San Giovanni on Elba: Thermal Park, Coast and Napoleonic Traces

San Giovanni combines a thermal site with a coastal landscape. The thermal park and thermal facility of Terme San Giovanni are located in Località San Giovanni. At San Giovanni Beach, you will find a dark pebble shore, while the coastal wetland and thermal pool are located in the Gulf of Portoferraio.

Thermal Park and Coastal Wetland

Terme di San Giovanni use iodine-rich seawater, sea mud and thermal marine algae for their thalassotherapy. The combination of seawater, sea mud and thermal marine algae anchors thalassotherapy in San Giovanni’s maritime surroundings. The thermal pool is the remaining part of an extensive coastal wetland in the Gulf of Portoferraio. The remaining coastal wetland is home to numerous resident and migratory birds. When planning your day, the topics can be weighted separately: the thalassotherapy of the Terme and observing the resident and migratory birds in the remaining coastal wetland.

Beaches in the Nearby Area

If you would like to explore additional stretches of coast besides San Giovanni Beach, several beaches are located nearby. These include Spiaggia della Padulella, Spiaggia di Capo Bianco, Spiaggia Di Sottobomba and Spiaggia di Acquarilli. San Giovanni Beach is signposted from the Portoferraio–Porto Azzurro provincial road. For coastal planning, San Giovanni Beach and the four other beaches can be considered as separate destinations.

Routes and Stages for Active Days

San Giovanni is connected to the second stage of the Elba Nord – Baia di Portoferraio route. The Cammino della Rada is a walking and sea route that connects the Torre del Martello of the fortified city of Cosmopoli with the Fortezza del Volterraio. The Cammino della Rada project is not yet complete, although some sections are already accessible on foot. During active days, the completion status of the Cammino should be kept in mind: some sections are already accessible on foot, but the project as a whole is not yet complete.

Culture Between Residences and Fortress

The Museo Nazionale Delle Residenze Napoleoniche, Villa di San Martino and Museo Nazionale delle Residenze Napoleoniche dell'isola d'Elba are located near San Giovanni. The Castello del Volterraio is also located in the surroundings of San Giovanni. The small Roman villa of San Giovanni di Portoferraio is considered a local example of building types that continue to be described as “Catonian”. For those interested in culture, the Napoleonic residences, the Castello del Volterraio and the small Roman villa form three specific themes in the surroundings of San Giovanni.

Napoleonic Traces on the Beach

San Giovanni Beach has traditionally been associated in historical chronicles with Napoleon’s frequent bathing visits.

More Destinations

Also discover Campo Ai Peri, Bagnaia, Scaglieri, Magazzini and Schiopparello.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Portoferraio.