Things to do on Elba Island: the 10 best experiences

A vintage gozzo excursion along the coast of the Argentario promontory departing from Porto Santo Stefano.

During the navigation, you will skirt the coast and visit some of the Argentario's most beautiful coves, where you can stop for a swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters.

The boat is made entirely of wood, and is equipped with a large sundeck and awning. A small snack will be offered on board.

The activity can be booked for a morning or afternoon ride. It is also possible to book the boat in private mode.

Maximum capacity: 7 people.

The Argentario e-bike tour from Porto Santo Stefano, in the province of Grosseto, begins at 10:00 am. There you will meet the guide, who will hand over the mountain bikes and help you get ready for departure (rental is included in the price!).

Once you leave the center of town, you will start climbing the promontory of Monte Argentario, facing hairpin bend after hairpin bend until you reach a paved alley road that will lead you to the Capo d'Uomo tower, located 350 m above sea level.

The last part of the climb will require considerable effort, but the spectacular views of the coast below will repay the effort.

The route will continue through hairpin bends and dirt roads in the direction of Porto Ercole, a town that has been part of Italy's most beautiful villages since 2014. During the lunch break you will stop near Forte Stella, a 16th-century defensive fortification characterized by its distinctive shape.

In the afternoon you will cross the Orbetello Lagoon, which is a WWF oasis and an important habitat for many species of waterfowl, including the wonderful pink flamingos. You will return to Porto Santo Stefano at 3 p.m., having completed a 41-km route that includes quite challenging uphill and downhill sections.

Don't miss a unique opportunity to sail Argentario, Giannutri Island or Giglio Island aboard a boat, enjoying lunch on board and snorkeling in excellent company.

Departing from Porto Santo Stefano, the destination will be chosen according to weather and sea conditions, and during the trip, you will be accompanied by the crew who will guide you through corals, volcanic rocks and gorgonians, telling the story of these picturesque places.

You will enjoy the sunshine and an onboard lunch of pasta, fruit, wine, soft drinks and coffee.

The itinerary will be determined by marine weather conditions, with at least 4 stops for swimming and snorkeling activities. Return is scheduled in the afternoon between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., with a total excursion duration of about 8 hours.

Two boats are available. The Negis boat carries up to 18 people, while the Gigliola boat carries up to 28 people.

The Argentario catamaran and snorkeling day will begin at 9 a.m. in Porto Santo Stefano, in the province of Grosseto, where you will meet the crew who will accompany you on the catamaran excursion.

The boat ride will take you along the coast of the Monte Argentario promontory, past sandy bays, inlets, cliffs and coves of great natural beauty.

During the trip you will make several stops to snorkel in the most beautiful places, including Cala del Gesso, Cala dell'Olio and Cala Mar Morto. The crew will provide you with all the necessary equipment. You can also relax in the sun and enjoy the open bar with water, soft drinks, red and white wine.

During the first stop you will be offered a selection of local mixed flatbreads prepared with Tuscan olive oil, Taggiasca olives, and the local super with anchovies.

At lunch, the delicious Captain's mixed bruschetta will be offered, which may vary from day to day following the freshness of the products. At the end of the meal, a basket of fresh fruit and coffee will be offered, and in the afternoon there will be a Nutella party for everyone to recharge their energy and keep diving and swimming.

The day will end with the return to Porto Santo Stefano scheduled for 6 p.m. The excursion is confirmed with a minimum of 15 participants.

Horseback riding by the sea in Maremma departing from Marina di Grosseto, perfect for an alternative day out as a couple or with friends.

The experience begins at the stables where you will be assigned horses and provided with the equipment to ride a horse.

Once you leave, the hike lasts about 2 hours through the Tombolo Pine Forest, San Leopoldo Canal, backdune area, dunes and beach. 

Bark in a comfortable motorboat and visit Giglio Island, Giannutri and the most hidden coves and islets of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Leaving from Castiglione della Pescaia, the tour will last about 8 hours and 30 minutes and will be structured as it follows:

Giglio and Giannutri

•    Embarkation starting at 8 a.m.; at 8:30 a.m. we set sail! (check in by 8.10 am)
•    Sailing along the coast of Maremma and Parco dell’Uccellina to Talamone and afterwards along the north coast dell’Argentario.
•    Just before 11 a.m. disembarking at Giglio. You will be able to visit at liberty or with Toscana Trekking guides, booking visits with them during navigation
•    At approximately 2 p.m. we set sail for Giannutri.
•    At about 2.45 pm arrival in Giannutri, where it will be possible to take more guided tours or engage in bathing.
•    At 4 p.m. we set sail from Giannutri to return to Castiglione (7:30 p.m.), after a brief technical stop at Giglio.

