Elba Italy how to get there. Elba's dog-friendly beaches. Attractions and entertainment

Elba Island (Italian: Elba)- biggest island in the Tuscan archipelago and the third island Italy, after Sardinia and Sicily. The size of the island: length 29 km and width no more than 18 km. Area 223 sq. kilometers. The coastline, famous for its sinuousness and picturesqueness, has 147 kilometers. The border with France is very close - 50 km away is the island of Corsica.

There are 8 communes on the island: Portoferraio, Campo nell "Elba, Capoliveri, Marciana, Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro, Rio Marina And Rio Nelle Elba.

You can easily get here by ferry from Italy in half an hour, because Elba is located only 10 km from Piombino. The distance between him and Grosseto is only 20 km, and the distance to Corsica does not exceed 35 km.

The ancient Greek name of Elba - "Aetana" - is translated as "sparks". The island was named after sandy beaches, glittering in the sun with grains of mica. It was first mentioned in the legendary "Odyssey" by Homer around the 8th-9th centuries. BC. Then, after eight hundred years, the island was captured by the Romans, who named it "Ilva". Until now, the ruins of Roman buildings can be found on its territory. Its name has also been preserved, eventually transformed into "Elba".

In world history, the island of Elba is widely known thanks to the French emperor Napoleon, who lived here for some time. As the most famous resident, two museums are dedicated to him on the Elbe - the Villa San Martino and the Mulini Palace. The latter was built on the site of the old windmills, hence the name "Mulini" (mulino - windmill). There is evidence that Napoleon himself personally took an active part in the design of the palace and garden, and also tirelessly followed their implementation into reality.

After the Congress of Vienna, the island passed to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. In 1860 the island became part of the emerging Kingdom of Italy.

Now the island of Elba has the status protected area, where any factory activity is prohibited and a restricted development regime is established, which is how it differs in Italy from the island of Ischia, for example. Thanks to the measures taken, it remains an environmentally friendly area. Vacationers who rent villas in Italy often go to Elba for diving. In addition, other sports activities are provided on the island, such as horseback riding, golf or tennis. On the island of Elba, your vacation will be simply unforgettable. Jet skis or skis, catamarans, surfing, yachting. Regatta lovers should visit main port islands where national and international competitions are held.

Often tourists go here by ferry from Italy for recovery in the baths of San Giovanni. In addition to natural healing factor, there are many modern SPA centers on the Elbe, where they use Newest technologies cosmetic and preventive procedures. The island is rich in small souvenir shops where you can buy a wide variety of jewelry and products made from natural stones: tiger's eye, agate, turquoise, pyrite, coral and other gems.

The main city of Elba is Portoferraio. His historical Center framed by powerful fortresses of the 16th century. Portoferaio - major port and popular tourist resort. Among its attractions are the parish church and the municipality, which houses the city's Foresiana library of the 16th century, the Church of Santissimo Scaramento, the Church of Misericordia and Forte della Stella.

The Etruscans were the first to sail here, who discovered large deposits of iron on the island. Even today, iron ore is mined on the Elbe, but tourism has become the main industry of the island. In addition to the beauties of nature, magnificent beaches and bays, the island also offers excellent hotels and restaurants, water sports for all tastes and routes for walks between vineyards and olive and chestnut groves.

Portoferraio is quiet town, perking up on market days. Behind the spacious Place Cavour, with its cafes, shops and restaurants, houses sprawled on the slopes of the hill; on top of the hill rises Forte del Falcone, a fortress built in the 16th century by order of Cosimo I de' Medici, who was very fond of Portoferraio.

The inhabitants of Portoferraio mostly visit the pleasant beach of Delle Giaye. It is enough to drive to Procchio to find a beach with the finest sand. A very unique and popular town is Marciana Marina, which with its 1800 inhabitants is one of the largest on the island. The pines here reach almost to the sea; picturesque little port surround ancient tower and dozens of houses built on the rock.

There are 153 beaches on the island, some of which can only be accessed from the sea. Elba's beaches are unique phenomenon, their main advantage is the purest water, the quality of which is confirmed by numerous fish, scurrying around the shore without fear.

