San Giovanni – Thermal Park and Coast

San Giovanni between the Thermal Park and the Coast

In Località San Giovanni are the thermal park and the Terme San Giovanni spa facility. For its thalassotherapy treatments, the spa uses iodine-rich seawater, sea mud and thermal marine algae. For a stay focused on thermal treatments, the facility can be planned as a separate part of the day alongside the coastal destinations.

Thermal Pool and Coastal Wetland

The thermal pool is the remaining part of an extensive coastal wetland in the Gulf of Portoferraio. The coastal wetland is home to numerous resident and migratory birds. Those planning nature observation can treat this as a separate theme alongside a beach stay, distinguishing between resident and migratory birds. For nature observation, the wetland therefore provides a different focus for the day than the beach.

Beach and Other Coastal Destinations

San Giovanni Beach has a dark pebble surface and is signposted from the Portoferraio–Porto Azzurro provincial road. The beaches Spiaggia della Padulella, Spiaggia di Capo Bianco, Spiaggia Di Sottobomba and Spiaggia di Acquarilli are also located in the immediate vicinity of San Giovanni. For travel planning, San Giovanni Beach can therefore be considered together with these four coastal destinations as a separate coastal focus. The additional beaches extend the coastal section beyond San Giovanni.

Routes for Active Days

The Cammino della Rada is a walking and sea route between the Torre del Martello of the fortified city of Cosmopoli and the Fortezza del Volterraio. The project is not yet complete, although some sections are already walkable. Anyone including this route in their plans should distinguish between the sections that can already be walked and the overall route, which is not yet complete. San Giovanni is also connected to the second stage of the Elba Nord – Baia di Portoferraio route. For an active day, the individual walkable section is therefore the relevant one; the entire route should not be assumed to be walkable from end to end.

Napoleonic Sites in the Surrounding Area

The Museo Nazionale Delle Residenze Napoleoniche, Villa di San Martino and Museo Nazionale delle Residenze Napoleoniche dell'isola d'Elba are located in the immediate vicinity of San Giovanni. Castello del Volterraio is also in the vicinity of San Giovanni. For those interested in culture, the museums, the villa and the castle can be considered as separate historical destinations. The historic sites can therefore be treated as a separate area of interest alongside the nature and coastal themes.

Historical Traces on the Beach

San Giovanni Beach is traditionally associated with Napoleon's frequent bathing visits. San Giovanni di Portoferraio is also home to a small villa rustica, regarded as a local example of building types that continue to be described as “catonic”. The historical association of the beach and the architectural type of the villa rustica provide two different focuses for a cultural day.

For comparison with San Giovanni: Bagnaia, Schiopparello, Magazzini, Scaglieri and Campo Ai Peri.

For the overarching travel overview: Portoferraio.