The tour stops may vary depending on weather conditions and skipper's decisions.

It is required to pay in cash, before departure, the Municipal Disembarkation Fee for Giglio Island of 3.00€ per person and the Giannutri Island Access Fee of 2.50€ per person.

The Giglio Island Tour by boat from Giglio Porto offers a choice of 4 different tours. 

Tour Classic 

The Classic tour starts from the port of Giglio Island. Along the way, you will make 3 or 4 bathroom stops. During the tour, you will be offered a delicious aperitif on board.

Tour Luxury 

The Luxury tour starts from the port of Giglio Island. This mini-cruise takes place aboard one of the luxury boats that offer maximum comfort. During the tour, you will make 3 or 4 bathroom stops and enjoy the crystal clear sea.

The most exclusive part of this tour will be the arrival at the Caldane Beach, which è can only be reached by sea. Here you will find umbrellas and sunbeds reserved just for you, included in the price, and you can refresh yourself with delicious drinks. This tour also includes lunch.

At the end of the tour, you can return to Giglio Porto with our Shuttle Boat, choosing the time you prefer.

Half Day - Private

The half-day private tour starts from Giglio Island port at the agreed time. During the tour you can make 3 or 4 bathroom stops. Along the way, you will enjoy a delicious aperitif on board.

Finally, you will arrive at the Caldane Beach, the most exclusive beach on the island, reachable only by sea. Here, umbrellas, reserved sunbeds and refreshments await you. This tour does not include lunch on board.

At the end of the tour you can return to Giglio Porto with our Shuttle Boat, choosing your own return time.

Full Day - Private

The full-day private tour starts from Giglio Island port at the agreed time. During the tour you will have the opportunity to choose your stops, explore the island's most fascinating coves and swim. During the day, you will be delighted with an aperitif on board and have the opportunity to enjoy lunch, included in the price. Finally, you will return to Giglio Porto, with a maximum return time of 6:30 p.m.

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All boats are equipped with sundecks and awnings. Snorkeling equipment will be available on the boat, so you can explore the wonderful underwater world.

The sunset boat ride at Giglio Island is a romantic experience lasting about two hours.

The boat ride is scheduled to depart from Giglio Porto around 6:30/19:00 pm. You will sail until you reach the Campese Gulf or the surrounding coves, where you will stop to enjoy a sunset aperitif.

The aperitif consists of delicious fish crudités and crostini, accompanied by a prosecco, spritz or beer.

Return to the port of Giglio Island is scheduled at approximately 9:00 pm.

Horseback riding by the sea in Maremma departing from Marina di Grosseto, perfect for an alternative day out as a couple or with friends.

The experience begins at the stables where you will be assigned horses and provided with the equipment to ride a horse.

Once you leave, the hike lasts about 2 hours through the Tombolo Pine Forest, San Leopoldo Canal, backdune area, dunes and beach. 

The quad bike excursion in the Tuscan Maremma and aperitif will allow you to visit picturesque landscapes, admire breathtaking views, learn about local scents and guster Maremma snacks.

For this quad bike tour you have the possibility to choose the route of 1 hour or 2 1/2 hours.

The 2-hour one also includes a barbecue in the woods with grilled sausages, cheese and local wine.

Alternatively è you can choose a visit to the "La Pierotta" winery, where participants can taste some of the fine wines produced by the winery, accompanied by an aperitif of local products.

Remember to bring with you:

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•    Trekking shoes
•    Bandana or scarf in summer (can be purchased locally)
•    Gloves in winter
•    K-way in winter and mid-season (can be purchased locally)

The ATV rental è is suitable for people of all skill levels and guarantees a fun and adventurous experience. It takes place in the Bandite di Scarlino area, where participants will have the opportunity to admire beautiful landscapes and discover unusual places.

During the hike, there will be some technical parts, fords and fun climbs, but nothing too challenging. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the local scents.

