Portoferraio Yacht Charter

On the Island of Elba within the Tuscan Archipelago, Portoferraio is a popular luxury yacht charter destination that has a well-developed port, access to stunning natural surroundings and excellent connections to the nearby islands of Corsica and Sardinia.

There are two main reasons why you have to visit Portoferraio during your holiday in Italy: The panoramic view of the verdant landscape, and structures teeming with rich culture and history. Those imposing towers and walls of the old city will instantly catch your attention as soon as you arrive in this quaint and small settlement. Of course, you will also enjoy the typical Mediterranean charm that pervades top yacht charter holiday destinations in the region.

Portoferraio was created by the infamous Medici family to counter the growing clout and power of the Spaniards in the region. It is important to note that the old town dates further back, and historians in fact associate the Portoferraio of today with the old iron mines, hence its name which literally mean Italy’s 'Iron Port'.

Despite being severely devastated during WWII, this quaint port city was able to retain and restore majority of its important landmarks and archaeological masterpieces, and these include the imposing fortress that surrounds the old city - Forte Falcone and Forte Stella - which were built by Cosimo de Medici.

When ore extraction activities started to wane during the latter part of the 70s, Portoferraio gradually became an important tourist destination, thanks in part for its being the place where Napoleon Bonaparte gasped his last breathe while in exile. Having the most number of public services and offices, Portoferraio is considered in tourist circuits as the capital of the Island of Elba.

5 quick reasons to visit Portoferraio:

White sand beaches, Plentiful Scuba dive sites, Family friendly activities, Historic location, Tranquil ambiance

More about this part of the Mediterranean

The enchanting coast of Tuscany is known throughout the world for its Mediterranean beauty teeming with ancient ruins, sensational restaurants and an abundance of beaches and Scuba dive sites to bring out the very best elements of coastal travel by sailing yacht or motor yacht.

Elba is ideally located in the Italy yacht charter grounds for inclusion into a number of itineraries that take in the best of what the region has to offer: To the north is the Italian Riviera with the Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site, the lavish Forte dei Marmi with its upscale shops, restaurants and nightlife, and the magnificent old port city of Livorno.

To the west are Corsica and Sardinia, which are known respectively for having 300+ magnificent beaches and the very best of the luxury yachting lifestyle with regular summer regattas from Porto Cervo.

A cruise south will take visitors past Rome to the Amalfi Coast luxury yacht charter grounds, while a shorter trip north west will have luxury yacht charter guests engaged with the wonders of the French Riviera.

Portofarraio Yacht Charter Experiences

Portoferraio is a popular yacht charter holiday and luxury yachting destination and Elba as a whole is known for its wonderful beaches set among dramatic coastlines. Once having one of the largest lodes of iron in all of Italy, Portofarraio was a small port city that exported iron ore, but now luxury yachts ply this area of Italy in search of its distinct character that sends us traveling back in time to marvel the old glory of ancient Italy.

The port city of Portoferraio is located some 20 km from the mainland, and most tourists and yacht charter aficionados arrive in the city by taking the ferry service operating from Piombino, which is the closest port city to Portoferraio from the mainland. Without their own transport across the water, most tourists are relegated to exploring on land and following the roads to reach the beaches. As a result, there are many sandy coves that are accessible only to luxury yacht charter groups, and it is possible to have your own candlelit dinner beside the waves with just your loved ones in attendance.

Portoferraio allows you to take life at leisure when so many of its attractions are within easy walking distance: Close to the impressive tower that is Palazzina dei Mulini, there is the 18th Century church Chiesa Reverenda Misericordia, while Forte Falcone lies a few streets to the west, while restaurants and bars such as Molo G Osteria Portuale, Ristorante Grill Bitta 20 and Bar Navigar M'è Dolce are located right next to the marina for a delectable change to your on board meals.

Four exceptional white sand beaches lie along the north coast and continue west into the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, where there is a trail to the top of Monte Enfola for sweeping views of the city and the surrounding shimmering waters.

Other old structures with historical importance that yacht charter enthusiasts visit when they spend their holiday in Portoferraio include the Church of Santissimo Sacramento and the open-air museum of Villa romana della Linguella.

These are just a few of the reasons why you should include Portoferraio in your itinerary the next time you spend your luxury yacht charter holiday in Italy.

Things to Consider:

Yachting Seasons & Climate:

July and August are the hottest and driest months, experiencing a comfortable average of 25°C/77°F, whereas November is the wettest and January the coldest at 10°C/50°F.

The sea temperatures are warmest in August at 25°C/77°F, and from June through to October the seas are comfortable above 20°C/68°F.

Clothing to Pack For Your Charter:

While in town, visitors should dress smart-casual to fit in with the smart local dress code as well as other guests at the marina restaurants and bars. When visiting religious sites, shoulders and thighs should be covered.

A sturdy pair of walking boots should be included for any up-hill journeys, and for the cooler evenings a thin layer for warmth and to keep off the winds is recommended.

Main Ports and Marinas:

Porto Farraio Marina, Marina di Campo, Porto Azzurro Marina, Rio Marina

Famous Restaurants & Clubs:

Molo G Osteria Portuale restaurant, Ristorante Grill Bitta 20 restaurant, Bar Navigar M'è Dolce

A Must See Attraction:

Palazzina dei Mulini, Forte Falcone, Bastioni Medicei, Chiesa Reverenda Misericordia, Church of Santissimo Sacramento, Villa romana della Linguella, Tuscan Archipelago National Park, Monte Enfola

Best beaches to visit in your yacht:

Spiaggia di Capo Bianco, Spiaggia di Sottobomba, Spiaggia Seccione, Spiaggia La Sorgente, Spiaggia di Sansone, Spiaggia della Lamaia, Spiaggia di Ripa Barata, Spiaggia dei Mangani

Local Yacht Events:

San Ranieri Palio Regatta (Tuscany), Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta (Sardinia), Maxi Yacht Rolex Club (Sardinia)

Best time to go:

The Mediterranean summer yacht charter season is the best time to go, when the weather is at its finest and services for luxury yachts are fully operational. For those looking for a quieter experience and aren't too worried about slightly cooler temperatures, the spring and autumn shoulder seasons are less busy and the sites are still as breath-taking.

Further Charter Information

Yacht Rentals Available: Go here for the current list of yacht rentals in Portoferraio.

Full Italy Yacht Charter Guide: Go here for the essential Italy yacht charter guide.

Italy Itineraries: Here is a selection of broker itineraries for Italy.

News: Read the latest superyacht news about Portoferraio.