the shuttles Marebus that from the cities of Marciana, Rio Marina, Capoliveri lead to the beaches for a few pennies and every 5 minutes.
Public transport and beaches
The variety of the Elban coast is so beautiful that change beach every day it is really recommended: so if you don't feel like sticking to the timetable of public transport, a good idea is definitely to use your own or rented two wheels. On the island you can rent scooters, electric bikes and city bikes. But it is also tempting to reach coves and beaches by sea and for this purpose you can choose a motor boat or a dinghy. The rentals are in the main tourist cities (Portoferraio, Marciana, Marina di Campo) without the need to have a boat license and for a not very high cost.
Since then you are in the middle ofTuscan archipelago, a detour to the other beautiful islands could be interesting. Starting from Portoferraio or Marciana Marina you can reach Pianosa (about an hour), Capraia (in two hours) or even Corsica (in two hours). All the proposed excursions have affordable prices and also include excursions on the chosen island. An experience that you really shouldn't miss.
The Island of Elba is a precious place, to be respected: try, whatever the means chosen, to always keep in mind that you are visiting a real Natural Park. You are in a protected area. The island will repay you with its beaches and sea water, transparent, clean, with a thousand shades of turquoise and regenerating. It will repay you with a low cost, relaxing holiday full of interesting stimuli.
