Introduction
Elba Island is a sailor’s paradise. Its crystal‑clear waters, sandy bottoms and spectacular landscapes make it one of the most popular destinations in the Tyrrhenian Sea . In this guide compiled by the staff of Hotel Giardino, you will find a selection of the most beautiful and safe bays and roadsteads where you can drop anchor. The article also explains how to rent a boat, what weather and sea conditions to expect, the local rules for anchoring, services at the main ports and why Hotel Giardino is an ideal base for exploring the island.
Elba offers a wide variety of anchorages to suit different boat types and travellers: from secluded coves perfect for peace and quiet to large protected bays where you can spend the night safely . Among the most popular are the roadstead of Portoferraio, one of the safest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, and the stunning Fetovaia bay with its turquoise sea and sandy bottom that provides a secure hold . Other noteworthy spots include Biodola (ideal with southerly winds) and Procchio (well protected from easterly winds). For lovers of wild nature, anchoring at Enfola offers breathtaking views and crystalline waters .
Below you will find detailed information on each anchorage, followed by advice on boat rentals, sea and weather conditions, local regulations, ports and moorings, and a summary of facilities near Hotel Giardino.
Recommended Anchorages
Key anchorages and their characteristics
The table below summarises the most attractive and protected anchorages around Elba Island. It highlights their location, typical anchoring depth, the winds they shelter from and notable features, helping you choose a safe spot depending on the weather .
| Anchorage & Location | Depth / Bottom | Protected from winds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rada di Portoferraio (northern Elba) | 5–30 m; muddy bottom | Complete shelter in all directions | One of the safest natural harbours in the Mediterranean; a buoy field (“Campo boe Luigi”) with ~20 moorings provides extra security . |
| Golfo di Viticcio (Procchio) – north coast | 10–15 m; sandy bottom | Protected from N–NE winds (Grecale) due to Capo d’Enfola | Intense turquoise water; “swimming‑pool” effect when the south‑easterly Scirocco blows . |
| Fetovaia (Marina di Campo) – south‑west | 7–10 m; sandy bottom | Ideal with northerly winds (Grecale) | White sand beach; calm under all north winds . |
| Laconella (Golfo di Lacona) – south coast | 2–5 m; sandy bottom | Sheltered from dominant summer winds (Maestrale) | Shallow waters with clear blue colours; good snorkelling . |
| Spiaggia di Norsi (Golfo Stella) – south‑east | 3–5 m; sandy bottom | Shelters from NW (Maestrale) and SE (Scirocco) | Wild bay rarely crowded; emerald‑green water . |
| Punta Calamita – Remaiolo (Capoliveri, SE) | 3–5 m; sandy bottom | Protected from N–NE and NW winds | Anchoring near Remaiolo island; excellent snorkelling; caution if there are strong east‑west swells . |
| Cala di Mola (Porto Azzurro) – east coast | 10–15 m; muddy bottom | Protected from westerly (Libeccio) winds | Equipped port inside the gulf; mooring field with good holding . |
Choosing the right anchorage
Wind plays a decisive role when choosing where to anchor. For example, the roadstead of Portoferraio is safe from every direction because the bay is completely enclosed . Viticcio on the north coast is well protected by Capo d’Enfola from northern winds, while the turquoise waters shimmer intensely when the south‑east Scirocco blows . On the south‑west side, Fetovaia offers a reliable sandy bottom that is stable under northerly winds . In the Gulf of Lacona, the beach of Laconella provides safe anchoring in just a few metres of water and shelters from the Maestrale prevailing in summer . The wild Golfo Stella and Norsi bay are quiet corners sheltered from the Mistral and Scirocco . On the east side, Cala di Mola near Porto Azzurro protects from westerly winds thanks to its muddy bottom .
Renting Boats and Dinghies
Elba has numerous boat rental agencies offering inflatable boats, motorboats and sailing yachts. Examples include Rent Boats Bagnaia in Bagnaia (Portoferraio), Experience 360 in Naregno (Capoliveri), Sailing My Way in Marciana Marina, Spazio Mare in Porto Azzurro and Free Time Margidore and Margidore Yacht Club in Capoliveri . Fleets range from licence‑free small dinghies to sailing yachts with or without skipper .
