This calm fishing village on Elba's eastern coast has a 17th-century Spanish fortress and a beach lined with local seafood restaurants near its yacht-filled marina.
Porto Azzurro sits in the Gulf of Mola on Elba Island's eastern coast. Fishing boats and yachts fill its sheltered harbor, while locals and visitors gather at cafes along Piazza Matteotti. You can swim at Terranera beach where the sand sparkles with hematite minerals, explore the 17th-century San Giacomo Fortress perched 100 meters above sea level, or walk to the hilltop Sanctuary of Madonna di Montserrat with its Black Madonna statue.
The Historic Center and Piazza Matteotti
Piazza Matteotti opens directly onto the sea, with small streets branching out to shops and restaurants built on stilts above the water. From June through September, you can watch concerts and cultural events in the square. Within a 5-minute walk, you'll find the 18th-century Madonna del Carmine Church and the Chapel of Sacred Heart of Mary.
Beaches and Swimming
Several distinct beaches line the coast around Porto Azzurro. Walk the 800-meter Carmignana promenade to reach Barbarossa beach, where clear water makes it easy to spot fish while snorkeling. At Terranera beach, the dark sand contains hematite minerals that create a glittering effect, and next to it sits a lake with emerald-green water from mineral deposits. You can also swim at Reale beach, Rossa beach, and Pianotta, which alternate between rocky sections and sandy stretches.
San Giacomo Fortress
Built in 1603 by Don Garcia de Toledo, the San Giacomo Fortress follows the architectural design of Antwerp's fortress. While it now functions as a prison and you can't enter the building, a walk around its exterior walls gives you views across the Gulf of Mola and Elba's eastern coast.
Mining History
One kilometer from the town center, the Little Mine demonstrates Elba's mining past through underground tunnels and equipment displays. You can watch demonstrations of traditional mining methods and examine local mineral specimens. These mining activities shaped places like Terranera beach, where iron deposits create distinctive red and green colors in both the sand and water.
Religious Sites and Festivals
Walk 1.5 kilometers uphill to find the Sanctuary of Madonna di Montserrat, built in 1606. Inside, you'll see a Black Madonna statue similar to one in Spain. The town celebrates two main festivals: the Feast of Madonna di Montserrat on September 8, and Fisherman's Day on July 25. During these celebrations, you can join religious ceremonies, browse food stalls, and watch fireworks illuminate the bay.
