Scoglietto Lighthouse

Scoglietto Lighthouse (Italian: Faro dello Scoglietto) sits on top of a small, bare rocky islet rising straight out of the sea in front of Portoferraio, Elba's main port town. It's one of the landmarks you spot from the ferry deck as you approach the harbor entrance.

Where exactly is this lighthouse?

Scoglietto is a lone rock in the Piombino Channel, roughly 1.4 km from Punta Capo Bianco and about 1 km from Punta Falconaia — the two headlands that frame the entrance to Portoferraio's bay. The lighthouse is still active and continues to guide vessels safely into port, which matters most after dark, when the low rocky outcrop is easy to miss against open water.

How do you actually get there?

There's no dock or footpath — this is a maritime structure, not a walking destination. The realistic ways to see it are:

• From the ferry — routes between Piombino and Portoferraio pass close enough that the islet and its lighthouse are clearly visible from the deck as you enter the bay;
• From a boat trip or sailing excursion along Elba's northern coast, several of which pause nearby for a closer look;
• From the shore, looking out to sea from around Punta Capo Bianco or Portoferraio's waterfront — on a clear day the rock and lighthouse stand out distinctly on the horizon.

Private boats or sea kayaks can approach closer, but it's worth remembering this is open channel water with ferry and boat traffic and variable currents.

Why do divers come here?

The waters around Scoglietto are one of the more popular dive sites near Portoferraio. The rock face drops sharply underwater, forming natural walls, crevices and ledges that shelter typical Mediterranean marine life — schools of fish, sponges, small corals and crustaceans. Dive centers based in and around Portoferraio run trips out to the site, and it's regularly included alongside other well-known dive spots scattered through the Piombino Channel on the eastern side of Elba.

When's the best time to visit?

Diving and boating season on Elba generally runs from late spring through early autumn, when the water is warmer, calmer and clearer below the surface. Expect more ferry and pleasure-boat traffic through the channel in the peak summer months. If you just want to see the lighthouse from land or from a ferry deck, almost any month works — the silhouette of the rock and tower is visible year-round, though the sea tends to be rougher in autumn and winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you land on the Scoglietto islet? No — it's an uninhabited rocky lighthouse with no visitor infrastructure. It's meant to be viewed from the water (ferry, boat) or from a distance on shore.

Is the lighthouse still operational? Yes. Faro dello Scoglietto is an active lighthouse that helps guide ships into Portoferraio's harbor through the Piombino Channel.

Is the diving here suitable for beginners? The area is a popular dive site, but currents and channel boat traffic mean it's best explored with a local dive center and instructor, especially on a first visit.

What's the easiest way to see the lighthouse without renting a boat? Just take the Piombino–Portoferraio ferry — the route passes close enough to get a clear view of the islet and its lighthouse as you enter the bay.