The highest point of the island is a mountain called Kapana, its height reaches 1019 meters above sea level. In general, the island is mountainous, which is why it attracts a huge number of athletes who are fond of rock climbing. It periodically hosts world-class competitions in this sport. On the slopes of Mount Kapana you can find life-giving coolness on a hot summer day, everything is done here to make your stay memorable: you can organize a picnic - tables, benches, specially equipped places for barbecue are already waiting for you.

From a height of 1019 meters, Mount Capanne, which leads cable car, dominates the whole island; the mountain is planted with Marchana vineyards, where the best Elba wines are produced. An hour of walking - and you find yourself in a temple dedicated to the Madonna del Monte, where Napoleon spent two weeks in 1814, seeking peace and solace in the shade of centuries-old chestnut trees.

In the vicinity of Cavoli there are many small bays suitable for swimming. Nearby is Marina di Campo, the main resort center southwestern part of the island, where you can find beautiful fish restaurants. Elba airport is nearby.

The east coast is the most favorite place for tourists who fill the beach of Lacona (Lacona) and sandy shores Cape Stella. The last stage is Porto Azzurro, one of the most beautiful corners Elba. protected from northern winds, it is surrounded by dozens of small bays. For those who want to stay here, there is a good choice hotels and restaurants overlooking the port. Behind the residential areas you can see the fortress of Portolongone, built in 1603 by order of the Spanish King Philip III.

Island climate Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and mild winters. Holiday season here it lasts from April to mid-October.

The island used to be quite active mining of iron ore. There are mines that have been converted into rich stone museums. In addition to exhibiting and admiring giant natural specimens of minerals, it tells about the methods of their extraction and the methods of subsequent restoration of the earth. You can take a tour and ride through the entire production cycle on a trolley. The store at the museum exhibits various products made of natural stones for every taste and budget. Delicious muscat wines, exquisite perfume based on herbs growing on the mountain slopes of the island (the popular perfume "Aqua del Elba") - everything is at the service of the guests of the island.

Island cuisine rich in fish. But basically, of course, this is a typical Italian pasta abundance.

Various cultural events are held on the island every year. For example, International Festival"Elba - the musical island of Europe", which was created on the initiative of the outstanding Russian violist Yuri Bashmet and is held under his patronage.

There are 8 communes on the island: Portoferraio, Campo nell "Elba, Capoliveri, Marciana, Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro, Rio Marina And Rio Nelle Elba.

The ancient Greek name of Elba - "Aetana" - is translated as "sparks". The island was named so for the sandy beaches sparkling in the sun with grains of mica. It was first mentioned in the legendary "Odyssey" by Homer around the 8th-9th centuries. BC. Then, after eight hundred years, the island was captured by the Romans, who named it "Ilva". Until now, the ruins of Roman buildings can be found on its territory. Its name has also been preserved, eventually transformed into "Elba".

In world history, the island of Elba is widely known thanks to the French emperor Napoleon, who lived here for some time. As the most famous resident, two museums are dedicated to him on the Elbe - the Villa San Martino and the Mulini Palace. The latter was built on the site of old windmills, hence the name "Mulini" (mulino - windmill). There is evidence that Napoleon himself personally took an active part in the design of the palace and garden, and also tirelessly followed their implementation into reality.

After the Congress of Vienna, the island passed to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. In 1860 the island became part of the emerging Kingdom of Italy.

Now the island of Elba has the status of a protected area, where any factory activity is prohibited and a regime of limited development is established, which is how it differs in Italy from the island of Ischia, for example. Thanks to the measures taken, it remains an environmentally friendly area. Vacationers who rent villas in Italy often go to Elba for diving. In addition, other sports activities are provided on the island, such as horseback riding, golf or tennis. On the island of Elba, your vacation will be simply unforgettable. Jet skis or skis, catamarans, surfing, yachting. Regatta lovers should visit the main port of the island, where national and international competitions are held.

Often tourists go here by ferry from Italy for recovery in the baths of San Giovanni. In addition to the natural healing factor, there are many modern SPA centers on the Elbe, where the latest technologies for cosmetic and preventive procedures are used. The island is rich in small souvenir shops where you can buy a wide variety of jewelry and products made from natural stones: tiger's eye, agate, turquoise, pyrite, coral and other gems.

