Elba Island Italy: The Tuscan Beach Escape Tourists Miss

Send us Fan MailAfter a week in Puglia and another on the Amalfi Coast, we headed to Elba Island and it ended up being one of the most unexpected highlights of the trip.In this episode, we’re sharing what it’s really like to visit Elba, from beach hopping and hiking to the things no one warns you about, like jellyfish stings and the tiny fish that bite your feet. We stayed in Rio nell'Elba, a quieter part of the island that gave us a more local feel and easy access to some of our favorite spots.We break down the beaches you should actually go to, including Spiaggia di Cavoli and Spiaggia di Polombaia, what to expect when you get there, and why Elba feels completely different from places like Amalfi. We also talk about visiting Napoleon's Residence, where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled, plus some of our favorite moments from the trip, including octopus sightings, charcoal ice cream, and the spiciest pizza we’ve had in Italy.If you’re looking for a beach destination in Italy that is less crowded, more relaxed, and still full of incredible scenery, Elba might be exactly what you’re looking for.We’ll also be sharing a full Elba beach guide on the site this week.Support the show