Solitary guardians of seafaring stories, the lighthouses of Elba Island are the perfect reference points for an alternative journey full of charm. Beyond the beautiful golden beaches and the most famous trails, there is a different way to explore the island: following the map of its historic lighthouses.
These lighthouses, still maintained today by the Italian Navy (Marina Militare), are a true historical treasure of the island. Some are located inside the ancient Medici fortresses, others stand alone on wild cliffs or on small islets in the middle of the sea. If you are looking for a different idea for your holiday, in this guide we take you to discover the most beautiful lighthouses of Elba, perfect destinations for photography enthusiasts, hikers and sea lovers.
The Lighthouses of Portoferraio: between Medici fortresses and historic rocks
The ideal starting point can only be Portoferraio, the fortified town where Blu Navy ferries dock.
📷 Photo: Daniele Napolitano /Wikimedia Commons – Sailing around isola Elba (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Portoferraio Lighthouse (Forte Stella)
Set within the defensive walls, the Portoferraio lighthouse (historically known as the Forte Stella lighthouse) is one of the most important historic lighthouses of the Tuscan Archipelago.
Built between 1788 and 1789 by the Lorraine dynasty on the north bastion of the sixteenth-century star-shaped Medici fortress, the lighthouse is a circular white tower about 25 metres tall. To this day its lantern guides ships into the harbour by emitting three white flashes every 14 seconds. Thanks to the initiative “Progetto Stella: Dentro il Faro”, visitors can now tour the interior with guides in small groups: a wonderful opportunity to discover its history and enjoy an extraordinary panoramic view over the entire old town and the gulf.
Torre della Linguella
Even though it is not a lighthouse in the modern sense, it deserves a mention. It stands right at the entrance to the port of Portoferraio and for centuries served as a watchtower and signalling station. It is the first historic sentinel that greets travellers during docking manoeuvres.
The Scoglietto Lighthouse
It rises from the water directly opposite the beaches of Portoferraio, within a marine protected area dedicated to biological conservation.
It cannot be reached on foot. The best way to see it up close is to take a boat trip or rent a dinghy, but it adds a touch of wild romance to the panorama visible from the famous Ghiaie beach.
Fortified sentinels and outlying lighthouses
Moving along the coast or gazing out to sea, you will come across other lighthouses with timeless charm.
📷 Photo: Fiorenzo Fiorenza /Wikimedia Commons – Faro di Punta Polveraia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Palmaiola Lighthouse
This lighthouse, inaugurated in 1844, stands on a rugged and wild islet in the heart of the National Park. It is a true paradise for the seabirds that go there to nest.
Useful tip: stay on the outer deck during the Blu Navy crossing: the Palmaiola rock is one of the first landmarks visible from the ferry on the Piombino–Portoferraio route, perfect for taking the first photos of your holiday.
The Capo Focardo Lighthouse
Perched on the eastern coast, it was built in 1863 and is located within a seventeenth-century fort built by the Spanish. It commands the entrance to Porto Azzurro and the Gulf of Mola from above.
Trekking info: it is a perfect destination for a simple hike suitable for everyone. It can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot from the Naregno beach area, walking along a flat path in the shade of the pine trees.
The Punta Polveraia Lighthouse
On the western side of the island, in the municipality of Marciana, this early twentieth-century lighthouse keeps watch over the Corsica Channel from a high cliff dropping sheer into the sea. It is the perfect place to end the day: this area is famous for the most spectacular sunsets on Elba, with the sun plunging into the water right behind the Corsican mountains.
How to get there: it can be reached on foot from the small village of Patresi via a paved road, a little steep but easily walkable.
Military archaeology and open-sea lighthouses
The history of the island also includes structures built for military communications and lighthouses isolated in the middle of nowhere.
• Semaphore of Campo alle Serre: hidden among the mountains of western Elba, it is a former semaphore station of the Italian Royal Navy. Now decommissioned, this military archaeology site is a popular destination for hikers walking the Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE), thanks to its incredible 360-degree panoramic view.
• Scoglio d’Africa Lighthouse (Formiche di Montecristo): located in the open sea on a barely submerged platform, it is administratively linked to the municipality of Portoferraio. This solitary lighthouse warns navigators of one of the most dangerous and fascinating shoals in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It can only be reached by boat and in optimal sea and weather conditions.
Practical tips for your lighthouse trail on Elba
To make your hiking experience even smoother and more enjoyable, here are some practical suggestions:
• Plan your stops: the lighthouse trail is not a single continuous route, but a collection of different paths connected to the CAI trails of the island. Check an up-to-date map before you set off.
• Clothing and equipment: even for the shorter routes, such as Capo Focardo, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes, bringing water and sun protection during the summer months.
• Respect for the environment: many of these lighthouses are located in protected areas of the National Park. It is important to always stay on the marked trails and not disturb the local wildlife.
• Photography on board: during your Blu Navy crossing, keep your camera within reach. The lighthouses of Portoferraio and the island of Palmaiola seen from the sea are a spectacular sight.
Whether you choose to explore Portoferraio or the headlands of Capoliveri, the lighthouse itinerary is a wonderful way to discover the Elba where nature and history meet.
