Forte Inglese - Image 1
1 / 10

Forte Inglese

4.4
·72 reviews·Portoferraio, Italy

A historic fort offering breathtaking panoramic views of Portoferraio and a glimpse into Elba's past, with free entry.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Catch the golden hour light

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Forte Inglese - Image 1

Forte Inglese

Best Time

Late afternoon

Catch the golden hour light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic fort offering breathtaking panoramic views of Portoferraio and a glimpse into Elba's past, with free entry.

4.4
(72 reviews)

"Definitely worth a visit for the great sunset views and a piece of history!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The walk up is steep! Be prepared for an incline.

⏰ Verify Opening Hours

Google Maps can be inaccurate; check onsite signs for current times.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Sunset Views

Panoramic Sunset Views

Top terrace

Breathtaking vistas of Portoferraio and the surrounding coastline, especially magical at sunset.

Reddit
Giorgio Roster Exhibition

Giorgio Roster Exhibition

Inside the fort

Discover the life and work of this fascinating scientist, documentarist, and photographer.

Reddit
Historical Architecture

Historical Architecture

Throughout the fort

Explore the restored architecture, showcasing its evolution through Medici, French, and English eras.

Reddit
Entomology Museum

Entomology Museum

Inside the fort

A small but passionate collection dedicated to nature and research, a hidden gem for enthusiasts.

Instagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Opening hours can be tricky! Google Maps times might be off, and they vary between high and off-seasons. Always double-check onsite signs or local info before you go to avoid disappointment. Reddit

The Climb is Real

Getting to Forte Inglese involves a steep walk, especially if you're following routing from Viale Elba. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for an uphill journey. Reddit

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Catch the golden hour light
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings (check hours)
Why
Spectacular sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Seguimi e commenta con ELBA ON THE ROAD per ricevere in 🎁 la mappa con l’itinerario completo con tutti i consigli su cosa vedere all’Isola d’Elba #isoladelba #elba #tiktoktoscana #toscana #traveltip #traveltips #consiglidiviaggio #mappa #portoferraio #miniere #spiaggia #spiaggeitaliane #snorkeling #kayak #tenda #glamping
@unapennainvaligia
8.8K likes • 381.5K views

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The walk up is steep! Be prepared for an incline. Reddit

⏰ Verify Opening Hours

Google Maps can be inaccurate; check onsite signs for current times. Reddit

Le spiagge di Biodola, Scaglieri e Forno - fra le più note e amate dai turisti - si sono riempite di detriti dopo il nubifragio che ha colpito Portoferraio, capoluogo dell'Isola d'Elba, nella giornata di martedì 9 settembre.
@local.team
5.6K likes • 340.3K views
Museo di entomologia a Forte Inglese, Isola d'Elba. Un piccolo angolo che trabocca di passione per la natura e la ricerca, dove si respira l'atmosfera e la motivazione che spinge i naturalisti a continuare a studiare per tutta la vita. "Conosciamo tutti tantissimo delle balene, ma la maggior parte di noi non ne ha mai vista una. Invece ci sono cose che abbiamo a portata di mano e che vediamo tutt...
scienzazioni
15 likes • 207 views

💰 Free Admission!

Enjoy the history and views without an entry fee. Reddit

📸 Sunset Photo Ops

The top terrace offers incredible views for photographers. Reddit

Forte Inglese 👉 realizzato per volontà di Cosimo III de Medici, Granduca di Toscana, a difesa di Portoferraio; nel 1728 la fortezza fu in parte smantellata dall'ultimo Granduca Giangastone per poi essere occupato nel 1796 dagli Inglesi che lì si insediarono. Ristrutturato ed ampiato nel 1814 da Napoleone che lo riteneva importante per la difesa della città. 👉 Molto interessante da visitare al suo ...
art__isalwaysarevelation
48 likes • 392 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The walk up is steep! Be prepared for an incline. Reddit

⏰ Verify Opening Hours

Google Maps can be inaccurate; check onsite signs for current times. Reddit

💰 Free Admission!