Prices vary widely depending on the season, duration and type of boat. In high season the daily cost for a medium‑sized motorboat or yacht is around €400–500, while small dinghies in low season may cost €150–250 per day . Many companies include basic equipment such as life jackets and VHF radio and offer optional extras (fuel, skipper, transfers) . Boats up to around 40 hp usually do not require a nautical licence; larger engines or sailing yachts do . Booking well in advance is highly recommended during summer. To find deals, check price‑comparison websites or contact agencies directly for special requests like paddle boards, snorkelling gear or licence‑free options .
Weather and Sea Conditions
Elba’s climate is typically Mediterranean: summers (June–September) are warm and sunny with frequent sea breezes . The dominant winds in summer are the Maestrale (north‑west) and Libeccio (south‑west), which generally leave the sea calm inside protected bays . Pockets of afternoon humidity are often replaced by a NE sea‑breeze (thermal wind) in central hours. In spring and autumn, the south‑easterly Scirocco and north‑easterly Grecale may blow more strongly, occasionally causing choppy seas . Weather reports commonly forecast little or no swell during summer .
Local promontories such as Capo Poro, Capo Calamita, Porto Azzurro and Punta degli Scarpi can intensify gusts, whereas bays like Lacona, Golfo Stella and Fetovaia provide good protection . In bad weather, the main ports (Portoferraio, Porto Azzurro, Marina di Campo) or sheltered roadsteads become safe havens . For example, sailors sleeping in the Portoferraio roadstead rest easy even in adverse conditions . When the Scirocco or Libeccio blows strongly, it is better to anchor in bays exposed to north or east winds, such as Golfo Stella, or use buoy fields . Always check up‑to‑date marine forecasts before sailing, especially in autumn when weather fronts can be unstable .
Local Regulations on Anchoring
Anchoring around Elba is subject to the rules of the Harbourmaster’s Office and the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. In 2024 Portoferraio introduced Ordinance No. 30/2024, redefining anchorage zones: commercial vessels must use designated areas while recreational boats must stay in the assigned sections . It is forbidden to drop anchor in the harbour entrance channel, under submarine power cables (keep at least ¼ nautical mile away) and in areas reserved for ferries . Within ports, follow buoy lines and horizontal markings to avoid fines .
In open water it is prudent to stay at least 200 m from bathing beaches and not enter marked swimming zones . The National Park has strict protective zones: in “Zone 1” (integral reserves like around Pianosa and Montecristo) anchoring is absolutely forbidden . In “Zone 2” (protected but less restrictive) anchoring is allowed but fishing is banned; no anchoring within one nautical mile of Pianosa or near Montecristo . Local municipalities may impose seasonal restrictions in marine protected areas. For current rules, contact the harbourmaster (Portoferraio VHF channel 9) or consult the official Coast Guard website .
Port Services and Moorings
Elba is surrounded by well‑equipped ports on all sides, each offering different facilities :
- Portoferraio – Darsena Medicea: the main tourist harbour with about 70 berths (vessels up to 65 m; depth up to 6.5 m). Facilities include potable water, electricity, toilets, Wi‑Fi and a fuel station . There is also a private buoy field (~20 boats) and a shipyard (Esaom‑Cesa) with travel lift and cranes up to 60 t .
- Marciana Marina (Circolo Vela Marciana): the northern port (about 280 berths; depths 0–8/9 m) offers mooring assistance, water, electricity and nearby fuel . The village beach is a short walk away. A separate buoy field at Procchio (“La Guardiola”) holds about 30 moorings .
- Marina di Campo: a small marina for boats up to ~25 m with depths to 7 m. It offers mooring assistance, toilets, weather services, fuel, haul‑out ramp, crane and water and electricity on the quay . Nearby you will find bars, restaurants and essential shops .
- Porto Azzurro (Marina Porto Azzurro): located in the Gulf of Mola with 110 berths and depths up to 10 m, this marina provides water, electricity, toilets, dinghy rental and a fuel station (Molo IV Novembre). It is sheltered from westerly winds and lies next to the historic village .
- Rio Marina & Cavo: Rio Marina has two main docks. Porto del Cavo has about 180 berths (depth 1–4 m) with water, electricity and toilets nearby . North of town, Cantieri/Marina del Cavo (Vecchio Scali) offers 50 berths (depth 2.5–3.5 m) plus lifting facilities and Internet . The Circolo Nautico Cavo has about 100 berths (0.5–2 m) with fuel nearby .
- Fuel Stations: Fuel docks are available at the main ports – Portoferraio (Molo Gallo), Marciana Marina, Marina di Campo, Porto Azzurro and Cavo. Check opening hours before setting sail .
