Elevation
Population
Real Population (5km)
Air Quality Rating
Region
Walkability
Housing availability
Avg Download Speed (Mbps) / Avg Upload Speed (Mbps)
Climate Description
Portoferraio
Toscana
Capital of Elba Island, known for historical fortifications, cultural heritage, and walkability.
Quality of Life Score
60
Quality of Infrastructure
44
Quality of Economy
67
Summary
Portoferraio, the vibrant capital of Elba Island, offers a balanced blend of historical charm and cultural richness that appeals to expats and retirees. Surrounded by striking landscapes, the town is renowned for its well-preserved Medici fortifications, including Fort Falcone and Fort Stella, which frame its picturesque coastal views. The local culture is steeped in history, with sites such as Napoleon’s former residences, Villa San Martino and Palazzina dei Mulini, adding a distinct flavor to its heritage.
While the town boasts an impressive walkability score and is a mere 17 minutes from the nearest airport, it does face challenges, particularly in healthcare access where quality may vary. Nevertheless, the thriving local community, characterized by its culinary traditions including the unique schiaccia briaca, and events like the Festival Elba Isola Musicale d’Europa, fosters a welcoming environment for those seeking a slower, culturally enriching lifestyle.
✅ Pros
– Stunning coastal views and beautiful natural surroundings.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore.
– Moderate climate with mild winters and warm summers.
– Low unemployment rate promoting job opportunities.
– Quality healthcare services available to residents.
– Moderate tourism fosters a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
– Good air quality contributing to overall well-being.
– Opportunities for integration into the local community.
– Scenic transportation options including ferry services.
– Access to educational facilities for lifelong learning.
❌ Cons
– Limited nightlife options for those seeking vibrant entertainment.
– Infrastructure improvements needed; some roads may be challenging.
– Internet speeds may frustrate heavy users and remote workers.
– Healthcare quality score suggests room for improvement.
– Seasonal tourist influx can disrupt local tranquility.
– Higher living costs compared to other towns in Toscana.
– Limited shopping options may require travel to nearby towns.
– Public transportation options are somewhat limited outside peak tourism.
– Language barrier can complicate integration for non-Italian speakers.
– Smaller community may feel isolating for some expats.
Portoferraio Demographics
Population
11800
Real Population (5km band)
22500
Births Per 100 Deaths
50.0
Population Data Source
ISTAT,2023
Estimated Unemployment Rate
Touristy Index
Moderate Tourism
Income per capita (2023)
22200
Income rank in Italy (2023)
2473 out of 7901
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Closest Airport
Name
Marina di Campo (Elba)
Connectivity Score
3
Driving Time
17min(s)
Marina di Campo Airport (IATA: EBA) is located in La Pila, near Marina di Campo on the southern side of Elba Island, Italy. It operates as a private civil airport open to commercial flights, serving mainly seasonal routes including destinations like Bern and Mannheim. The airport features a small-scale operation with a single runway and is managed by Alatoscana S.p.A., catering primarily to regional travel within Europe.
2nd Closest Airport
Name
Grosseto Airport (Grosseto)
Connectivity Score
1
Driving Time
122min(s)
Grosseto Airport, located 3 km west of Grosseto city in Tuscany, Italy, primarily functions as an Italian Air Force Base with limited civilian use for charter flights and private aircraft. As of 2022, the airport handled a modest number of 5,511 passengers, with no regular commercial airline services available currently. Historically, it had connections operated by SkyWork Airlines to destinations such as Bern and London City Airport, but these services ceased post-2018 after the airline’s bankruptcy, making the airport less accessible for regular travellers.
3rd Closest Airport
Name
Galileo Galilei (Pisa)
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
130min(s)
Galileo Galilei Airport, situated in Pisa, Italy, is the 10th busiest airport in the country, having served over 5 million passengers in 2023. It operates as a focus city for Ryanair and provides connections mainly across Europe, with notable destinations including London, Paris, and Amsterdam. The airport is known for its budget-friendly options, with a single terminal providing both domestic and international flights, and is conveniently linked to Pisa Centrale railway station via the Pisa Mover shuttle service.
Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Piombino Marittima
Connectivity Score
6
Driving Time
87min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Piombino Marittima offers a variety of connections and services. The primary rail lines that stop here include:
– **Firenze Santa Maria Novella**
– **Roma Termini**
– **Pisa Centrale**.
Key destinations connected by direct trains include:
– **Pisa Centrale** (1h 39m, 9 trains/day)
– **Firenze Santa Maria Novella** (2h 54m, 7 trains/day)
– **Roma Termini** (2h 39m, 6 trains/day).
The main operator of these services is **Trenitalia**. The frequency of departures varies, with several trains running throughout the day, including:
– To Pisa: 9 trains per day
– To Florence: 6 trains per day
– To Rome: 6 trains per day.
Stazione di Piombino Marittima primarily serves regional trains, with no high-speed services available, focusing on connectivity within Tuscany and to major Italian cities. Overall, it provides a blend of services suitable for regional travel.
2nd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Piombino
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
91min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Piombino provides regional connectivity primarily operated by Trenitalia. The key rail lines that stop here include those to Pisa Centrale, Rome, Campiglia Marittima, Florence, Siena, and Milan. The station sees around 9 daily trains to Pisa, 6 to Rome, 7 to Campiglia Marittima, 6 to Florence, 11 to Siena, and 8 to Milan, with departures generally occurring from early morning until the evening. This service is mainly regional, with no high-speed trains stopping at the station.
3rd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Follonica
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
117min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Follonica includes the following:
– **Rail Lines**: The station is located on the railway line that connects Rome to Livorno.
– **Key Destinations**: Direct train services connect Follonica to several key destinations, including:
– Pisa Centrale (31 trains daily)
– Roma Termini (16 trains daily)
– Firenze Santa Maria Novella (28 trains daily)
– Grosseto (21 trains daily)
– Livorno Centrale
– Fiumicino Aeroporto (21 trains daily)
– **Train Operators**: The primary train operators servicing Follonica are Trenitalia and Italo, providing various regional and InterCity trains.
– **Frequency of Departures**: Trains typically depart every 20 minutes for popular routes. Specific frequencies include:
– Pisa Centrale: 31 trains daily
– Roma: 16 trains daily
– Firenze: 28 trains daily
– Roma Termini: 18 trains daily
– Grosseto: 21 trains daily
– **Types of Train Services**: The station features a mix of regional and InterCity services, with high-speed options available primarily on the routes to major cities.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Within 10km
Auto Repair Shops
37
Bars
80
Cafes
26
Cinemas
4
Dentists
10
Golf Courses
2
Gyms
3
Health Clinics
3
Hiking Trails
2
Historical Sites
1
Libraries
0
Museums
0
Parks
1
Pharmacies
0
Restaurants
0
Shopping Centres
81
Supermarkets
6
Spas
47
Beach
Name
Loc. S.Giovanni
Driving Distance
4mins
Water Quality Rating
1 - Excellent
Mountain Resort
Name
Driving Distance
Healthcare
Healthcare Score
49
Nearest Hospital Name
Presidio Ospedaliero Portoferr
Drive Time to Nearest Hospital
8 minutes
Hospitals and Clinics Within 10km
0
Local Public Healthcare Provider
AZIENDA USL TOSCANA NORD-OVEST
Healthcare Quality Description
In this area of Tuscany, healthcare services rank exceptionally well at a national level, indicating high efficiency and quality. Hospital care is robust, catering effectively to residents’ needs. Cardiac care excels, with commendable responsiveness in urgent cases and negligible readmissions following heart attacks. Orthopaedic procedures are handled promptly, aligning with swift post-operative recoveries. Breast cancer treatments, however, could be less invasive, and the response to severe heart conditions meets an average standard. Overall, healthcare provision presents a reliable system of care, beneficial for expats and retirees seeking comprehensive health services.