Enjoy the history and views without an entry fee. Reddit

📸 Sunset Photo Ops

The top terrace offers incredible views for photographers. Reddit

🗺️ Guided Tours Available

Inquire about guided tours for a deeper historical understanding. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(72 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Forte Inglese a worthwhile historical site with stunning panoramic views, especially at sunset, and appreciate the free admission and interesting exhibits like the Giorgio Roster collection. However, be prepared for a steep climb and verify opening hours as online information can be unreliable.

"Google Maps and routing from Viale Elba for travel on foot was wrong in 3 ways:
- The last leg led away from where the entrance actually is.
- It wasn't "mostly flat" at all.
- On Google it shows opening times Fri,Sat 16:00-18:00, when we arrived we found it closed with a sign Open 18:00-20:00.

We then found the difference in opening times between high season and off season documented as per the photo attached.
Once we got to the place when open, it is definitely worth a visit (free admission too!): permanent exhibition on Giorgio Roster, all-round scientist, documentarist, photographer. As well as great sunset views from the top terrace of the fort."

Stephan Heitmeyer

"Such a nice place to touch a piece of history"

Thomas Dikkers

"It's a must -see"

Emanuela Lorenzetti

What People Like

Spectacular sunset views
Free admission
Historical exhibits

What People Dislike

Steep uphill walk
Inaccurate opening hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Forte Inglese is accessible by foot from Portoferraio, but be aware the route involves a steep uphill walk. Some visitors have found Google Maps routing to be inaccurate, leading them away from the actual entrance. It's best to confirm the best walking path locally or be prepared for a climb. Reddit

Information on dedicated parking for Forte Inglese is limited. If arriving by car, you may need to find parking in Portoferraio and then walk up to the fort. Reddit

While there isn't direct public transport to the fort itself, you can take buses to Portoferraio and then proceed with the walk. Check local bus schedules for routes within Portoferraio. TikTok

Many visitors recommend heading towards Portoferraio and then looking for signs or asking locals for the most direct, albeit steep, path. Be prepared for a workout! Reddit

Due to the steep incline, the walk may be challenging for those with mobility issues. It's not considered 'mostly flat' as some routing might suggest. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to Forte Inglese is free! This makes it an accessible and worthwhile visit for all travelers. Reddit

Opening hours can be inconsistent and vary between high and off-seasons. Google Maps times have been reported as incorrect. It's crucial to check onsite signage or local information for the most up-to-date hours, which can sometimes be later in the evening (e.g., 18:00-20:00). Reddit

While the fort is a historical site, its accessibility and opening hours are seasonal. It's advisable to check for off-season availability and hours before planning your visit. Reddit

No, tickets are not required as admission is free. However, checking opening hours in advance is highly recommended. Reddit

Generally, there are no specific restrictions mentioned, but it's always good practice to respect the historical site and follow any posted guidelines. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The top terrace offers spectacular panoramic views of Portoferraio and the sea, making it ideal for sunset shots. The fort's architecture itself also provides great photographic opportunities. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed within Forte Inglese, allowing you to capture the historical exhibits and architectural details. Instagram

It's excellent for landscape photography, especially during sunset, and for capturing historical and architectural details. Reddit

No specific restrictions are commonly mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors and the historical integrity of the site. Reddit

Late afternoon leading into sunset provides the most dramatic lighting for both the views and the fort itself. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ History & Exhibits

Originally built during the Medici era for Portoferraio's defense, it was later modified by the French and occupied by the English, hence its name. It underwent restoration in 2014. InstagramReddit

Forte Inglese features a permanent exhibition on Giorgio Roster, a multifaceted scientist, documentarist, and photographer. There's also a small entomology museum. InstagramReddit

Giorgio Roster was an all-around scientist, documentarist, and photographer whose work is showcased in a permanent exhibition at Forte Inglese. Reddit

