Move Over Capri! This Gorgeous Italian Island Has Cheaper Prices & Less Crowds

Vespa rides into blood-orange sunsets, lemon sorbet, served in actual lemon shells, and of course, the postcard-ready pebbly beaches hugged by azure seas…

There are many reasons why Capri is on everyone’s bucket list these days, but it’s not Italy’s only idyllic island getaway on offer.

Gorgeous as it may be, however, the jet-setting spot is not exactly for vacationing if you can’t stand the crowds, or you’re on a budget—though it has only 13,000 inhabitants, it has an average of 177 tourists per resident.

On top of that, hotels in Capri cost between $267–$498 per night, making it one of the priciest Mediterranean destinations out there, according to Budget Your Trip.

If you’re still dreaming of that dolce vita, you might want to consider Elba: located off the Tuscan Coast, it’s quieter, more affordable, and not an ounce less pretty.

How Come You’ve Never Heard Of Elba Before?

Capri may be Italy’s postcard island, and a jet-setting destination frequented by the rich and famous, but Elba holds the key to la dolce vita:

A very small island, at only 11 miles from north to south, and 17 miles east to west, at its widest point, it lies off the coast of Tuscany, hundreds of miles away from the overtouristed Amalfi Coast.

A hidden paradise steeped in ancient history, it’s somewhere you go to slow down, savor locally-sourced wine and food without paying exorbitant prices, and absorb the culture without the constant push and pull of the crowds.

A Gorgeous Coastal Capital

Whether you’re flying in from other parts of Italy or taking the ferry over from Piombino, on the Tuscan mainland, your trip to Elba is likely to start in Portoferraio:

The largest settlement, home to over 12,000 out of Elba’s estimated 31,000 inhabitants, it is distinguished by its pastel-colored edifices, scenic waterfront, and a host of medieval landmarks.

To all our fellow History buffs out there, it is, in fact, best known for serving as Napoleon Bonaparte’s home in exile in 1814, and you can still visit two of the villas he was confined to, at Villa dei Mullini and Villa San Martino.

We would suggest you book tickets in advance, as entry slots may be limited.

Predating the Napoleonic Era, the trio of Medici Fortresses is yet another must-see: built in the 16th century under the auspices of Italy’s famous aristocratic family.

The most strikingly beautiful out of the three is undoubtedly Forte Stella, due to its seaside location and landmark lighthouse.

Is Elba Italy’s Most Underrated Foodie Destination?

Elba is one of Italy’s most underrated foodie hotspots, and we truly can’t fathom why the masses haven’t spoiled it.

You can certainly find freshly-caught fish, hand-pulled pasta, and all the other good stuff all over the island, but if you’re looking for recommendations, La Cisterna is one spot you shouldn’t miss out on:

Located in the heart of Portoferraio, it’s a family-run trattoria serving stone-oven pizzas and delicious seafood fritters.

Another one of our favorites is Molo G Osteria Portuale, housed in a former fisherman’s warehouse, as authentic as it gets—and if we may add, the bluefish served here is out-of-this-world.

In general, you should budget around $18–$30 per meal. We’re talking a small starter, a main dish or some pizza, and a glass of Vermentino, or the signature Elba Bianco.

Beautiful Mediterranean Beaches

Unlike Capri, which is just too rugged and volcanic in nature, Elba doubles as an excellent beach destination.

Whereas in the famous Southern Italian island, the sea is largely there to be admired from a safe distance, here you get actual swimming sites. 

Le Ghiaie is famous for its glistening white pebbles, while Capo Bianco, a short 12-minute bus ride away from the main port, has deserted coves and Caribbean-like teal seas.

If you’re not exactly a fan of pebbles, you’ll be glad to know Elba has that one sandy beach at Spiaggia di Fetovia.

It can get quite busy in the peak summer months, though, so we’d advise you to get here early to secure a good spot.

A Land Of Adventures

There’s a lot more Elba has to offer on the nature and culture front, whether you’re the adventurous kind, or you’re simply chasing after those picturesque Italian towns where time seems to have stood still for centuries on end.

For instance, there’s a cable car taking you from the coast, all the way up to Monte Capanne, the highest peak on the island, at over 3,343 feet above sea level—or you can simply hike your way up there while taking in the views.

The famous Trail No. 101 starting from the coastal village of Marciana Alta takes around 6 hours round trip.

For a gentler activity, you could take a day trip to Capoliveri instead: this most beautiful hillside town is complete with narrow alleys, artisanal shops, and cozy wine bars.

Finally, over in Porto Azzuro, it’s a monumental Spanish-built fortress, a scenic harborfront lined with well-frequented eateries, and colorful boats dancing to the rhythm of the Tyrrhenian that await discovery.

How Affordable Is Elba?

When it comes to accommodation, Elba can be significantly more affordable than Amalfi or the Liguria Coast, which is honestly quite surprising, considering its remoteness and limited room availability.

If you’re staying in Elba between 3-4 days, enough time to tick off all the sights, and lounge by the beach, a two-room apartment right on the waterfront in Portoferraio will set you back $385 for 2 adults, or only $192.50 each (off-season in mid-September).

There are even cheaper offers at Park Hotel Napoleone, a historic, palazzo-like listing where, believe it or not, a ‘classic room’ will only cost you $93 for a 3-night stay (per adult, as a couple), in the same period.

Over in Marina di Campo, the second-most popular hub for tourists staying in Elba, modest rooms for a 3-night stay range from an acceptable $362 to $397 (again for 2 adults), with Hotel La Barcarola and Hotel Fontalleccio displaying the best off-season rates.

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Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.