Short getaway to Elba Island with kids

Elba Island is an enchanting natural paradise just one hour far from the central coast of Tuscany. It is easy to reach via Piombino harbour in a short drive from Leghorn or Pise.

I decided to have a trip there with my daughters, 4 years old and 2 months old, and to experience this charming destination in family friendly arrangements. I chose to stay in Marciana Marina, which is located in the northern part of the isle under the shadow of Mount Capanne, the highest of the island.

This is a cosy village, with a small sheltered harbour where sailing boats circumnavigating the island  use to stop for the night. Some houses yet date back to the medieval time and it is very easy to get around its flowered narrow alleys and the harbour promenade, especially if bearing a baby stroller.

We were staying in a self-catering apartment, a short walk from the seafront and could enjoy an healthy stroll in the morning to reach for a “patisserie” and the bakery to buy our lunch. Reservation were made via Hotel La Primula which is very central and a bit of an institution in Marciana Marina. Service and staff there are very kind and helpful to provide suggestions and reservations. There is also a small swimming pool which was craved by my older daughter since the very first day.

There are a few restaurants worth trying in Marciana Marina and, alas, we had not enough time to taste all. We stayed at Affrichella restaurant which, apart from some very nice fish courses and a fast service, allowed us sit outside in a small square centred by a fountain, very useful to refill ice buckets. My older daughter could safely move around and the little one could lay in her carriage without standing on waiters paths, as often happens in restaurants.

On our final dinner we experienced Scaraboci restaurant and we really enjoyed great fresh sea bass grilled in oven over a potatoes, tomatoes and black olives bed. On our arrival the table was dressed with kids cups and positioned so as to allow us stay comfy in space.

Let’s talk about beaches, which were our long-dreamt-of retreat, where relaxing and enjoying crystalline sea and warm sun. Hopefully, the weather was good and we made our way to Procchio beach.

This village is about ten minutes drive from Marciana Marina and has a wide parking choice. We chose the smaller parking area in front of the “Via del Mare” which is leading directly to the beach and provides a reasonable toll for € 0,50 per hour. It is not easy to find a space, but it is worth trying. The distance from there to the beach is just a short walk amid shops, cafes and restaurants under the shad of trees. This is simply perfect for families bearing little babies or toddlers who do not feel like walking.

Then we stayed at Delfino beach which is the first one you meet on the right and provides an umbrella and 2 cots for € 30 a day. There are three rows which are not too much close to each other and allow to move beds following the sun track. There you can have easy access to toilets and showers, as well as a bar for drinks and ice-creams, not to be missed with kids. Last but not least the beach is wide, clean and the sea very clear and not much deep.

Elba is a perfect destination to go with kids as there is a variety of activities which can be done from hiking to sailing, from trekking to snorkelling. The small villages and harbours are full of affordable hotels and restaurants are for all pockets.

Written and contributed by wishversilia
www.wishversilia.it