Safety
Seismic Zone (risk of earthquakes)
Moderate to Low Earthquake Risk
Road Accidents Rate per 10k Inhabitants
64
Percentage of Population at Landslide Risk
0
Percentage of Population at Flood Risk
23
Car Insurance Price Index
109
Housing & Property Market
Housing availability
Low
Property Prices per m²
First Quartile
3873
Median
4545
Third Quartile
6199
Connectivity & Digital Access
Walkability Description
Very Walkable
Avg Download Speed (Mbps)
48
Fast Download Speed (Mbps)
60
Slow Download Speed (Mbps)
29
Education
Avg Schools Ranking (All Criteria)
Bottom 10%
Avg Schools Ranking (Standardised Tests)
Bottom 10%
Counts of School
Town/City | Primary Schools | Kindergartens | Comprehensive Schools | Medium High Schools | Scientific High Schools | Technical Commercial Schools | Classical High Schools | Industrial Technical Schools | Higher Education Institutes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Portoferraio | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | N/A | 1 | 1 | N/A | 1 |
Climate & Weather
Precipitation
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Sunshine
Exceptional (Top 10%)
Snowfall
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Min Annual Temperature (°C)
8.9
Max Annual Temperature (°C)
26.9
Climate Description
Portoferraio, a coastal town in Italy, enjoys a temperate climate marked by mild winters and warm summers. The region benefits from an ample amount of sunshine throughout the year, fostering outdoor activities and vibrant local life. Precipitation is moderate, ensuring a lush landscape without being burdensomely wet. Even in the coldest months, temperatures rarely dip to extremes, maintaining comfort for residents and visitors alike. Summer peaks are pleasantly warm rather than scorching, ideal for enjoying the beautiful beaches and historical explorations around the town. Brief, light snowfall may occur but is an infrequent visitor to Portoferraio, contributing to its charm without causing disruption.
Annual Temperature Chart (Min)
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Min Temp Jan | Min Temp Feb | Min Temp Mar | Min Temp Apr | Min Temp May | Min Temp Jun | Min Temp Jul | Min Temp Aug | Min Temp Sep | Min Temp Oct | Min Temp Nov | Min Temp Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Portoferraio | 9,40 | 8,90 | 10,80 | 13,30 | 16,10 | 20,20 | 23,30 | 23,80 | 20,80 | 17,70 | 14,00 | 11,10 |
Annual Temperature Chart (Max)
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Max Temp Jan | Max Temp Feb | Max Temp Mar | Max Temp Apr | Max Temp May | Max Temp Jun | Max Temp Jul | Max Temp Aug | Max Temp Sep | Max Temp Oct | Max Temp Nov | Max Temp Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Portoferraio | 12,2 | 12,00 | 13,80 | 16,20 | 19,00 | 23,50 | 26,60 | 26,90 | 23,90 | 20,50 | 16,70 | 13,70 |
Sunny Days By Month
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Sunny Days % Jan | Sunny Days % Feb | Sunny Days % Mar | Sunny Days % Apr | Sunny Days % May | Sunny Days % Jun | Sunny Days % Jul | Sunny Days % Aug | Sunny Days % Sep | Sunny Days % Oct | Sunny Days % Nov | Sunny Days % Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Portoferraio | 51 | 50 | 62 | 66 | 73 | 80 | 84 | 82 | 72 | 54 | 43 | 55 |
Environmental & Air Quality
Classifications
PM10
Good
PM2.5
Good
NO2
Good
SO2
Good
O₃
Fair
Air Quality Rating
84
Air Quality Description
Portoferraio, nestled on the edge of Elba Island, Italy, offers a breath of fresh air, quite literally, for expats and retirees seeking a serene haven. The town’s air quality stands commendably in the ‘Good’ category for most pollutants including particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. A slight deviation exists with ozone levels, which are regarded as ‘Fair’. Such an environment suggests a minimal daily impact from air pollution, supporting a lifestyle conducive to outdoor activities without significant air quality concerns. Portoferraio thus presents itself as an appealing choice for those prioritizing a healthy, unpolluted living atmosphere.
