Rallye Elba — Starting Ceremony
Edition 2026 Sea Heritage Folk traditions

Rallye Elba — Starting Ceremony

The official start of the Rallye Elba on the Porto Azzurro waterfront

Porto Azzurro — Livorno (049) Since 1968
Dates 17 Apr — 18 Apr 2026
Location Porto Azzurro (049)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Rallye Elba — Start

Every spring, the seaside village of Porto Azzurro on the Island of Elba hosts the starting ceremony for the Rallye Elba, one of the world's most beloved road races. On the Banchina IV Novembre, overlooking the harbour, rally cars and their crews parade before the public before heading out to tackle the island's winding roads. It is a free and evocative event that kicks off two days of competition between sea and mountains, in the heart of the Province of Livorno, Tuscany.

The start of the Rallye Elba in Porto Azzurro

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.

A continuing rally legend

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.

Between sea and mountains on the Island of Elba

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.

An event for fans and curious onlookers

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.

  • Where: Banchina IV Novembre, Porto Azzurro (LI)
  • When: In spring, as part of the Rallye Elba
  • Admission: Free
  • Series: Opening round of the International Rally Cup

Rallye Elba — Start — edition 2026

The 59th Rallye Elba — Trofeo Cantiere Navale ESAOM started on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 4:30 PM from the Banchina IV Novembre in Porto Azzurro, marking the first act of the International Rally Cup. The starting ceremony opened two days of racing with 9 special stages covering over 113 km, concluding on Saturday, April 18, in Portoferraio.

59th Rallye Elba 2026

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.

Programme Rallye Elba — Start 2026

Program

  • Friday, April 17: Shakedown in the morning; starting ceremony at 4:30 PM from Porto Azzurro (Banchina IV Novembre); first special stages in the western part of the island, including the long "Due Mari" of over 20 km.
  • Saturday, April 18: Six special stages in the eastern part of the island; final arrival at 4:00 PM in Portoferraio, on Viale delle Ghiaie, with the awards ceremony.

Highlights Rallye Elba — Start 2026

  • Starting ceremony at the Porto Azzurro harbour
  • 9 special stages for 113.830 km of timed sections
  • 97 registered crews
  • Victory for Simone Campedelli (third success at Elba)

Prices Rallye Elba — Start 2026

Starting ceremony with free admission.

Practical information — Rallye Elba — Start

How to get there

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.

Practical tips

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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Where does it take place — Rallye Elba — Start

Banchina IV Novembre

Banchina IV Novembre, 57036 Porto Azzurro

Contact Rallye Elba — Start

Rallye Elba — Start in brief

Sea Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Sport Outdoor Free International Livorno

History of Rallye Elba — Start