The official start of the Rallye Elba on the Porto Azzurro waterfront
The Rallye Elba starting ceremony is one of the most scenic moments of the entire motoring event, taking place in the charming village of Porto Azzurro, on the eastern coast of the Island of Elba, in the Province of Livorno, Tuscany. On the Banchina IV Novembre, along the harbour, the competition cars and their crews mount the starting ramp to be greeted by fans and spectators before facing the special stages that traverse the island between sea and hills.
Born in the late 1960s, the Rallye Elba is one of Italy's longest-running and most beloved road competitions, serving for decades as an international showcase for the Elban territory. The race is organized by ACI Livorno Sport on behalf of the Automobile Club Livorno and traditionally opens the International Rally Cup (IRC) season, attracting top-tier crews from all over Italy. The choice of Porto Azzurro as the starting venue combines sporting spectacle with the charm of a seaside village, creating a blend of adrenaline and landscape that draws numerous visitors.
After the ceremony on the quay, the crews head out onto the island's roads to tackle the special stages spread over two days. The route alternates between panoramic coastal roads and inland hairpins, offering a unique spectacle. The event involves several municipalities of Elba, with the start in Porto Azzurro and the final finish in Portoferraio.
The starting ceremony is open to everyone and free of charge: families, tourists, and motor enthusiasts can watch the car parade up close and soak up the atmosphere of the great competition. For those visiting Elba in the spring, it is the ideal opportunity to discover Porto Azzurro and enjoy a day dedicated to sport and Italian automotive tradition.
The 2026 edition saw 97 registered crews at the start, kicking off with the ceremony on Friday, April 17 at 4:30 PM from the Banchina IV Novembre in Porto Azzurro. The race, the first round of the International Rally Cup, consisted of 9 special stages for a total of 113.830 km of timed sections, within an overall route of 333.240 km, finishing on Saturday, April 18, in Portoferraio.
The winner was Simone Campedelli, co-driven by Tania Canton in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, marking his third victory at Elba after those in 2022 and 2024. The podium was completed by Pisani-Floris and Pollara-Princiotto, both in Skoda Fabia RS cars.
Porto Azzurro can be reached by ferry, landing in Portoferraio (with connections from Piombino, in the province of Livorno) and continuing by car for about 15 km towards the eastern coast of the island. The starting ceremony takes place on the Banchina IV Novembre, in the centre of the village, overlooking the harbour.
Admission is free. During the event, traffic changes and temporary closures are expected in the harbour areas and along the race routes: it is advisable to check the municipal notices and arrive early to find parking.
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Banchina IV Novembre
Banchina IV Novembre, 57036 Porto Azzurro