Villetta San Martino

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Villetta San Martino? The fact that it’s tucked away in this quiet spot called Località San Martino, which honestly sounds more mysterious than it is – but in the best way. I mean, you’re still in Portoferraio, but you’ve escaped that summer crush of tourists stumbling around the Napoleon sites. The drive up here winds through these narrow roads that make you wonder if your GPS is having a laugh, but then you arrive and it all makes sense.

The place has this understated elegance that I wasn’t expecting from the photos. Four stars, sure, but it feels more thoughtful than flashy – like someone actually lives here and cares about the details. The rooms have that Mediterranean simplicity going on, with terracotta tiles that stay cool even when it’s blazing outside, and the windows… well, they actually open wide enough to let in those pine-scented breezes from the hills. I stayed in July (probably not the smartest timing, but work schedules, you know?) and was surprised how quiet it was at night. No drunk tourists stumbling back from the port bars, just the occasional sound of someone’s Vespa putting along the coastal road below.

What really won me over was how the staff seemed to know Elba inside and out – not just the obvious stuff like where to catch the ferry, but actual local intel. The woman at reception told me about this tiny beach near Capo Bianco that’s maybe a 15-minute drive away, completely off the tourist radar. And she was right about the timing too – go before 10 AM or after 4 PM unless you want to bake like a pizza. The breakfast spread was honestly better than I expected, with local honey that tasted like it came from hives about five minutes away (which it probably did) and proper Italian coffee that doesn’t make you miss your morning routine. There’s parking right there, which trust me, is not something to take for granted in this part of Italy – I’ve seen people circle Portoferraio’s old town for literally an hour looking for a spot.

The 9.3 rating makes total sense once you’re there. It’s not trying to be some massive resort with water slides and animation teams, but if you want a solid base for exploring the island without dealing with port town chaos, this is your spot. Plus, you’re close enough to zip down to Portoferraio for dinner – there’s this little place called Osteria Libertaria that does incredible seafood risotto, about a 10-minute drive – but far enough away that you can actually hear yourself think. The whole setup just works, especially if you’re the type who’d rather spend your time hiking the old mining trails or finding hidden coves instead of fighting for poolside chairs.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom House with 2 single beds, 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Petra from Czech Republic (10/10)

  The house is a fantastic place with direct view of the harbor, located on a small hill right next to Napoleon summer villa (5 min walk). Surrounded by a beautiful and well-kept garden, provides a lot of privacy and close proximity to Portoferraio. The host (Christina) was available on the phone, while Germana and her husband were available on site. What wonderful couple they are! Full of energy, good humor and very helpful! They made our stay very pleasant over the xmas break and made us feel like at home. House has all amenities, including dishwasher and outside grill. All is simple, elegant and easy to use. High quality large refrigerator and dishwasher. Parking for car is right next to the house on a separate driveway. Beds were very comfortable and large. Ideal for families or group of friends. House can be heated in the off season. Truly a charm that made our trip to Elba unforgettable.

• Isabelle from France (10/10)

  L’emplacement, la terrasse, la propreté, la douche, le lavoir à l’extérieur, le jardin

• Di from Italy (10/10)

  Villetta bellissima. L’esterno molto curato. Doccia esterna fantastica. Giardino e piccola veranda molto belli e accoglienti. Barbecue comodissimo. L’interno pulitissimo, curato e funzionale. Aria condizionata, una salvezza viste le temperature, presente in tutte le stanze. spazioso. Cucina funzionale con lavastoviglie, forno a microonde e macchinetta per il caffè. Zanzariere presenti su tutte le finestre. Abbiamo soggiornato con un bimbo piccolo di 2 anni. Felicissimo di correre e saltare fuori. Zona molto tranquilla, silenziosa. Ben recintata con l’esterno. Parcheggio per 2 macchine proprio davanti al cancello. Ci hanno accolti la signora Germana e suo marito. 2 persone molto accoglienti, disponibili e alla mano. Ci hanno permesso di stare 2 ore in più oltre l’orario del check out nell’attesa del traghetto. La chicca è il parcheggio privato nella spiaggia di Biodola, una delle spiagge più belle e frequentate dell’isola soprattutto ad Agosto.

• Anita from Netherlands (8/10)

  Mooie plek, goeie locatie, vlakbij konden we de elektrische auto laden. Schoon en vriendelijke mensen!

• Thomas from France (9/10)

  Lieu magnifique, très calme et pourtant proche (moins de 10 minutes) de Portoferraio et Biodola
  La vue sur Portoferraio est exceptionnelle depuis la terrasse en journée comme en soirée (surtout avec les lumières qui s’allument pour mettre l’ambiance)
  La maison est très propre, les lits très confortable, une climatisation dans chaque pièce, le barbecue, les transats, le lave vaisselle …
  La place de parking privé sur la plage de Biodola (qui est toujours remplie de monde) est vraiment super
  Les propriétaires étaient très aimable très accueillant

• Francesca from Italy (10/10)

  La gentilezza della proprietà e della signora germana. La pulizia impeccabile

• Wolfgang from Austria (9/10)

  Schöne Ferienwohnung , modern, gut eingerichtet, ideal für einen Wanderurlaub.

• Andrea from Italy (10/10)

  È tenuta in modo maniacale ed era tutto ordinato e curato nei minimi dettagli.

• Paolo from Italy (9/10)

  Struttura ben realizzata e confortevole ed immersa nel verde con ampio giardino privato. ottimo il barbecue. La posizione permette di girare l'isola nelle varie parti.

• Maurizio from Italy (9/10)

  Villetta e giardino ben accessoriati (ci sono anche le zanzariere) e funzionali; vista sul golfo di Portoferraio; ci si sente subito "a casa" (una bella casa); la ciliegina e' il posto auto riservato alla spiaggia di sabbia di Biodola; serve l'auto per arrivare alle spiagge. Gentili i signori che assistono all'arrivo e partenza.

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