Move over Capri! This beautiful Italian island has cheaper prices and less crowds

Vespa runs in blood-orange sunsets, lemon sorbet, served in actual lemon scalesAnd of course, the postcard -carded pebble beaches cuddled by azure blue seas …

There are many reasons why Capri is now on everyone’s bucket list, but it is not the only idyllic island outing of Italy.

No matter how wonderful it can be, the jet setting place is not exactly for vacation if you cannot stand the crowds, or you have a budget, although it has only 13,000 inhabitants, It has an average of 177 tourists per inhabitant.

In addition, Capri hotels cost between $ 267 – $ 498 per night, making it one of the most expensive Mediterranean destinations, according to Budget your trip.

If you still dream of that Dolce VitaMaybe you want to consider Elba: Located off the Tuscan coast, it is quieter, more affordable and no ounce less beautiful.

How come you have never heard of Elba?

Capri is perhaps Italian postcard island, and a jet setting destination that is visited by the rich and celebrities, but Elba has the key to La Dolce Vita:

A very small island, just 11 miles from north to south, and 17 miles from east to west, at the widest point, it is off the coast of Tuscany, hundreds of kilometers away from the openerist Amalfi coast.

A hidden paradise steeped in ancient history, It’s somewhere you are going to slow downEnjoy locally produced wine and food without paying exorbitant prices, and absorb the culture without the constant push and pull of the crowds.

A beautiful coastal capital

Whether you fly inside from other parts of Italy or take over the ferry from Piombino, on mainland Tuscan mainland, your trip to Elba will probably start Portoferraio:

The largest settlement, the home of more than 12,000 from the estimated 31,000 inhabitants of ELBA, distinguishes itself by its pastel -colored buildings, picturesque waterfront and a large number of medieval orientation points.

For all our fellow history buffs that are available, it is in fact known for serving Napoleon Bonaparte’s house in exile In 1814, and you can still visit two of the villas that he was in, in Villa Dei Mullini and Villa San Martino.

We recommend that you book tickets in advance, because access slots can be limited.

Tanging the Napoleonic era, the trio of Medici Forten is still a must-see: built in the 16th century under the auspices of the famous aristocratic family of Italy.

The most striking beautiful from the three is undoubtedly Forte StellaBecause of the location by the sea and the historic lighthouse.

Is Elba Italy’s most underrated foodie destination?

Elba is one of the most undervalued hotspots in Italy, and we really can’t understand why the masses didn’t spoil it.

You can certainly find freshly caught fish, find hand -hit pasta and all other good things on the island, but if you are looking for recommendations, La Cisterna Is a place that you should not miss:

Located in the heart of Portoferraio, it is a Trattoria family who serves stone pizzas and delicious seafood beignets.

One of our favorites is Molo G Osteria Portualhoused in a former fishing warehouse, as authentic as it becomes – and if we can add, the bluefish that is served here is is from this world.

In general, you have to be on budgeting $ 18– $ 30 per meal. We are talking about a small starter, a main course or some pizza, and a glass of Vermentino or the characteristic Elba Bianco.

Beautiful Mediterranean beaches

In contrast to Capri, who is simply too robust and volcanic in nature, Elba acts as an excellent beach destination.

While on the famous South -Italian island the sea is largely to be admired from a safe distance, you get real swimming locations here.

Le Ghiaie is famous for his glittering white pebblesWhile Capo Bianco, a short 12-minute bus ride away from the main port, has deserted bays and Caribbean-like green-blue seas.

If you are not exactly a fan of pebbles, you will be happy to know that Elba has that one sandy beach in Spiaggia di Fetovia.

However, it can be quite busy in the peaka months, so we would advise you to come here early to secure a good place.

A country of adventures

There is much more that Elba has to offer on the nature and culture front, whether you are the adventurous species, or you just hunt those picturesque Italian cities where time seems to have stood still for centuries.

For example, there is a cable car that takes you from the coast, all the way to Monte Capannethe highest peak on the island, on More than 3.343 feet above sea level– Or you can just walk your way up there while taking the view.

The famous Trail No. 101 from the coastal village of Marciana Alta takes about a 6 -hour tour.

For a softer activity you could take a day trip Capoliveri Instead: this most beautiful hill city is complete with narrow alleys, traditional shops and cozy wine bars.

Finally, over in Porto AzzuroIt is a monumental Fort, a picturesque harbor front with well -milled eateries and colorful boats, dancing to the rhythm of the Tyrrhene waiting for the discovery.

How affordable is ELBA?

When it comes to accommodation, Elba can be considerably more affordable Then Amalfi or the Liguria Coast, which is frankly very surprising, given the remote availability of the room and the limited room.

If you stay in Elba between 3-4 days, enough time to check all the sights and on the beach in Lounge, one two -room apartment Will return you directly on the waterfront in Portoferraio $ 385 for 2 adultsOr only $ 192.50 each (out of season mid -September).

There are even cheaper offers on Park Hotel Napoleonea historic, palazzo-Like on the list where, believe it or not, a ‘classic room’ only costs you $ 93 for a 3 -night stay (per adult, as a few), in the same period.

Over Marina Di CampoThe second most popular hub for tourists staying in Elba, modest rooms for a 3 -night stay vary from an acceptable $ 362 to $ 397 (again for 2 adults), with Hotel La Barcarola And Hotel Fontalleccio Showing the best rates outside of season.

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Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior leader at Travel Off Path, has more than 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving stories from Paris!), And a talent for converting the images-path experiences into informative stories with which you can pack your bags.