- Parking and ferries: All ports are reachable by road and have parking areas. Hotel Giardino offers a convenient car park and can help book ferry tickets to and from Elba .
Hotel Giardino – The Ideal Base
Hotel Giardino is a family‑run hotel in the heart of the Gulf of Lacona, set in a 30,000 m² park. It lies less than 100 m from the wide sandy beach of Lacona, accessible on foot via protected coastal dunes . The atmosphere is informal and welcoming, with a bright dining room serving buffet breakfasts with home‑baked products and dinners featuring Elban specialities . Many rooms offer views of the sea or countryside and feature comfort such as air conditioning, private bathroom and, in some cases, balconies or garden access .
Guests enjoy free Wi‑Fi in the common areas, covered bicycle storage and partnerships with local diving centres for excursions . The hotel can provide discounted ferry tickets, has a large private car park and is pet‑friendly . Thanks to its strategic position, you can reach Marina di Campo, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio in 10–15 minutes by car . These towns offer shops, restaurants, markets and cultural sites such as the Medici fortress and Napoleon’s residence in Portoferraio . The surrounding hills around Lacona are a paradise for hiking and mountain‑bike lovers, with trails running to Monte Calamita, Monte Capanne and other peaks offering spectacular views over the entire Tuscan Archipelago . Hotel Giardino therefore combines proximity to the sea with excellent services and quick access to Elba’s attractions .
Exploring the Surroundings
The area around Lacona and Capoliveri is rich in sites to discover. Besides the well‑equipped Lacona beach, nearby you will find the quiet cove of Laconella and the small bay of Zuccale . Just a few kilometres away lies Capoliveri, an ancient hilltop village famous for its sea views and the Capo Calamita peninsula with iron‑ore mines and trails through maquis and red cliffs . About 15–20 minutes to the north‑east is Porto Azzurro, a picturesque seaside town with a charming square and Barbarossa beach . A little further (around 30 minutes’ drive) is Portoferraio, home to Napoleon’s residence, museums and medieval forts . Those who enjoy hiking can take the cable car from Marciana to Monte Capanne or follow trails in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park . The Enfola promontory is also close by, offering a natural bay, snorkelling tours and short nature walks . From Hotel Giardino you can therefore easily explore both the golden coasts and the hilly interior of Elba .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How close to shore can I anchor? For safety and bathing protection, it is advisable to drop anchor no closer than about 8–10 m from the shore, depending on depth, and keep a respectful distance from busy beaches . Municipal regulations often stipulate a 200 m buffer from bathing zones .
Do I need permission to use a buoy field? Buoy fields (“campi boe”) around Elba are managed by private operators or yacht clubs. Generally, no official permit is required beyond booking through the managing company. Some fields are reserved for camping or hotel guests, while others rent moorings by the day . Examples include fields at Portoferraio (“Blumarine”, ~20 buoys), Marciana Marina (“Ormeggi da Massimo”, 48 buoys), Lacona/Margidore (84 buoys), the Bay of Mola (81 buoys) and the Gulf of Mola (~200 buoys) . These systems protect vegetated sea‑beds and make mooring easier without anchoring .
What are winter sea conditions like? From October to April the sea can be very rough due to Atlantic storms and strong Grecale or Scirocco winds. Water temperatures drop to around 12–14 °C in January–February . Only experienced sailors with well‑equipped boats venture out during winter.
Which is the nearest port to Hotel Giardino? The closest tourist port is Marina di Campo (about 10 km away) . Here you’ll find fuel, shipyard facilities and a small marina. Porto Azzurro (15 km) and Rio Marina (25 km) also offer fully equipped harbours .
Does Hotel Giardino offer special deals? Hotel Giardino has agreements with sports events such as the Capoliveri Legend Cup and the Elbaman Triathlon. Guests can also obtain discounts on ferry tickets for reaching the island. The hotel restaurant serves appreciated cuisine with options for special diets and children . Reviews highlight the friendly staff and the excellent value for money .
Conclusion
Elba Island is a treasure trove for sailors and holidaymakers alike. Its bays, coves and roadsteads offer safe havens for all winds, while the crystal waters invite snorkelling and relaxation. Knowing where to anchor, how to hire a boat, what the weather conditions are and the local rules ensures a smooth and enjoyable stay. Combining these experiences with a stay at Hotel Giardino allows guests to enjoy the island’s diverse landscapes and cultural sites from a comfortable and welcoming base. Whether you plan to spend your days at sea or explore the hills and villages, this guide helps you discover the best of Elba from the unique perspective of the water.