Portoferraio, a village on the north- eastern side of the island, built on 1548, is the most populated municipality of the island and it is the second big one of extension after Marciana. It kept intact its ancient urban structure, the majestic forts that surround the city were restructured a few years ago and conserve the whole magic charm. Around the harbour is situated the scenic historical city center, a kind of labyrinth of enchanting streets and alleys that offers splendid views and a funny and lively atmosphere. You will to get lost in typical bars and restaurants , little shops, artisans and gracious boutiques. Portoferraio is not only history and culture, but you will find many heavenly beaches made of white sand or smooth stones and pebbles, equipped beaches or wilder ones, you will find the one made for you. It’s strategic position put you in the middle to choose between different beaches in three directions ( east, north and west), to offer you always a solution to enjoy the day near the sea in base of the wind blowing. Among the places not to be missed in Portoferraio is the church Chiesa della Misericordia and its little museum with memorabilia of Napoleon. But you will find inside objects of great value as well, like a pipe organ, sacred vessels and old furniture or the flag that Napoleon gave to the city and perfectly conserved. There is also a funeral mask in bronze and a cast of his hand. Every year on 5th of May here will be celebrated mass in honor of him. There are other kind of attractions to visit in the city:
Portoferraio
Most important events
29th of April – San Cristino – patron saint of Portoferraio
Month of May – International European Market
5th of May – mass in honor of Napoleone Bonaparte
End of June – Marelba – beach of Le Ghiaie in Portoferraio
Month of July – Fish festival in Loc. Enfola
15th of August – Ferragosto- firework with music and show
End of August – Summer Sales in Portoferraio
September – International festival (Elba Musical Island of Europe)
31th of December – New Year’s Night Party in Portoferraio
Weekly market friday
Military Forts and Lighthouses
Torre della Linguella tower/Linguella Archaeological Museum/ Villa Romana – Calata Buccari, district of Linguella – +39 0565944024/+39 0565917338
Torre del Gallo tower
Forte Stella fortress and lighthouse of Portoferraio
Forte Falcone fortress
Forte Inglese / Nat-Lab Natural Museum of the Tuscan Archipel
Fortezza del Volterraio fortress (Altitude 394m)
Scoglietto di Portoferraio lighthouse, on the Scoglietto di Portoferraio
Historical buildings, museums and theaters
The Villa dei Mulini palace – Piazza Napoleone – +39 0565915846
Villa di San Martino palace– District of San Martino – +39 0565914688
Palazzo della Biscotteria palace – currently the Town Hall – Via Garibaldi 17
Open-Air Museum Italo Bolano and Art Center Italo Bolano – District of San Martino – +39 0565914570 – arte@italobolano.com
Villa Romana delle Grotte roman ruins District of Le Grotte – +39 0565937111
Teatro dei Vigilanti theatre palace (Former deconsecrated church transformed by Napoleon into theater) – Piazza Gramsci 1 – TEL +39 0565 915043
Churches and places of worship
Rectory of Natività di Maria – Piazza della Repubblica
Church of San Cristino or Misericordia
Church of San Marco alle Grotte – District of Le Grotte
Church of Santo Stefano alle Trane – District of Magazzini