Porto di Portoferraio

…all the men and vessels entrusted to him are safe at Portoferraio, which because of its breadth is the safest port in the world
Horatio Nelson, July 20, 1796

Portoferraio is the capital and main port of the island of Elba. Ships of all sizes can be anchored in its anchorages, andthe entire dock is docked . Passing vessels can anchor on a good tenor bottom, on the northern half of Calata Mazzini (entering on the left) and at the end of the dock. The other docks are reserved for fishermen or official services.

Surrounding the dock are bars, restaurants, specialty stores and boutiques, and the traditional covered market where the galley can be stocked. Boaters will also be able to take advantage of water outlets and a gas station at the dock.

The port is accessible both day and night in all weather conditions, but you must maneuver carefully as ferry and hydrofoil traffic is heavy. It is the only port in Italy where you must keep to the left, both entering and leaving. Outgoing boats have priority over incoming boats. Exiting vessels must not pass more than 150 m south of the tip of the Tower. The entrance to the dock is bordered by twin beacons (2 fixed red vertical, 2 fixed green vertical), and city lighting is sufficient for maneuvering.

The city is not visible from the open sea, but easily distinguishable on the cliffs to the right of the anchorage entrance are Forts Stella and Falcone, the former topped by a lighthouse, the latter larger and higher. North of Fort Stella is recognizable the Scoglietto topped by a small lighthouse. Coming from the west, you will have to pass more than 400 m off the tip of Cape Bianco to avoid the unmarked dangerous shoal jutting out to the north of the tip.

In winter , quadrant I and II winds blow in the anchorages. The tramontana in February-March sometimes raises heavy seas in the outer anchorages. In the other months of the year quadrant III winds dominate. The Mistral can force ships to sink the second anchor. The anchorage is subject to Tramontana crossings while the ports to Libeccio and Scirocco crossings.

Portoferraio‘s location on a rocky promontory defending the port has always made it a place of strategic importance for the security of its landing. It was founded in 1548 by Cosimo de’ Medici and it was here that Napoleon spent his first exile. Characteristic are its pastel-colored houses adorned with flowered balconies, narrow streets and squares with glimpses of the sea. Places to visit are the Napoleonic residence, the Archaeological Museum, the Foresiana Picture Gallery, the Misericordia Church, and the Falcone and Stella Fortresses.

Beaches range from long sandy shores to tiny pebble coves, from beaches of black sand to others of the whitest pebbles. The seabed in most of the beaches slopes down fast. There are equipped bathing establishments at the major beaches, where in addition to renting beach cabins, deck chairs and umbrellas, water sports can be enjoyed.

Elban cuisine is based on simple dishes and is influenced by Tuscan-Western and seafood influences. Typical are fish dishes such as the stockfish riese style, il gurguglione and cacciucco to be accompanied by Elban wines such as theElba, the Ansonica, the Muscat and the Aleatico.