What to see in Porto Azzurro, the dream village of Elba perfect for the summer

There is a scent that smells of wind and sea, a color that smells of deep blue and a slow rhythm that enters your veins as soon as you set foot in the alleys of Porto Azzurro. If you are wondering what to see in Porto Azzurro , you are in the right place because by continuing reading I will tell you that this pearl of the Island of Elba is not just a port but a small world suspended between history, beauty and Mediterranean dolce vita. The place where every glimpse becomes a postcard, where time seems to stop and summer, well... summer turns into a state of mind. Porto Azzurro is the classic place where you would never want to leave.

What to see in Porto Azzurro

Walking through Porto Azzurro is a bit like leafing through an album of postcards with a Mediterranean flavor, every glimpse surprises you, every detail invites you to slow down. The village is in no hurry and invites you not to be in any hurry either. Because it wants to surprise you by showing itself slowly, one curve after another, one scent after another. If you are wondering what to see in Porto Azzurro , below I will point out some of the many wonders to discover.

The square on the sea that enchants at sunset

It's called Piazza Matteotti , but for everyone it's simply ''the square'': a large open-air living room overlooking the port. You get there after crossing the heart of the village, among little shops and ice cream parlors, know that you will suddenly find yourself in a natural amphitheater that will light up in pink and gold at sunset.

Forte San Giacomo, history with a sea view

If you love stories with a bit of mystery, go up to Forte San Giacomo , built by the Spanish in the 17th century, today it houses a prison (yes, really), but continues to dominate the village from above with its severe grandeur. The view? A marvel that takes in the entire bay. Our advice? Stop halfway, where the vegetation opens like a curtain and take a photo, it will be one of the most beautiful of the trip!

The Church of the Madonna del Carmine

In the heart of Porto Azzurro there is a silent place, rarely visited by hasty tourists: it is the small baroque church dedicated to the Madonna del Carmine, patron saint of fishermen. Come in, breathe the fresh air and let the silence tell you about the most intimate part of the town, the one made of faith, traditions and small daily gestures.

Terranera Pond

There are corners that stick in your eyes and heart, in Porto Azzurro the wow effect is guaranteed practically after every curve and you will discover it practically as soon as you unpack your suitcase! One of these is the Terranera Lake , hidden just beyond the beach of the same name, a bright green body of water, born from an ancient mine and separated from the sea only by a strip of dark sand. Get there on foot, the wow effect is given by the fact that it almost seems like a tropical mirage.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Monserrato

Another place that is worth every step is the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Monserrato , built in the 17th century by a Spanish governor nostalgic for his homeland. Isolated, silent and surrounded by greenery, it overlooks a breathtaking landscape. Climbing there at sunset has something mystical and poignant.

The Belvedere del Poggio is located in the heart of the village of Porto Azzurro, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay of Porto Azzurro, it is ideal for admiring the surrounding landscape and taking photographs. And again, the Via delle Vigne , a path that crosses ancient terraces cultivated with vines, what will you find? Suggestive views of the Elban countryside with paths that will immerse you in the nature and history of the island.

The little mine

Not far from the town center, taking the road towards Rio Marina you can visit the charming little mine . The attraction, designed for both adults and children, takes you back in time, rediscovering the extraction of minerals, an activity strongly linked to the territory. You climb aboard a little train and travel 250 meters inside reconstructed tunnels to learn everything there is to know about how this work was carried out.

The visit ends with the Etruscan mining museum that tells the story of the presence and ingenuity of the Etruscan civilization, already known for being a people with a deep knowledge of minerals. Of particular interest are the faithful reconstructions of the furnaces for the processing of hematite, illustrated in the various phases of fusion.

The most beautiful beaches of Porto Azzurro

Among theislands of Tuscany , this is a real wonder! After all, Elba and you immediately think of its sea, its most famous bays. In Porto Azzurro the sea and its beaches have a thousand shades, if you are still wondering what to see in Porto Azzurro , get ready, because some of its most beautiful beaches are worth a visit.

The closest to the center is Pianotta beach , small, cozy, with transparent water that seems to have come out of an Instagram filter. Ideal if you want to take a quick dip between an ice cream and a coffee. A little further on you will find Barbarossa beach , dark sand, wild nature behind it and waters perfect for snorkeling. It takes its name from a pirate but its real treasure is the morning light, when everything around is still calm and silent.

If you are looking for absolute peace, then the Royal beach is for you: a golden crescent nestled among the greenery. Less crowded, more intimate, perfect if your intention is to enjoy the sea while reading a book. And if you feel like taking a walk, there is a panoramic path that leads from here to the Terranera beach , a small salt lake separated from the sea only by a strip of sand, in short, one of those places that seem to have jumped out of the imagination of a good writer.

With the unmissable Carmignani promenade on the seafront, the little shops and the lively historic center especially during the summer season, Porto Azzurro becomes one of the top destinations on the island of Elba and it is precisely this one of the dream villages where the beaches conquer every type of traveler, ranging from the easiest to reach to the wildest.