Italy has always represented one of the ideal destinations for summer vacations. Every year millions of tourists choose Italy’s seaside, cities of art, and rolling hills to spend relaxing moments there, thanks in part to an offer capable of meeting the most unthinkable expectations. This year, perhaps aided by the Jubilee, the data provided by the National Institute of Tourism Research for Unioncamere and ENIT are more than comforting: we are talking about 8 out of 10 rooms already booked. The phenomenon affects different areas of the country, with reference to vacations by the sea, in the mountains, in cities of art and in charming inland villages. Italian Traditions has selected a place in the Belpaese to take you on an exciting journey to discover wonderful places to spend the 2025 vacations.
The Island of Elba is one of the most popular destinations for Italian and foreign tourists because of the welcome, the warmth of the people and the natural beauty it offers visitors. Rich in history, it is also full of charm and mystery. It is also easily accessible by plane or ferry from the port of Piombino with several daily runs. The island is also known for hosting Napoleon during his first brief exile between 1814 and 1815. The two residences where the French emperor resided are open to the public and it is possible to visit them upon advisable reservation in the high season: these are Villa dei Mulini, located in the historic center of the town of Portoferraio, and Villa San Martino,a few kilometers away, surrounded by a lush green park.
Another attraction on the island is the Archaeological Museum in Rio nell’Elba, where nearby you can enjoy seafood delicacies at the Grigolo restaurant, savoring traditional Elban dishes in a unique location overlooking the sea. For anyone oriented instead for a pizza, Mambo, with its preparations also in vegetarian mode, is ideal, registering wide customer approval. Also of interest are the Civic Archaeological Museum in Marciana and the Linguella Archaeological Museum in Portoferraio, near which the adjacent remains of a Roman villa from the first century B.C., and those of a residenzacoeva called Villa delle Grotte, just before the entrance toPortoferraio, literally capture the hearts of tourists.
And right in Portoferraio, a landmark of island cuisine is Stefano Frassini’s well-known Tre Archi restaurant, where they serve mouth-watering pizzas and delicious schiaccine. The Museo del Mare in Capoliveri, where you can admire the precious remains of the Pollux Wreck, and the Museo dei Minerali in San Piero, add to Elba’s stimulating cultural offerings. Staying with the theme, also worth visiting through an organized tour of Europe’s largest underground tunnels are the Ginevro Mines, known for ore mining. Culture but also relaxation: for wellness lovers, the San Giovanni Spa in Portoferraio will be a full immersion of physical and mental refreshment, thanks to the healthy and regenerative treatments carried out with Elba’s mud.
But summer rhymes with sea, and you certainly can’t miss a dip in the azure waters of Elba, which this year earned the island the Blue Flag for 2025 in the resorts of Marciana Marina and Porto Azzurro. In a perfectly preserved ecosystem that is stunning in its natural beauty, Biodola’s fine sandy beach is an irresistible siren call for all bathers. Easily reached by car or bus from Portoferraio, elegant and well-equipped hotels in the surrounding area could suit even the most demanding tourist: these are the 4-star La Biodola and the 5-star Hermitage. Combining fun with history, a detour to the beaches described by Virgil for the landing of the Argonauts is a must: Le Ghiaie and Capo Bianco. The latter dominated by an overhanging restaurant from which to extend your gaze over an extraordinary panorama. Also noteworthy are the granite sandy beach of Cavoli, and those of Lacona or Sansone, all very popular.
Beach tourism, as well as hiking and trekking routes for experts and beginners. From the heights of the island it is possible to enjoy breathtaking views of the islands of the Tuscan archipelago, theCorsica and the entire coastline that stretches from Liguria to the borders of Lazio. Along the way, a nice excursion to Volterraio Castle, recently restored to its original splendor, will prove natural. For those who do not want to walk too much, living an equally suggestive experience,is imperdidibe a ride on the cable car, with departure station near Poggio and arrival expected on the summit of Mount Capanne, the highest on the island. In case of thirst near the ticket office, you can drink at Napoleon’s spring, a characteristic spring of oligomineral water shrouded in legend.
Among the food and wine delights, fish and shellfish dishes are the main leitmotif of the island’s culinary art.So Cacciucco, a tasty fish soup with octopus, cuttlefish, mussels, crabs, and rockfish and soup fish, prepared differently from Leghorn’s, will satisfy the most sophisticated tastes. Finally, the superlative wines: Elba Bianco DOC, Elba Vermentino DOC, Ansonica and Procanico. And then again the Aleatico and ilMoscato for dessert, including schiaccia briaca, a typical dessert of the Riese side, and sportella at Easter time. As wineries of note are Le Ripalte, La Chiusa, Arrighi and Monte Fico. Elba Island, a trip not to be missed.