One of the things our Gurus often mention when talking Elba is that this little island has a really great range of accommodation, from campsites to affordable B&Bs, family-friendly beach front hotels and converted villas, all the way to seriously luxurious resorts.

For some people Elba is a sunny holiday isle, and if your accomodation dream is some kind of beach resort, then the Gurus definitely have something for you on their list. But if you’re interested in more than just sun and sea, and want to explore Elba’s interior, visiting forts, castles, churches and woodlands, then we think you'll be looking for something a little more historic and unique, and we have a slew of great suggestions for you too.

The majority of Elba’s accommodation is on the northern coast, and most of our recommendations for the best places to stay on Elba certainly are, but there are great options spread widely up and down it, so it’s certainly worth considering whether you’re looking for a waterside break, or whether you'd prefer to be somewhere in the isle’s lush interior, or in a picturesque town.

The Best Places to Stay on Elba

For a Beach Break

• The Hotel Hermitage is one of the largest hotels on our list, with 112 rooms, suites and private cottages, and facilities to match. Most of the accommodation faces the Mediterranean, and is arranged in an arc around the azure bay of Biodola beach, and behind the hotel is the lush green of the Tuscan National Park. Kids will appreciate the size of the suites and cottages, the kids club and activities, and the choice of four restaurants. While adults are more likely to appreciate the wine tastings, spa and gym, and gourmet Italian cuisine.

For an Intimate Escape

• If you're searching for peace in a waterside paradise, the Boutique Hotel Ilio is the one to book. Elba doesn't have a lot in the way of boutique hotels, and Ilio, with its 20 individually themed rooms, regular photographic exhibitions, and restaurant focussed on serving locally sourced wonders, fills that gap nicely. Its location, in Sant’ Andrea, on the north west corner of the island, is quieter, with a coast alternating sand and stone, and a number of excellent restaurants. It’s great value for money too.
• Il Termine is an 18th century stone villa on a wooded plot close to Rio Marina. It offers just six rooms and suites, decorated with a carefully selected collection of art and antiques — that look perfectly in keeping with the charms of the original villa. The contemporary bathrooms, deck and plunge pool, hot tub and sauna do give the game away a bit, but will probably be much appreciated additions. The restaurant specialises in local cuisine, and spills out onto the terrace most evenings.

For Couples

• Il Casale di Monserrato is a lovely 17th century villa turned five room B&B in a tucked-away, cypress-shaded spot in the Valley of Monserrat. Inside the villa is wonderfully Tuscan, with traditional arched ceilings or exposed beams, stone floors and green-shuttered windows, and each of the rooms is arranged and decorated differently. Outside is a lovely terrace and plunge pool, and lush gardens.

For Great Value

• The Indarsena B&B is a simply converted traditional townhouse in the heart of Portoferraio, a short stroll from La Padulella Beach. Its four guest rooms feel bright and fresh, and the breakfast room is the same. Plus there are self-catering facilities if you need them.
• The Marina Garden Hotel is in Marciana Marina, the smallest village on Elba, on the northern coast behind a pebble-y stretch of coastline. Its 42 rooms and suites are simply decorated, in a contemporary, slightly industrial style, and feature works by local artists. The deck and pool are a relaxing place to hang out, and there are some great bars, restaurants and cafes in the village.

For an apartment or villa

• Explore the options at our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Elba has its own airport: Elba Airport (though it only operates during the busiest season) and has connections to Florence, Lugano, Pisa, Milan and Zurich among other destinations. Otherwise the nearest airport is Pisa Airport, from which it’s a train to Piombino, followed by a ferry trip across the water. Allow about four and a half hours to make this leg of your journey in that way, or you can drive it in about two and a half — including the car ferry.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Weather-wise, Elba's obviously nicest in the summer months — in July the average daily temperature rises to 25°C. This however is peak tourist season, so if you fancy a quieter and cheaper time to visit then consider May or September.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include the best places to stay in Tuscany
• Consider staying on the Tuscan coast
• Or, you could contact one of our friendly gurus for personalised advice.