The entomology museum, though small, is a testament to passion for nature and research, offering a glimpse into the dedication of naturalists. Instagram

Yes, the fort underwent a careful restoration in 2014, highlighting its harmonious architecture from different historical periods. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Forte Inglese offers a unique blend of history and views that can engage older children. The walk up is a good opportunity to talk about exploration and adventure, but be prepared for the steep incline – consider carrying younger children or using a carrier if needed. Reddit The free admission is a big plus for family budgets. Reddit The exhibits, particularly the Giorgio Roster collection and the entomology museum, might spark curiosity in inquisitive minds, offering a break from typical beach activities. InstagramReddit The panoramic views from the top are also a great reward after the climb. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Forte Inglese is a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers as admission is completely free. Reddit The main 'cost' is your energy for the steep walk up, so pack water and wear comfortable shoes. Reddit You can easily spend an hour or two exploring the fort, enjoying the exhibits, and soaking in the incredible views without spending a euro. It's a perfect way to experience a piece of Elba's history and enjoy stunning scenery on a shoestring. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Forte Inglese is a dream, especially during the golden hour leading up to sunset. The panoramic views over Portoferraio and the Tuscan archipelago are simply spectacular. Reddit Capture the dramatic light on the fort's ancient walls and the expansive sea vistas. The architectural details of the fort itself also offer compelling subjects, showcasing its historical layers. InstagramReddit Don't miss the chance to photograph the unique exhibits inside, like the entomology collection, for a different perspective. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Your Visit to Forte Inglese

Planning your trip to Forte Inglese requires a bit of foresight, particularly regarding access and opening hours. Many visitors report that online mapping services like Google Maps can provide inaccurate directions, often leading away from the actual entrance and misrepresenting the terrain as 'mostly flat' when it's quite steep. Reddit It's essential to be prepared for an uphill walk and to verify the fort's opening times directly, as these can vary significantly between high and low seasons and may differ from what's listed online. Reddit The fort is free to enter, making it an attractive option, but confirming hours beforehand will prevent a wasted trip. Reddit

Once you arrive, the effort is rewarded with stunning panoramic views from the top terrace, especially captivating during sunset. Reddit Inside, you can explore the historical architecture, which reflects its evolution through various eras, including the Medici, French, and English periods. InstagramReddit The fort also houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to Giorgio Roster, a notable scientist, documentarist, and photographer, offering a glimpse into his multifaceted career. Reddit For those with a keen interest in nature, a small entomology museum provides a unique and passionate display of insects and research. Instagram

Consider inquiring about guided tours if you wish to delve deeper into the fort's rich history and architectural nuances. Reddit The restoration efforts have preserved its harmonious design, making it a worthwhile historical site to explore. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as the ascent is a significant part of the experience. Reddit

The Historical Layers of Forte Inglese

Forte Inglese, perched above Portoferraio, is a testament to centuries of strategic importance and architectural evolution. Its origins trace back to the Medici era, when it was constructed as a defensive fortification to protect the vital port. Instagram This initial phase laid the groundwork for its strategic role in controlling access to the island.

Over time, the fort's design and purpose adapted to changing political landscapes. It saw modifications during the French occupation in the late 18th century, with further developments and expansions occurring under Napoleon in 1814, who recognized its continued military significance. Instagram The name 'Forte Inglese' itself points to a period of English occupation, highlighting its role in various European powers' interests in the region. Instagram The fort has undergone significant restoration, notably in 2014, which has helped to reveal and preserve its harmonious architecture across these distinct historical periods. Reddit

Today, visitors can appreciate these layers of history not only through the fort's structure but also through its internal exhibits. The Giorgio Roster exhibition offers a look into the life of a remarkable scientist and documentarist, while the entomology museum showcases a passion for the natural world. InstagramReddit These elements, combined with the breathtaking views, make Forte Inglese a compelling destination for history buffs and sightseers alike.

You may also like