Ferry from Portoferraio to Piombino

Portoferraio Guide

The Italian town of Portoferraio is located in the Province of Livorno, on the edge of the harbour on the island of Elba. The town's name is derived from the Italian for "Iron Port", after the iron mills in and around the city. It is because of these mills that facilitated the city's growth during the 19th century. During this period the town became the main shipping port of profitable iron ore towards the mainland. Thanks to Napoleon's stay, as he was exiled in Elba in 1814 after his defeats in Europe and his forced abdication, Portoferraio and the entire island enjoyed an age of glory.

Arriving from the sea, Portoferraio seems like a bay, protected from pirates by it bastions which provide shelter from the sea. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the town are its ancient bastions and historic walls, which are fairly well preserved, and were built to provide protection to the town. Located nearby is the hamlet of Le Grotte, where visitors can see remains of a Roman villa dating back to the Imperial period. Until 1960, the ruins were covered by shrubs and plants, but excavation showed the extent of the complex with wall sin opus reticulatum, large terraces overlooking the sea and a pool with heating and water cycle system.

Ferry services from the town's harbour depart to Plombino, Bastia and Cavo.

Piombino Guide

The Italian town of Piombino was once the ancient port of Felesia and today provides its many visitors with two splendid viewpoints that enable visitors to fully appreciate the town's amazing coastline. Providing stunning views over the sea is the natural terrace of Piazza Bovio and at the old port visitors will find the perfect location to sit and watch the hive of activity in the fishing port, along with its daily auction. The town is characterised by its paved streets that are lined with restaurants and wine bars and where delicious local food and wine can be sampled. In fact, the region has a strong links with gastronomy which includes the local growing of Baccala and potatoes and its local fish stew which contains Caciucco, Cuttlefish and stewed or stuffed Mussels. Piombino's 'Little Paris' district, named in reference to the rule of Elisa Bonaparte, contains a number of historic buildings that serve to remind visitors of the city's importance during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. These include the Rivellino, the Palazzo Nuovo, and the 16th century castle built by Cesare Borgia to defend the city.

From the port of Piombino ferries depart direct to the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago (Elba Island is just 10km from the coast), as well as to Sardinia and Corsica.