Villas in Portoferraio
Portoferraio suits couples and families who want Elba's capital, with Medici forts, Napoleon's homes and the Piombino ferry landing in town. Homes are spread across the comune. Several nearby beaches are pebble, though Biodola and Scaglieri have fine white sand.
- Villas
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About Portoferraio
Elba's capital and main port sits at the foot of a promontory that borders its bay. Cosimo I de' Medici ordered its fortification in 1548 and named it Cosmopoli, and the forts of Falcone, Stella and Linguella are still linked by walls and walkways rising from the Porta di Terra. Napoleon spent his exile here from May 1814 to February 1815, in the Palazzina dei Mulini in town and at Villa San Martino in the countryside. Le Ghiaie, the town beach, is a short walk from the centre, with a promenade of bars and restaurants. Homes are spread out across the comune, some a drive from town.
Is Portoferraio right for you?
- Best for
- Napoleon and Medici history, with the ferry close at hand
- Not for you if
- You want a long sandy beach below the house every morning.
Near Portoferraio
Biodola and Scaglieri
Two small beaches of fine white sand near Portoferraio, split by a short stretch of cliff and usually calm inside the Gulf of Biodola.
Capo Bianco
Snow-white pebble beach below white cliffs, reached by a paid car park and a short flight of steps, and quieter outside high season.
Volterraio Castle
Twelfth-century castle on a hill on the border between Portoferraio and Rio.
Lacona
More than a kilometre of fine, light sand with a gently sloping seabed and pine shade, in the comune of Capoliveri.
Getting to Portoferraio
Fly to Florence and take the train to Piombino Marittima, then walk to the port. Toremar and BluNavy ferries cross to Portoferraio in about an hour, and Moby and Sardinia Ferries also work the route. Homes are spread out, so bring a car across.
When to go to Portoferraio
Elba has a Mediterranean climate: rain falls mostly in autumn, and snow is rare at low level and melts fast. Capo Bianco is quieter outside high season, and the forts and Napoleon's residences give Portoferraio more to do in spring and autumn than a pure beach village.
Villas in Portoferraio
2-star property
2-star property
2-star property
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1-Bedroom Home, Portoferraio
Portoferraio, Elba Island, Italy
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Air ConParkingDishwasher+5 more
Portoferraio villa holidays: questions answered
Does Portoferraio have a town beach?
It does: Le Ghiaie, within easy walking distance of the centre, with sunbeds on part of it and a promenade of bars and restaurants. Behind it is a shaded garden with games and benches.
How long is the ferry from Piombino to Portoferraio?
Around 55 minutes on average, with the quickest crossings about 35 minutes. Toremar and BluNavy run the route, and crossings can take longer at weekends and on holidays.
What Napoleon sites are in Portoferraio?
Two residences. The Palazzina dei Mulini is in the town centre, and Villa San Martino, which Napoleon bought in June 1814, is in the countryside and now a museum with an Egyptian Room celebrating his victory in Egypt.
Are the beaches around Portoferraio sandy?
Some are. Scaglieri and Forno are sandy and Biodola has fine light sand, while Magazzini, Seccione and Capo Bianco, with its snow-white stones, are pebbly.
Nearby towns to Portoferraio
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed November 2026.
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