Premio Strega on Elba
The summer showcase of the Premio Strega in Marciana Marina, on the island of Elba
About Premio Strega on Elba
The Premio Strega returns to the island of Elba
The Premio Strega on Elba is the literary highlight of the summer in Marciana Marina, a charming, picturesque seaside village in the province of Livorno, on the island of Elba. Each year, the winner of the Premio Strega—Italy's most important literary prize, awarded in Rome at Piazza del Campidoglio—is welcomed to the heart of the village for a public evening dedicated to their work. The event takes place in Piazza della Chiesa, overlooking the small harbor, and is one of the most anticipated moments of the Elban cultural season.
A tradition linking the Strega to Elba
The bond between the Premio Strega and Marciana Marina runs deep: the event pays tribute to Anna Maria Rimoaldi, the prize's director for twenty years, and commemorates Raffaello Brignetti, a writer with strong ties to the island who won the Strega in 1971 with La spiaggia d'oro. After a few years' hiatus, the collaboration with the Fondazione Bellonci has permanently brought the prize back to Elba, establishing Marciana Marina as the cultural capital of the island.
How the evening unfolds
The day follows a well-established ritual. In the late afternoon, around 7:00 PM, a welcome aperitif is held at the Arthotel Gabbiano Azzurro Due, where the winner meets organizers, guests, and the press. In the evening, starting at 9:45 PM, Piazza della Chiesa transforms into an open-air literary salon: the winning author engages with the public, discusses their book, and answers questions from readers. The evening is often enhanced by artistic tributes and the participation of local booksellers and cultural organizations.
Marciana Marina, a village of culture on Elba
Part of the summer cultural circuit of the Municipality of Marciana Marina—which also includes the Premio La Tore and the historic Incontri con l'Autore (Meetings with the Author)—the Premio Strega on Elba confirms the literary vocation of this Tuscan island village. Admission is free, and the atmosphere, amidst the scent of the sea and the pastel-colored houses along the promenade, makes the evening an experience that blends great literature with Mediterranean charm.
- Where: Piazza della Chiesa, Marciana Marina (LI), island of Elba
- When: Early August, in the evening
- Admission: Free
- Organization: Municipality and Pro Loco of Marciana Marina, in collaboration with the Fondazione Bellonci
Premio Strega on Elba — edition 2026
The Premio Strega on Elba 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5 in Marciana Marina, at Piazza della Chiesa, starting around 9:45 PM, with a welcome aperitif at the Arthotel Gabbiano Azzurro Due from 7:00 PM. The guest of the evening will be the winner of the 80th edition of the Premio Strega, who will present their work to the public in Marciana Marina. The event is organized by the Municipality and the Pro Loco of Marciana Marina in collaboration with the Fondazione Bellonci.
The winner's name will be announced in Rome, at Piazza del Campidoglio, on July 8, 2026, following the vote among the six finalists of the year. The presentation on Elba serves as the traditional summer stop for the prize. Admission to the evening is free.
Programme Premio Strega on Elba 2026
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 — Marciana Marina
- 7:00 PM — Welcome aperitif for the Premio Strega winner at the Arthotel Gabbiano Azzurro Due
- 9:45 PM — Public evening in Piazza della Chiesa: the winner presents and discusses the winning work in dialogue with the audience
The six finalists of the 80th edition of the Premio Strega, from whom the winner will be chosen on July 8 in Rome, are: I convitati di pietra by Michele Mari (Einaudi), Platone. Una storia d'amore by Matteo Nucci (Feltrinelli), La sonnambula by Bianca Pitzorno (Bompiani), Donnaregina by Teresa Ciabatti (Mondadori), Lo sbilico by Alcide Pierantozzi (Einaudi), and Vedove di Camus by Elena Rui (L'orma editore).
The detailed program for the evening (host and guests) will be announced by the organizers in the weeks leading up to the event, once the winner's name is known.
Highlights Premio Strega on Elba 2026
The presence of the winner of the 2026 Premio Strega, announced in Rome on July 8, who will present their work live in Marciana Marina during a free evening overlooking the harbor of the island of Elba.
Prices Premio Strega on Elba 2026
Practical information — Premio Strega on Elba
How to get there
Marciana Marina can be reached by ferry from Piombino to Portoferraio (Toremar, Moby, and Blu Navy ferry lines), followed by a car or bus ride along the northern coast of Elba (approximately 20-30 minutes). Piombino is connected by train to the Rome-Genoa line (Piombino Marittima station).
When and where
The event is held in Piazza della Chiesa, in the center of Marciana Marina, in the evening (starting around 9:45 PM), with a welcome aperitif at the Arthotel Gabbiano Azzurro Due from 7:00 PM.
Admission and tips
Admission to the evening in the square is free. As this is peak summer season on the island of Elba, it is highly recommended to book accommodation and ferry tickets well in advance. Seating is limited: arrive early.
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Where does it take place — Premio Strega on Elba
Piazza della Chiesa
Piazza della Chiesa, 57033 Marciana Marina