The main city of Elba is Portoferraio. Its historical center is framed by powerful fortresses of the 16th century. Portoferaio is a major port and a popular tourist resort. Among its attractions are the parish church and the municipality, which houses the city's Foresiana library of the 16th century, the Church of Santissimo Scaramento, the Church of Misericordia and Forte della Stella.

The Etruscans were the first to sail here, who discovered large deposits of iron on the island. Even today, iron ore is mined on the Elbe, but tourism has become the main industry of the island. In addition to natural beauties, magnificent beaches and coves, the island also offers excellent hotels and restaurants, water sports for all tastes and walking trails between vineyards and olive and chestnut groves.

Portoferraio is a quiet town that comes alive on market days. Behind the spacious Place Cavour, with its cafes, shops and restaurants, houses sprawled on the slopes of the hill; on top of the hill rises Forte del Falcone, a fortress built in the 16th century by order of Cosimo I de' Medici, who was very fond of Portoferraio.

The inhabitants of Portoferraio mostly visit the pleasant beach of Delle Giaye. It is enough to drive to Procchio to find a beach with the finest sand. A very unique and popular town is Marciana Marina, which with its 1800 inhabitants is one of the largest on the island. The pines here reach almost to the sea; the picturesque little port is surrounded by an ancient tower and dozens of houses built on the rock.

There are 153 beaches on the island, some of which can only be accessed from the sea. The beaches of Elba are a unique phenomenon, their main advantage is the purest water, the quality of which is confirmed by numerous fish scurrying around the shore without fear.

From a height of 1019 meters, Mount Capanne, to which the cable car leads, dominates the entire island; the mountain is planted with Marchana vineyards, where the best Elba wines are produced. An hour of walking - and you find yourself in a temple dedicated to the Madonna del Monte, where Napoleon spent two weeks in 1814, seeking peace and solace in the shade of centuries-old chestnut trees.

In the vicinity of Cavoli there are many small bays suitable for swimming. Nearby is Marina di Campo, the main resort center of the southwestern part of the island, where you can find excellent fish restaurants. Elba airport is nearby.

The east coast is the most favorite destination for tourists who fill the Lacona beach and the sandy shores of Cape Stella. The last stage is Porto Azzurro, one of the most beautiful corners of the Elbe. Protected from northern winds, it is surrounded by dozens of small bays. For those who want to stay here, there is a good selection of hotels and restaurants overlooking the port. Behind the residential areas you can see the fortress of Portolongone, built in 1603 by order of the Spanish King Philip III.

Island climate Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and mild winters. The holiday season here lasts from April to mid-October.

Island cuisine rich in fish. But basically, of course, this is a typical Italian pasta abundance.

Various cultural events are held on the island every year. For example, the International Festival "Elba - the musical island of Europe", which was created on the initiative of the outstanding Russian violist Yuri Bashmet and is held under his patronage.

The coast of Elba Island is very winding and picturesque. mountain slopes, where iron ore was previously mined, are covered with multi-colored mounds - red, black, brown and blue.

Among the huge number of islands in Italy, and there are about 700 of them, the island of Elba is the most visited by tourists.

As part of the Tuscan archipelago, which belongs to National park Tuscany, Elba is the largest in the first place.

The area of the island is 223.5 sq. km. most high point Elba is Monte Capanne - 1018 m above sea level. The capital of the island is Portoferraio.

The Corsican Strait separates the islands of Elba and Corsica from each other, between them 35 km. The length of the coast is 147 km. Magnificent beaches, ecologically clean flora and historical heritage the islands, combined with the hospitality of the people of Elba, attract a huge number of tourists from all over the world.

Location of Elba Island on the map of Italy

The distance of 10 km between the island and mainland Italy can be covered in 70 minutes by ferry, which runs regularly from the port of Piombino.

You can also load a car on the ferry, for which you will have to pay extra.

The port can be reached by train from or Piombino. By bus you can get to the port from cities such as Florence, Milan, Lodi,.

On the island, in the locality of La Pila, there is an airport that receives flights from many major cities Europe.