This experience è an excellent opportunity to discover the culture and traditions of Maremma and to taste some of the best wines and products of the area.

For all Fridays in the fall and winter months, è a minimum of two quads is required for reservations.

The private boat excursion to Cala Violina is an experience suitable for both those who want to relax and the more adventurous.

As the first destination of the tour you can choose the beach of Cala Violina or the one you prefer from Scarlino to the Sparviero islet. In any case, the skipper will be ready to advise you on the best destination also depending on the day.

Once you have chosen your destination, you will depart from the port and move along the coast, taking a short tour of the rocky beaches and coves, including Cala Terre Rosse, Cala Martina, and Cala Civette.

When you arrive at your destination, you will drop anchor as close to shore as possible, so you can see the seabed and give the more athletic people a chance to swim to the beach. A ring life jacket will be provided to make the crossing safely (or a pink flamingo!).

On board you will have masks to do some snorkeling, beautiful experience especially at the Sparrowhawk and the rocky little beaches. You can choose from 2 tours:

Tour with lunch

With the morning tour, an onboard lunch of rice or cold pasta, Tuscan crush, fruit, water, beer and wine is included.

Tour with aperitif

With the afternoon tour an aperitif of white wine, beer or prosecco accompanied with some pizza, schiaccia Toscana and fruit is included. If you prefer something more sophisticated, however, you will have the option of choosing wine and champagne from a menu provided by a renowned local winery, which you can even accompany with oysters.

Bark in a comfortable motorboat and visit Giglio Island, Giannutri and the most hidden coves and islets of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Leaving from Castiglione della Pescaia, the tour will last about 8 hours and 30 minutes and will be structured as it follows:

Giglio and Giannutri

•    Embarkation starting at 8 a.m.; at 8:30 a.m. we set sail! (check in by 8.10 am)
•    Sailing along the coast of Maremma and Parco dell’Uccellina to Talamone and afterwards along the north coast dell’Argentario.
•    Just before 11 a.m. disembarking at Giglio. You will be able to visit at liberty or with Toscana Trekking guides, booking visits with them during navigation
•    At approximately 2 p.m. we set sail for Giannutri.
•    At about 2.45 pm arrival in Giannutri, where it will be possible to take more guided tours or engage in bathing.
•    At 4 p.m. we set sail from Giannutri to return to Castiglione (7:30 p.m.), after a brief technical stop at Giglio.

The tour stops may vary depending on weather conditions and skipper's decisions.

It is required to pay in cash, before departure, the Municipal Disembarkation Fee for Giglio Island of 3.00€ per person and the Giannutri Island Access Fee of 2.50€ per person.

The half-day boat trip to Cala Violina departing from Scarlino is a perfect tour to explore the famous Maremma cove.

You can choose from 3 different tours.

Morning

The morning tour starts at the port of Scarlino at 9:30 am. The first stop will be Cala Violina. Here it will be possible to have a breakfast consisting of typical Tuscan products. It will then continue to Cala Martina and Cala Civetta. This tour is suitable for people of all ages, especially children, thanks to the always calm waters that offer maximum serenity and safety.

Afternoon

The afternoon tour starts at the port of Scarlino at 4 pm. The first stop will be Cala Violina, where you will anchor for a swim stop. Next, you will visit the other coves along the park's stretch of coastline, including Cala Martina and Cala Civetta. You will be offered an aperitif composed exclusively of Tuscan products: a quality white wine, excellent cold cuts, focaccia and fresh fruit. Especially in the afternoon, the itinerary may change depending on sea weather conditions.

Sunset

The sunset tour starts at the port of Scarlino at 6 pm. The first stop will be Cala Violina, where you will anchor around 18:00 for a swim stop. You will then proceed to the other coves, including Cala Martina and Cala Civetta. Finally, you will be offered an aperitif consisting of typical Tuscan products to enjoy during the sunset.

The sunset tour lasts three hours, while the morning tour and the afternoon tour last four hours.

Explore the magnificent Maremma Natural Park on horseback, accompanied by an experienced environmental equestrian guide. Ride through unspoiled wilderness landscapes, immersing yourself in the historic lands of the Maremma cowboys.

The 2-hour ride is suitable for both beginner and experienced riders, offering an authentic experience in contact with nature and the equestrian tradition of the Maremma.