Portoferraio, nestled on the edge of Elba Island, Italy, offers a breath of fresh air, quite literally, for expats and retirees seeking a serene haven. The town’s air quality stands commendably in the ‘Good’ category for most pollutants including particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. A slight deviation exists with ozone levels, which are regarded as ‘Fair’. Such an environment suggests a minimal daily impact from air pollution, supporting a lifestyle conducive to outdoor activities without significant air quality concerns. Portoferraio thus presents itself as an appealing choice for those prioritizing a healthy, unpolluted living atmosphere.
Town Descriptions
Getting There
Portoferraio is primarily accessible via the Elba Island ferry service, connecting to mainland ports. The nearest airport, Marina di Campo, facilitates regional flights. Road access includes connections to the SS 198 and the SP 26, ensuring travel to neighboring areas. Train services are available, though stations are over an hour away, yielding limited railway connectivity.
Getting Around
Local Cuisine
Portoferraio, the main town on the island of Elba in Tuscany, boasts a culinary scene that is rich in local flavors and diverse dining options. Traditional dishes prominently feature fish and seafood, reflecting the island’s maritime heritage, with specialties such as Palamita, Stockfish with potatoes, and Sburrita. Additionally, Elba’s cuisine incorporates local ingredients like chestnuts, mushrooms, and honey, alongside unique baked goods like Schiaccia Briaca, a sweet flat bread. The dining landscape is complemented by a variety of establishments ranging from casual taverns to seaside eateries that emphasize Elban cuisine and seasonal ingredients. Notably, there are Michelin-starred restaurants that further enhance Portoferraio’s reputation as a gastronomic destination, showcasing innovative and refined dining experiences.
Shopping Overview
Shopping in the area encompasses a diverse array of options. Supermarkets provide daily necessities, while colourful boutiques offer local crafts and souvenirs. Weekly markets, including a notable Friday market, enhance the shopping experience with fresh produce, artisanal goods, and antiques. Additionally, charming evening markets during summer cater to a variety of tastes, from food and cosmetics to home decor and jewelry. Overall, this region combines convenience with unique local offerings, reflecting the character of the community engaged in artisanal traditions.
Neighborhoods
Green Areas and Parks
Portoferraio in Toscana offers diverse trails and green spaces suited to hiking and nature exploration. Key hiking routes include Capo d’Enfola, offering moderate terrain over 2.9 miles with historical sites, and the 5.1-mile Acquaviva – Capo d’Enfola trail featuring a WWII tunnel. The Castello del Volterraio hike, a one-mile moderate walk, provides coastal views from the castle. For expansive trekking, the Portoferraio – Monte Capanne – Porto Azzurro trail extends over 61.1 miles, suitable for intensive hiking enthusiasts. These routes provide structured outdoor activities and are accessible for various skill levels.
✅ Pros
– Stunning coastal views and beautiful natural surroundings.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore.
– Moderate climate with mild winters and warm summers.
– Low unemployment rate promoting job opportunities.
– Quality healthcare services available to residents.
– Moderate tourism fosters a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
– Good air quality contributing to overall well-being.
– Opportunities for integration into the local community.
– Scenic transportation options including ferry services.
– Access to educational facilities for lifelong learning.
❌ Cons
– Limited nightlife options for those seeking vibrant entertainment.
– Infrastructure improvements needed; some roads may be challenging.
– Internet speeds may frustrate heavy users and remote workers.
– Healthcare quality score suggests room for improvement.
– Seasonal tourist influx can disrupt local tranquility.
– Higher living costs compared to other towns in Toscana.
– Limited shopping options may require travel to nearby towns.
– Public transportation options are somewhat limited outside peak tourism.
– Language barrier can complicate integration for non-Italian speakers.
– Smaller community may feel isolating for some expats.
FAQs
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