CavoElba · Tuscan Archipelago

All About Cavo

A thriving tourist destination, Cavo is a port village on the island of Elba which lies roughly seven kilometers north of Rio Marina. It has been known as an attractive escape within the Tuscan Archipelago since Italy was under the rule of ancient Rome. Today it’s the long stretches of pristine sand that attract many to this part of Elba. Cavo is also one of the main gateways to a Corsica, a French island that witnessed the first island imprisonment of Napoleon Bonaparte, as well as visits by Giuseppe Garibaldi. Subsequently, there’s no shortage of historic spots here.

Elba is Italy’s third-largest island after Sicily and Sardinia. Cavo sits close to the island’s most northernmost point, facing east towards mainland Italy. It is just ten kilometers from the town of Piombino on the Italian mainland and is the closest port to the rest of Italy. One of the best ways of reaching Cavo is therefore still by ferry. Ferryscanner provides all the information you need to easily compare prices and routes for ferry tickets to Cavo.
 

Routes and Ferries to Cavo

Ferry companies link Cavo with Piombino throughout the year, with two different companies operating on the route. These are Toremar and Moby Lines, which run ferries capable of transporting vehicles such as cars and motorbikes as well as foot passengers. With Cavo visible from Piombino on all but the dullest of days, the journey by sea between the two lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. Tickets can generally be purchased for under twenty euros. The fastest of the two lines is Toremar, which completes the crossing in only 15 minutes. You will need to keep in mind that during the low season months of October to May, there are three sailings per week. However, in the summer months, there is an average of 12 sailings in either direction each day.

Should you want to take advantage of Elba’s fine coastal seas to explore more widely, you’ll be happy to learn that you can also purchase ferry tickets to Cavo and Portoferraio and vice versa.

Located further west on the island’s north coast, Portoferraio is the largest city on the island and home to the Napoleonic Mills House and an archaeological museum. This route is only operated by Toremar, and only during the summer months when demand is higher. Taking just 15 minutes on average, these ferries also welcome both vehicles and foot passengers.

If you can’t get ferry tickets to Cavo, you can also try routes that operate from mainland Italy to Portoferraio or Rio Marina. Alternatively, there is the Marina di Campo Airport, which receives flights from the Italian mainland operated by Silver Air.

Ports of Cavo

Ferries between Cavo and its connecting destinations dock at a mole or sea wall which stretches its arm out from the attractive marina and seafront. You’ll find sandy beaches just a short stroll away, alongside a series of restaurants offering Italian and seafood specialties. The ports of Cavo are also within around a kilometer of the majority of nearby accommodation options, making the ferry a more attractive proposition for many people.
 

Best Beaches

While it’s a relatively small town with just a few hundred permanent residents, Cavo has no shortage of beaches to soak up the sun or enjoy a splash in the shallows. Warm temperatures during the summer make the beaches a great attraction at any time of day. It’s not unusual to see people enjoying the sands long into the evening instead of taking part in the traditional passeggiata walk along the seafront.

Cavo Beach

The exact limitations of Cavo Beach are fiercely debated, with some saying this first-rate ribbon of sand and pebbles runs from the ferry terminal north for around 400 meters. Others say it also includes a similar length of coastline that stretches to the south of the port. Either way, you’re only a couple of minutes’ walk from the town’s favorite beach from the ferry, making it a first great stop on the island.

Spiaggia del Direttore

Slightly further south along the east coast from Cavo is Spiaggia del Direttore. Almost hidden by gentle coastal hills covered in native flora, the beach is predominately made up of dark sand. This can sparkle in the sunlight thanks to the high mineral content found here. Roughly 80 meters long, it lacks the facilities that surround Cavo Beach, so you should bring anything you might need with you, including food and plenty of water.

Topinetti Beach

Easily reached by road, Topinetti Beach is worth visiting for its extraordinary vistas. They span right across the water and its various islands towards the Italian mainland. Constantly shifting in color, the beach runs for a length of around 200 meters. However, if you’re looking for tranquility and seclusion, you’re better off heading to the nearby Ripa Bianca.

Scaglieri Beach

Closer to Portoferraio than Cavo, Scaglieri Beach should be considered all the same. Approximately 150 meters in length, it is composed of soft fine sand. As a result, it’s particularly popular with families with young children. The clear shallow waters are another attraction for families, as is the range of facilities located within walking distance.
 

Places to Visit

If you fancy a break from the best beaches in Cavo, look no further than our recommendations for the best places to visit in Cavo below. Covering a range of attractions, they shouldn’t be missed.

Tonietti Mausoleum

Located on Mount Lentisco and overlooking the island’s northernmost point, the Tonietti Mausoleum is an excellent place to delve into the island’s history. Roughly 30 minutes from the ferry terminal on foot, this tower-like construction was built around 120 years ago. Its exterior is dotted with unusual sculptures with a marine theme, while the slightly risky internal iron staircase offers phenomenal panoramic views.

Arco di Roccia

On the western side of Elba’s most northerly point is a natural wonder as impressive as the architectural skills needed to build the Tonietti Mausoleum. The Arco di Roccia, or Rock Arch, forms an impressive shape on this area of the coast. A well-known selfie spot, its location also makes it a prime space from which to enjoy the island’s sunsets.

Napoleonic Mills House

Also known locally as Napoleon’s Villa and Villa dei Mulini, the Napoleonic Mills House is the building in which the French emperor was imprisoned for his short exile on the island between 1814 and 1815. A national museum, many of its rooms contain the sorts of furniture which would have been used by Napoleon and his entourage of helpers.
 

Transportation Around Cavo

The immediate vicinity around the ferry terminal is best explored on foot, so you miss none of the hidden alleys or other delights that await.

During the summer months, a beach minibus service called Marebus operates between the main beaches. This is in addition to the bus service that connects major settlements on the island right around the year. For instance, Line 117 connects Cavo with Portoferraio. There are also a number of taxi firms on the island should you prefer this option.

With generally quiet roads, Cavo (and Elba) is a wonderful place to cycle, with various marked routes specially chosen to be suitable for both children and adults.