Sailing around Elba – Join a sailing trip with sailwithus

Learn More About Sailing Around Elba

Arrival and departure

For your sailing trip to Elba, it’s best to choose a connection to Pisa or Florence. From there, you can easily reach Follonica or Punta Ala on your own by train or car. You’ll meet your crew and skipper at the marina between 2 and 4 p.m. Don’t worry if you arrive later – your arrival time is flexible. A week before your trip, we’ll set up a WhatsApp group so you can connect with your fellow sailors in advance. Detailed information about the marina will be shared with you a few days before departure. On Friday between 3 and 6 p.m., you’ll return to the marina. You’re welcome to spend the final night on board before leaving the yacht together on Saturday morning at 9 a.m.

Sailing Around Elba: Explore the Mediterranean on Your Sailing Trip!

With its mild climate and clear waters, Elba offers the perfect sailing area in the Mediterranean. Your sailing trip will take you to the island’s most beautiful bays and beaches. You can swim in turquoise waters, explore colorful fishing harbors, and enjoy the island’s unique nature. The charming town of Portoferraio is especially inviting, with its historic fortress and winding alleys waiting to be discovered.

Elba captivates with its green hills, white sandy beaches, and authentic Mediterranean lifestyle. On your sailing trip, you’ll discover secluded anchorages all to yourself. Inland, a fascinating landscape of forests and small villages awaits – perfect for short hikes during your shore excursions. Immerse yourself in the Italian way of life, experience warm hospitality, and enjoy fresh Italian cuisine during your stops in the harbors.

Elba and the surrounding islands offer everything a sailor’s heart desires: crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and the unmatched nature of the Tuscan Archipelago – the complete package for your dream sailing holiday!

Airport Pisa or Florence. Next stop: the most beautiful islands around Elba

Sailing with a skipper on a yacht in Tuscany takes you to some of the most beautiful and untouched islands in Italy. Around Elba, in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, countless idyllic islets await discovery. One sailing trip is hardly enough to explore all these hidden gems. The Tuscan Archipelago consists of around 50 islands, many of which are uninhabited. Between sailing legs, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and explore the picturesque landscapes. Along the pine-lined sandy beaches, you can unwind and dip your feet into the clear water.

Elba, the largest island of the archipelago, is often called the jewel of the Mediterranean. The moment you stand on the coast and take in the gentle hills, dramatic cliffs, and secluded coves, you’ll understand why. Ever heard of Capraia? This volcanic island lies nearby and captivates with its rugged yet fascinating landscape. Another highlight is the island of Pianosa, where you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters and discover unique wildlife. And in the villages scattered across the islands, you’ll find the best of Tuscan cuisine – some even say it’s the finest food in the entire region.

Book your holiday with Italian flair

Italy is known for its warm hospitality and relaxed way of life – and you’ll experience both firsthand on your sailing trip through Tuscany. The people of Elba live in harmony with nature and uphold the traditions of their ancestors. You can gain insights into Elban culture, for example, by visiting the Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon’s former residence. The locals are proud of their history and heritage – take the time to explore the island and immerse yourself in the local way of life.

And one more exciting encounter might await you on your journey: don’t be surprised if you spot a turtle during one of your shore excursions on Elba! These fascinating creatures live peacefully in the island’s protected bays. Hike through the island’s gentle hills and you’ll reach viewpoints with breathtaking panoramas over the Mediterranean. Watch fishing boats glide into the picturesque harbor of Porto Azzurro and deliver their fresh catch straight to the local restaurants. And in the cozy beach bars, you can enjoy a refreshing lemonade – the perfect treat after an eventful day on the water.

Sailing Trip around Elba and Capraia

Sailing with your crew on board, there’s no way around exploring the sailing paradise of Elba and its surrounding islands. This region offers more than just idyllic beaches: untouched coves, volcanic rock formations, and charming harbor towns await you. Large parts of Elba are part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, which includes seven islands – complete with beaches, forests, and breathtaking views. With your yacht charter, you have the opportunity to snorkel right off the coast of Elba or sail to the picturesque harbors of Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio. You’ll be surprised: Elba is also a favorite among hikers and cyclists, thanks to its many trails offering fantastic views of the Mediterranean.
Your sailing adventure around Elba is ready to begin!

A few nautical miles from Elba lies the rugged yet captivating volcanic island of Capraia. Only a handful of fishermen live here, and the landscape remains almost untouched. The crystal-clear waters around the island are a paradise for snorkeling and diving. Mass tourism is nowhere to be found, allowing you to enjoy the island’s tranquility and beauty almost entirely on your own. With a bit of luck, you might even spot dolphins along the coast, curiously swimming around your boat.

Of Turtles, Lighthouses, and Picturesque Islands

Their names may not sound as exotic as those in Thailand, but the islands around Elba are just as fascinating. A sailing trip through Tuscany is well worth a detour to islands like Pianosa and Montecristo, both known for their wild nature and rich history. Pianosa, once a prison island, is now a protected nature reserve with crystal-clear waters and a vibrant underwater world. Even on Elba itself, there are plenty of places where you can spot turtles or colorful schools of fish while snorkeling. Just off the coast lies the striking Faro Isola Palmaiola – a lighthouse perched on a tiny, almost forgotten island. It’s the perfect place to enjoy pure solitude and watch the sunset in complete peace. Sailing in Tuscany means adventure, relaxation, and discovering one of the most beautiful and authentic island regions in the Mediterranean.

Where does the wind come from when sailing around Elba?

Admittedly, the climate around Elba is pleasantly Mediterranean, with warm summers and mild winters – perfect for a relaxing sailing trip. Especially in the summer months from May to September, the consistent winds offer ideal conditions to explore the Tuscan islands at ease. With temperatures around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius and a gentle westerly wind blowing at about 3 to 4 Beaufort, sailing is very enjoyable. The wind isn’t too strong, so even beginners can feel safe and comfortable. In spring and autumn, winds can be a bit stronger, which is great news for experienced sailors looking for a bit more adventure. During the colder months, stronger and more unpredictable winds are common, along with occasional rain, making this period more suitable for seasoned sailors. Our tip: Plan your sailing trip for the summer months to enjoy the best weather conditions and anchor effortlessly in the many stunning bays around the islands.

Prices for sailing holidays around Elba

Before you send off a request, one question naturally arises: How much does a sailing trip around Elba cost? Compared to sailing destinations like Greece or the Caribbean, the costs for a sailing holiday in Tuscany are in a similar range. However, flights and travel are often cheaper, as Elba and the surrounding ports are easily accessible. The yacht charter itself is the biggest cost factor, but by sharing a double cabin or sailing on a catamaran, the expenses can be well distributed. As for the rest of the holiday: you can save on accommodation and food since you’ll be shopping together and cooking on board most of the time.

You definitely shouldn’t miss out on the Italian cuisine! Delicacies like fresh pasta, seafood, and of course gelato can be found in the harbors and villages at affordable prices. A plate of pasta at a small local restaurant costs around €10, and a glass of wine about €4. Even leisure activities, such as visiting historical sites or small museums, are budget-friendly—usually around €5 to €10 per person.
For transport from the marina to the nearest town, you can often take a taxi or use local buses, which are also inexpensive.

Can’t get enough of sailing holidays? Then discover many more amazing sailing areas in Tuscany and beyond with us. Start your next sailing adventure around Elba – with breathtaking sunsets on deck, delicious Italian specialties, and unforgettable sailing action!