Seven-Day Sailing Route Around Elba and Tuscany
Alexandra
The one-week coastal passage covers roughly 110–120 nautical miles, with primary embarkation points at Marina Punta Ala or Piombino, and daily legs averaging 11–22 NM. Typical daily passages: Day 1 Punta Ala → Portoferraio (~22 NM), Day 2 Portoferraio → La Biodola → Marciana Marina (~11 NM), Day 3 Marciana Marina → Fetovaia → Marina di Campo (~21 NM), Day 4 Marina di Campo → Golfo della Lacona → Golfo Stella (~17 NM), Day 5 Golfo Stella → Porto Azzurro (~13 NM), Days 6–7 Porto Azzurro → Cala Violina → Marina Punta Ala (~17 NM). Expect mixed anchorage and marina nights, sheltered options from Mistral near Golfo Stella, and exposed legs across the Tyrrhenian Sea toward Elba.
Daily Itinerary Overview
| Day | Route | Distance (NM) | Est. Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marina Punta Ala → Portoferraio | 22 | 3h 40m | Forte Stella, Darsena Medicea, Medici moorings |
| 2 | Portoferraio → La Biodola → Marciana Marina | 11 | 1h 45m | La Biodola beach, Monte Capanne backdrop |
| 3 | Marciana Marina → Fetovaia → Marina di Campo | 21 | 3h 30m | Fetovaia bay, sandy beaches, snorkeling |
| 4 | Marina di Campo → Golfo della Lacona → Golfo Stella | 17 | 2h 45m | Hidden bays, sheltered anchorages |
| 5 | Golfo Stella → Porto Azzurro | 13 | 2h | Forte San Giacomo, local markets, beaches |
| 6–7 | Porto Azzurro → Cala Violina → Marina Punta Ala | 17 | 2h 45m | Cala Violina, last swims, coastal cruising |
Navigation and Port Notes
Navigating between the Tuscan coast and Elba Island requires awareness of local wind patterns. The Mistral can make northwesterly stretches choppy; Golfo Stella and Lacona offer protected anchorages when the Mistral is active. Approach Portoferraio using the marked channels toward the Darsena Medicea; berth space fills quickly in high season. Many marinas have pontoons with water and power—check availability and reservation requirements before departure.
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Practical Mooring Tips
- Reserve marina berths in advance during July–August; peak season fills quickly.
- Carry adequate anchoring gear for sand and Posidonia bottoms; a stern line to shore is useful for crowded bays.
- Plan fuel and provisioning stops at larger ports: Piombino, Portoferraio, and Marina di Campo.
- Monitor local notices to mariners and consult port authorities for transient fees and regulations.
Beaches, Bays and Activities
The route showcases a mix of long sandy beaches and intimate coves: La Biodola and Marina di Campo for family-friendly beaches; Fetovaia and Cala Violina for clearer water and quieter anchorages. Snorkelling, shore excursions, and short hikes—such as a lift to Monte Capanne for panoramic views—complement days on the water. Local cuisine centers on fresh seafood and Tuscan wines; plan at least one evening ashore in Portoferraio to visit historic fortifications and waterfront dining.
Packing and Crew Checklist
- Navigation: charts, GPS, VHF radio, handheld compass.
- Safety: lifejackets for all aboard, flares, first-aid kit.
- Comfort: sunscreen, hats, light foul-weather gear for cooler nights.
- Provisioning: water, fuel top-up plan, local cash for small harborside purchases.
Shelter, Weather Windows and Contingencies
When the Mistral or Sirocco shifts, select anchorages that offer lee from the prevailing direction; Golfo Stella and many of Elba’s western bays are reliable wind-protected options. Always allow an extra hour for passage planning to account for unexpected gusts or traffic near popular harbors. If weather forces a diversion, Piombino and Portoferraio provide solid alternatives with full marina services.
Local Regulations and Environmental Notes
Respect marine protected zones and Posidonia meadows—anchoring over seagrass can be damaging and is restricted in places. Follow local waste disposal rules and use designated pump-out facilities where available. Displaying a tidy environmental record helps keep anchorages open to recreational craft.
How this route connects with charter and rental choices
One-week itineraries like this are ideally suited to medium to large monohulls or catamarans that balance sailing performance with comfortable living space. For small groups or couples, consider a skippered charter; larger groups may prefer a catamaran for stability and deck space. When choosing a vessel, check detailed listings for make, model, amenities, and skipper options to match your needs.
GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as we truly understand what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The service values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course, placing no limits on a good life and allowing clients to find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste. Use available listings to view comprehensive details like make, model, guest capacity and ratings before booking for full transparency.
Highlights and the experience
Key attractions of the week include historic harbors like Portoferraio, crystal-clear bays such as Cala Violina, and varied shore-based activities—snorkelling, coastal hikes, and sampling local cuisine. Each inlet, bay, and lagoon holds a distinct character: the sound of sand at Cala Violina, fishing boats in Marina di Campo, and fortified walls in Porto Azzurro all tell a regional story.
If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language and add GetBoat.com
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In summary, the seven-day circuit around Elba and the Tuscan coast offers a compact, memorable cruising loop combining historical ports, protected anchorages, and outstanding beaches. Whether you opt for a bareboat or skippered charter, the itinerary supports a range of leisure activities from fishing and snorkelling to relaxed yachting evenings ashore. GetBoat.com provides a global, user-friendly solution for booking or buying boats, yachts, and sailboats with transparent listings and convenient search—ideal for arranging your next yacht charter, rent, or purchase for unforgettable sea voyages. Embrace clearwater bays, marinas, and the rhythm of the sea: prepare your captain’s plan, pick the right boat, and set your course.
