Marciana and its surroundings

Marciana, perched on the slopes of Monte Capanne, is one of the oldest villages on the island of Elba. Its stone houses, medieval streets, and Pisan fortress reflect its strategic role. Surrounding it are the thermal village of Poggio, the seaside resort of Marciana Marina, and the trail leading to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte, a site of pilgrimage and historical memory linked to Napoleon. The area combines heritage, rural traditions, mountain landscapes, and access to varied beaches. It is an ideal zone for combining culture, hiking, and relaxation by the sea.

Things to do in Marciana and surroundings

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  Panorama towards Marciana Marina

  Stroll through Marciana, visit its Pisan fortress, the Archaeological Museum, and the naturalist visitor center.

• Discover the Archaeological Museum, rich in Etruscan and Roman artifacts.
• Explore Marciana Marina, its harbor, seafront promenade, and coastal atmosphere.
• Enjoy the beaches: Procchio, Sant’Andrea, Spartaia, Cotoncello, Redinoce, Patresi.
• Reach Monte Capanne on foot or by cable car for spectacular views.
• Follow the marked trails of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.
• Ascend to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte via a paved path.
• Visit Poggio, known for its iron-rich springs and preserved atmosphere.
• Discover the local cuisine: honey, olive oil, Elban wines, chestnuts, or the Napoleon spring.
• Observe the contrast between hilltop villages and the coastline, revealing the island’s full diversity.

Map of Marciana surroundings and sites

Marciana

Marciana is one of the best-preserved historic villages on Elba Island. At 375 meters above sea level, it long served as a defensive site against maritime incursions, where the Pisan fortress, built in the 12th century, still dominates the hill. The Archaeological Museum exhibits artifacts from local excavations, tracing the Etruscan and Roman occupation of the island.
The charming center preserves vaulted passages, stone houses, and pleasant streets, with a few stairways. Local artisans still maintain workshops for ceramics and regional products. From Marciana, one can take hiking trails, including the one leading to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte, or the Monte Capanne trail.
The Pieve di San Lorenzo, located 2.5 km from Marciana, is a remarkable example of 12th-century Romanesque architecture, partially destroyed during the Franco-Turkish incursions of 1553. Archaeological excavations revealed the presence of an ancient monastic cenobium and a Lombard burial nearby.

Marciana Marina

Marciana Marina is a charming coastal village, whose small harbor remains active for both fishing and nautical tourism. Its long palm-lined seafront promenade runs past attractive colorful houses, with several bars, terraces, and restaurants. The village has several small pebble beaches, including some sheltered coves (La Fenicia).
At the northwest end of the waterfront stands the Appiani Tower, an old Saracen watchtower. To the southeast lies the town center, including the district of former fishermen’s houses. This area hosts cafés, hotels, restaurants, and shops, and in summer, music festivals and cultural events related to the sea take place there.
It is also a good starting point for boat trips to the coves on the western side of the island.

Shrine of the Madonna del Monte

Located at an altitude of 630 meters, the shrine is one of the island’s most important spiritual sites. It can be reached via a paved path starting from Marciana, in particular, dotted with small chapels representing the Stations of the Rosary.
This site is linked to Napoleonic history. In 1814, Napoleon Bonaparte stayed here and was visited by Countess Walewska. The location, isolated within an environment of oaks and natural springs, is valued for its contemplative atmosphere. A trail leads to the nearby Caprile dell’Aquilla (Eagle’s Seat), offering a magnificent view encompassing the northern coast of the island. The walk can continue upward toward Monte Giove, Monte Capanne, or toward the island’s western coast.

Poggio

Poggio is a hilltop village a few kilometers from Marciana, which retains an intimate atmosphere. Its cobbled streets, narrow alleys, and small houses reflect its medieval origins. It has small churches and offers a view of the sea. The main church, San Niccolò, dates back to the 12th century and was reinforced with bastions added in the 16th century.
The village is known for its iron-rich springs, whose waters have been reputed for their therapeutic properties since antiquity. Local productions remain vibrant, including honey, chestnut-based products, and the water from the Napoléon spring.

Beaches and Coastline near Marciana

The beaches near Marciana are numerous and varied, although not very large as is often the case on the island. The Sant’Andrea Beach (15 min from Marciana), sandy, is known for its clear seabed and smoothed granite rocks, suitable for diving. Nearby, the smaller and rockier Cotoncello Cove is more intimate.
The vast Procchio Beach (24 min from Marciana, 13 min from Marciana Marina), on the other hand, is one of the longest on the island, suitable for families and offering activities. Between Procchio and Marciana Marina are several charming beaches, including the secluded Crocetta, Paolina, and closer to Procchio, Spartaia Beach in a small quiet bay.
Further west on the island, Patresi and Chiessi beaches are the most appealing for lovers of wild landscapes, …

Excursions and Hikes near Marciana around Mount Capanne

Mount Capanne, the highest peak on the island, is the main natural attraction of the area. It can be reached by an open-air cable car or via various trails, crossing forests of chestnut, holm oak, and pine trees. From the summit, the panoramic view covers the entire Elba Island, the Tuscan Archipelago, and Corsica. Around Marciana and Poggio, the network of marked trails allows access to hamlets, hermitages, and natural sites.
The route to Pomonte with its ancient cultivated terraces, or the one to Chiessi on the southern coast, are among the most popular. These hikes also offer opportunities to observe local wildlife (mouflons, birds of prey) and Mediterranean flora.
On the way up Mount Capanne, hikers encounter the Romitorio di San Cerbone, a peaceful hermitage surrounded by chestnut trees.

Links and Information

• Marciana Pisan Fortress – Learn about the history of this medieval fortress built in the 12th century by the Republic of Pisa to defend the area against pirate raids.
• Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte – Located at 627 meters above sea level, this sanctuary is a historic pilgrimage site, notably visited by Napoleon.
• Beaches of Marciana Marina – Get information about the beaches of Marciana Marina, ideal for swimming and relaxation.
• Napoleon Spring at Poggio – Discover the natural spring near Poggio, a historic site associated with Napoleon.
• Hikes around Marciana – Check hiking routes around Marciana, suitable for different levels of difficulty.