Elba Foil Fest
The wing foil and windsurf foil gathering in Chiessi, on the west coast of Elba Island
About Elba Foil Fest
The wind gathering on the west coast of Elba
The Elba Foil Fest is the new festival dedicated to the world of wing foil and windsurf foil that brings Chiessi to life, a small village in the municipality of Marciana, overlooking the western coast of Elba Island, in the Province of Livorno (Tuscany). It is a non-competitive gathering designed to bring the so-called "wind tribe" together for a day of sport, sharing, and celebration in one of the wildest and most scenic corners of the entire Tuscan archipelago.
A route between Chiessi and Pomonte
The heart of the event is the sea session, which takes place along a stunning route between Chiessi and Pomonte, two seaside villages nestled between crystal-clear waters and the rocky coasts of the western part of the island. Here, riders, suspended on foil boards that seem to fly over the water's surface, can enjoy one of the most fascinating stretches of coastline in the Mediterranean, with views of the cliffs and the Mediterranean scrub that descends to the sea.
Sport, music, and flavors of Elba
Elba Foil Fest is not just about the sea: on land, the day transforms into a true village festival, with food stalls dedicated to tasting local flavors, entertainment with DJ sets, and stands dedicated to sea sports. The non-competitive format and free registration make the event open to everyone, from expert foilers to curious onlookers and the public who want to watch the spectacle from the shore.
A community event
The event was born from the collaboration between the Municipality of Marciana and numerous local organizations: Pro Loco Marciana Elba APS, the Circolo della Vela di Marciana Marina, the Il Calello association, the Misericordia of Pomonte and Chiessi, the Amici di Patresi e Colle d'Orano, Pro Loco Procchio, and the Associazione Pedalta. An associative network that testifies to the strong bond between the event and the community of the western Elban coast, capable of pooling energy and traditions to promote a territory off the beaten tourist path.
Why it's worth attending
- A completely free day, for both participants and the public
- One of the most beautiful natural settings on Elba Island, along the wild coast between Chiessi and Pomonte
- Sea sports, music, and tastings of local products in a single festival
- An opportunity to discover the seaside villages of Marciana, far from the crowds of the more famous locations
Elba Foil Fest — edition 2026
The first edition
The inaugural edition of the Elba Foil Fest was held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Chiessi, on the western coast of Elba Island. The gathering brought together 35 participants from all over Italy, along with a large audience, for a day dedicated to sea sports and conviviality.
The wind, the great expected protagonist, proved elusive: the absence of the Mistral wind did not allow for the sea session to take place. Despite this, the festival was a success, with fun pumping foil challenges, moments of sharing among participants, and a strong connection with the local community. Food stalls, DJ sets, and tastings of Elban flavors accompanied the day, which transformed into a great celebration of the "wind tribe".
Programme Elba Foil Fest 2026
Program for Sunday, May 17, 2026
- 9:30 AM — Welcome and registration in Chiessi
- 10:30 AM — Skipper briefing (on-site registration closes)
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM — Launch window (Scirocco wind), conditions permitting
- From 11:00 AM — Free shuttle service between Chiessi and Pomonte
- From 12:00 PM — Opening of food stalls and DJ entertainment
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM — Launch window (Mistral wind), conditions permitting
- 3:30 PM — Awards ceremony and final greetings
Recommended viewing points: Chiessi seafront, provincial road, and Pomonte square. The sea session was subject to wind conditions.
Highlights Elba Foil Fest 2026
Prices Elba Foil Fest 2026
Practical information — Elba Foil Fest
How to get there
Chiessi is a village in the municipality of Marciana, on the western coast of Elba Island. It can be reached by car along the provincial road that connects Marciana Marina to the west coast. To reach Elba Island, you must take the ferries from Piombino (Livorno) and disembark at Portoferraio, Rio Marina, or Cavo.
Registration and costs
Admission and participation are free. For riders, registration is carried out via an online form sent to the address [email protected]; dedicated forms are provided for minors. It is also possible to register on-site on the morning of the event.
Tips
During the day, a free shuttle service operates between Chiessi and Pomonte. Recommended viewing points are the Chiessi seafront, the provincial road, and the square in Pomonte. Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and water are recommended.
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Where does it take place — Elba Foil Fest
Chiessi