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Start the journey at an easy pace
A short first leg of around two and a half hours, so you can pitch the roof tent calmly in daylight.
In the afternoon, there's time for a dip in the pool or a walk by Lake Constance.
This is where your journey begins. Pack the roof tent, load up the snorkels and walking boots, and head south at a relaxed pace.
A family-friendly campsite near Lake Constance with a large pool and plenty of room for the roof tent. A quiet first stop, so you can tackle the next day's drive feeling fresh. There's beach volleyball for the teenagers and usually an evening meeting point at the kiosk.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Crossing the Alps
Around four hours of actual driving time plus breaks, well within the day's budget.
Arrive at Lago Maggiore in the afternoon and let the day wind down by the water.
A campsite right on the shore of Lago Maggiore with its own lake access and swimming area. A good stopover after crossing the Alps, with mild evening weather and a pizzeria on site. The teenagers can swim in the lake or hire a SUP.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Arriving by the sea
The longest leg of the outward journey at around four and a half hours, staying under the five-hour mark.
Arriving in the late afternoon, you can enjoy the Golfo di Baratti and get ready for the ferry the next morning.
A campsite in a pine forest at the Golfo di Baratti, just a few kilometres from the Piombino ferry port. A quiet half-day stop with a flat beach and the Etruscan archaeological park next door. Ideal for a first dip in the sea before the crossing.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Ferry and base camp
A very short driving day, with the focus on the crossing and setting up base camp.
After pitching up, there's plenty of time for your first swim in the sea.
Ferries cross from Piombino Marittima to Portoferraio. The crossing takes around an hour and is an experience in itself for most people, as Elba grows on the horizon. Make sure you're at check-in on time; with your vehicle and roof tent, you count as a standard car.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Elba's main town and ferry port sits picturesquely around a sheltered bay, overlooked by the Medici fortresses. Wander through the narrow lanes of the old town and along the harbour promenade before continuing to the campsite. You can also visit the Villa dei Mulini here later on.
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A spacious campsite in a palm garden in the bay of Ottone, just a few kilometres from Portoferraio, with its own pebble beach and pool. A central spot for exploring the whole island, with a short trip back to Portoferraio in the evenings. There's a pool, beach and on-site entertainment for the teenagers.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Napoleon and the old town
A cultural morning during the cooler part of the day, then swimming and relaxing in the afternoon.
In the evening, head into Portoferraio for dinner and a stroll — ideal for the teenagers.
Napoleon's town residence during his exile on Elba, set high above the harbour between the two fortresses. The furnished rooms and the small terraced garden with sea views bring the emperor's daily life vividly to mind. A good introduction to the island's history, easy enough for teenagers to follow too.
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The highest of Portoferraio's Medici fortresses offers sweeping views over the bay and out to the open sea. The climb up through the old town is a pleasure in itself, with narrow stepped lanes and viewpoints along the way. A great complement to the morning's villa visit.
Turquoise bays
A pure swimming and snorkelling day with no long drives, matching the relaxed pace.
Bring sun protection — there's little shade at the bay.
One of Elba's most spectacular bays, with white pebbles, pale rock walls and remarkably clear turquoise water. Ideal for snorkelling, as the water deepens quickly and plenty of fish gather by the rocks. Access is via a steep path, so sturdy shoes and water shoes come in handy.
Mountain village and new base camp
A short moving day with a stop in the mountain village of Marciana.
Arrive at Scaglieri beach in the afternoon and set up the new base camp.
One of Elba's highest and oldest mountain villages, nestled on the slopes of Monte Capanne. Narrow lanes, stone steps, flowers on the façades and sweeping views out to sea as far as Corsica. This is also where the cable car up Monte Capanne starts, which you'll take tomorrow.
A terraced campsite above the bay of Biodola and Scaglieri, with direct access to one of Elba's most beautiful sandy beaches. A good base for the west of the island and the hiking and swimming days ahead. The wide beach with its bars is also a popular evening meeting point for teenagers.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Elba's highest peak
A morning in the mountains while it's cooler, swimming in the afternoon.
It can be windy and noticeably cooler up top, so bring a light jacket.
The open cable car carries you from Marciana in an airy ride almost to the summit of Monte Capanne, Elba's highest point at 1,019 metres. From there, you walk the last stretch up to the ridge, with panoramic views over the whole island, the Tuscan archipelago and as far as Corsica. An experience that impresses teenagers too.
The finest beaches of the southwest
Two neighbouring beaches in one day, with just a short drive in between.
On hot days, bring plenty of water and spend the morning at the quieter Fetovaia.
A curved bay with fine, pale sand, sheltered by a green headland and so usually calm water. A short path around the headland leads to quieter swimming rocks, good for snorkelling. One of Elba's most famous and beautiful beaches.
A lively sandy beach with turquoise water, known for its young crowd and beach bars with music. The rocks at the edges of the bay are worth exploring for snorkelling. The island's most sociable beach, where the teenagers will feel right at home.
Wine village and east coast
A short moving day with a stop in the wine village of Capoliveri.
Arrive at Lacona beach in the afternoon, then head back to Capoliveri in the evening for dinner and a stroll.
A lively hilltop village overlooking the sea, with winding lanes, small shops, wine bars and one of the island's finest evening atmospheres. During the day, it's worth strolling through the lanes; in the evening, the village becomes a meeting point full of music and life. Just the thing for an evening with the teenagers.
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A campsite in a pine forest on the wide sandy bay of Lacona, in the east of the island and close to Capoliveri. A gently sloping beach, good for swimming and quiet evenings. A central base for the final days and excursions in the east.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Iron ore and the east coast
A morning at the mining park, then a last swim in the afternoon, all at a relaxed pace.
Bring sturdy shoes for the tour and a cloth for collecting minerals.
The mining park in eastern Elba tells the story of the island's thousands-of-years-old iron ore heritage, already exploited by the Etruscans. On the guided tour aboard an open little train, you travel through the colourful mining areas, and you're allowed to search for shiny minerals and pyrite yourself. An unusual highlight that appeals to teenagers too.
Farewell to Elba
Arrive at the ferry terminal in good time before departure; expect waiting times during holiday periods.
As this trip ends at its destination, plan the journey home from Piombino individually, in daily stages of under five hours.
A last look at the harbour and fortresses of Portoferraio before the ferry departs. If you're early, you can still grab a coffee on the promenade. From here, your Elba trip ends with the crossing to Piombino.
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From Portoferraio ferry port, you'll cross back to Piombino in around an hour. The return crossing marks the end of your island time; from Piombino, the individual journey home begins via Tuscany and the Alps. Plan the stages northwards with your usual daily budget of around five hours.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
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