Story

In the distant past, iron ore was mined on the island. This explains the various elevations of brown, black, gray colors on the slopes of the hills.

The first mines, according to archaeological research, founded in the 8th-9th centuries. BC. Etruscans. A few centuries later, namely, in the 5th century BC, iron mining passed into the hands of the Romans. In the sixteenth century part of the island was ruled by Casimo I of the Medici, who left behind the Cosmopoli fortress. In 1802, France took control of the administration of the island. And in 1860, Fr. Elba became part of the united kingdom of Italy.

Elba Island has rich history and many historical monuments

The island has a very rich historical past.

It is known that after his first abdication and exile to Elba, the commander was declared the "Emperor of the Island". Although it was formal, but immediately upon arrival, Napoleon began to improve the standard of living of the population, having carried out a number of effective reforms. His stay on the island lasted 9 months, during which the cities of Elba were greatly transformed in development.

Holidays and festivals on the island

By number and range recreational activities it is not difficult to guess which country the island of Elba belongs to. Rich in festivals and celebrations, Italy is hospitable in any manifestation and on each of its islands.

On the Elbe, as well as on the mainland, a variety of holidays are very popular. The Walking Festival sports event is held annually in the spring.

Gastronomic festivals such as the wine or chestnut festival are popular in autumn. In the summer, many cultural events are held, including folklore and music programs.

A special date for the inhabitants of the island is May 5th. On this day, after a short stay in exile, Napoleon left the island.

A reverent attitude to the memory of the emperor encourages the population to pay tribute every year in the form of a holiday.

Every year the island of Elba celebrates the Napoleonic feast.

August 12 on the island is the feast of St. Chiara. On this day, a grandiose spectacle of fireworks and music is arranged in Marchana Marina.

Attractions

If we talk about the Elba resort as beach option rest, then this is the most perfect option. Emerald water, rare and rich flora and fauna, rocky landscapes - everything is conducive to enjoying the wonderful benefits of nature.

On the island of Elba are best beaches from white sand and pebbles, which will become favorite vacation spots for tourists for more than one year.

Here are some of the best beaches:

Scalieri (Scaglier);
Gryaye (Ghiaie);
Padulella (Padulella);
Sansone.

On the island of Elba, beach lovers will love it

Beaches are far from all that the island is rich in.
Elba is the place where harmoniously combined historical monuments different eras and civilizations with modernity.

Among the significant sights of Elba, it should be noted:

Cuisine and restaurants of the island

Seafood and fish dishes are a culinary feature of all the islands of Italy, and Elba is no exception. The variety of fish is impressive - from sardines to octopus and shrimp! Everything your heart desires!

IN local restaurants, of course, combine the gifts of the sea and the gifts of the earth.

A great place to relax and have a great dinner is Ristorante Publius. The restaurant is located in the very center of Marciana. In addition to fish abundance, the menu has a sufficient amount and meat dishes. An amazing dinner will be complemented by delicious local wine.

Delicious pizza can be tasted in Pizzeria Larte Bianca. Also in this institution the widest selection of quality beer.

Pizzeria LArte Bianca offers customers the most delicious Italian pizza

An excellent selection of wine and all kinds of seafood dishes will be offered to you Ristorante Koala.

Where to stay

The hotel industry of the island offers hotels with comfort of any level and for every taste:

Paradise Island Elba! A combination of picturesque valleys and hills, rocks and sandy landscapes, emerald water and unique flora and fauna. Everything in it is beautiful and unique!

You can plunge into the unique atmosphere of Elba Island by watching the video:

And whoever said that there is no limit to perfection has simply never been to the island of Elba!

He is perfection!

Elba is the most big Island Tuscan archipelago, and among all Italian islands in size it is second only to Sardinia and Sicily. It is only 10 kilometers from the mainland, and therefore getting to the Elbe is not difficult. The island has long been popular among European tourists, but the Russians are still rare guests here. The island is 27 kilometers long and 18 kilometers long.

Taking into account all tourist attraction of this island, you can get to it in different ways, but the fastest and most convenient way to do this is by plane. The island has a small airport, which is located in the village of La Pila. During the summer, this airport receives flights from many Italian and European cities. You can check offers different airlines(primarily Italian) and it is possible that you can find some interesting offers.

