Camping Village Rosselba le Palme

Nature, pines, and green Mediterranean scrub dominate the grounds at the hillside Rosselba le Palme, a back-to-nature mix of mobile homes, apartments, and furnished tents that also has a few spots for motor homes. Gravel paths wind throughout the village, connecting the rooms with outdoor common spaces that include features such as wooden picnic tables and outdoor grills. The entire camping village is on a steep hill, and getting from the rooms to the on-site facilities can require a fair bit of trudging up or down stairs and pathways. The reception is in a semi-open thatched area with strings of multicolored pennants adding color to the ceiling. To reach the beach, guests have to cross a street and walk down steep stairs. The village is a bit more upscale than your average Italian seaside camping village of which there are many, and attracts families, couples, and friends keen on a comfortable nature experience.

Rosselba le Palme is on a green hill covered with pine trees and Mediterranean scrub, with views looking out onto the Gulf of Portoferraio on one side and the Volterraio mountain on the other. Getting to Portoferraio -- Elba’s main ferry port -- takes 15-minutes by car and reaching Capoliveri and Portoazzurro takes about the same amount of time. Elba's best-known beaches, including Fetovaia and Sant’Andre, are within a one-hour drive of the camping village.

Rosselba le Palme has mobile homes, furnished "glamping" tents with electricity, campsites, and apartments; some of which are located in the old Villa Le Palme inside the botanical garden. Decor is simple and bright, with white walls, colorful drapery, and the occasional colorful but unobtrusive art print on the wall. Mobile homes are new and nicely furnished -- these are more attractive than the spartan brick chalet-style flats on offer. Most of the structures have a sea view and many have air-conditioning as well as fully furnished kitchens with stoves (but no ovens). Bedding, dishes, and cutlery are included, but guests should bring their own towels. Free Wi-Fi is available, but spotty. 

The camping village has a range of staffed activities for kids during summer months, including games, entertainment, and nature activities for kids, not to mention a big playground with multiple structures. The swimming pool area includes a water park with slides and a children's play area with multiple fountains in the form of pirate ships, frogs, and dolphins. The village has a lap pool for adults, a tennis court, and a botanical garden with rare plants and exotic trees. Provisions are sold at the village's market along with toys, soccer balls, and basic toiletries. There's also a pizzeria and full bar with colorful indoor seating and an outdoor seating area with thatched roofs for al fresco dining. Free Wi-Fi is spotty.