The second way of travel is combined, it involves a trip to the port of Piombino, and then by ferry, directly to Elba. If you prefer traveling by train, then you should consider that the main route, as a rule, starts from two Italian cities: Pisa or Livorno (you can easily get to them from any corner of Italy). You won’t be able to get directly to Piombino, you will have to make one change (to the train). You can specify the route, find out the cost and a detailed train schedule on the official website of the Italian railways.

In the summer, Piombino can be reached from Milan, Florence and many other cities in the country by bus, but as practice shows, in the end this option is more tedious and expensive. For example, from Florence, such transportation is carried out by BuSITAlia Nord, on whose website you can learn a lot interesting information on your question.

When you get to Piombino, you need to transfer to the ferry, which will take you to the Elba. How often ferries run depends on the seasonal factor and weather conditions, but given that this route serves four shipping companies, problems are extremely rare. All ferries are quite comfortable and are on the route from 6 am to 9.30 pm. The fare for all carriers is approximately the same (something around 15 euros), but literally 1-2 euros can be saved if you buy tickets from Moby. Ferries go to Rio Marina and Portoferraio. In the first case, the travel time will be 45 minutes, and in the second, it will take 25 minutes longer. When choosing a route, you need to start from where it will be closer for you to get to the hotel.

Tickets can be purchased in a variety of ways. For example, at the ferry terminal, which is located near the exit of the train or book directly on the website of the shipping company. During the off-season, the ferry traffic interval is 2-3 hours.

For those traveling without a car, the Aliscafo speedboat can be a great alternative to ferries, with a trip time of only 30 minutes, and the cost will be the same.

Useful information for tourists about the island of Elba in Italy - geographical position, tourism infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Elba - large island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, administratively part of Italian region Tuscany and located 20 km from the coastal town of Piombino. This is the largest island of the Tuscan archipelago and the third largest in Italy after Sicily and Sardinia - it covers an area of 223 sq. km. Together with neighboring islands Gorgon, Capraia, Pianosa, Montecristo, Gilo and Gianutri shapes national park"Tuscan archipelago". There are eight communes on the Elba, in which about 30 thousand people live - Portoferraio, Campo nel Elba, Capoliveri, Marchana, Marchana Marina, Porto Azzurro, Rio Marina and Rio nel Elba.

Even in ancient times, Elba was known for its iron deposits - the Etruscans were the first to create mines here, and in the 5th century BC. they were replaced by the Romans. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the island was repeatedly attacked by barbarians and Saracens until it became part of the powerful Republic of Pisa at the beginning of the 11th century. Three centuries later Elba passed into the possession of the Appiani family, who ruled the island for two centuries. Then the island was bought by Cosimo I Medici, on whose orders a fortress was built in Portoferraio, but soon this part of the Elbe returned to Appiani. Two more fortresses were built in the 17th century, when Porto Azzurro was captured by the Spanish King Philip II. Finally, in 1802, Elba became a French possession, and the period of prosperity of the island began. The French brought worldwide fame to the island - it was here that the once great Napoleon Bonaparte, who bore the title of Emperor of Elba, was in exile. And in 1860, Elba became part of the united Italy.

Today, Elba is known as the birthplace of fine Muscat wine and popular place recreation. Tourists are attracted not only historical places, but also the extraordinary beauty of the island - on a small, in general, territory steep rocky cliffs, moorlands, chestnut and pine groves, where wild boars and deer roam, sandy beaches and secluded bays and bays are concentrated. You can get here from the city of Piombino by ferry.

Undoubtedly, the main attractions of Elba are the places associated with the stay on the island of Napoleon, and, above all, two museums - Villa San Martino and Palazzo Mulini. The latter was erected on the site of windmills, from which it got its name (mulino - mill). It is said that Napoleon personally took part in the construction of the palace and the design of the surrounding garden. And Villa San Martino (6 km from Portoferraio) was rebuilt by Prince Anatoly Demidov, husband of the Countess de Montfort, Napoleon's niece. It is interesting that Demidov built a villa specifically for the Bonaparte Museum - today this neoclassical building houses a collection of relics of the imperial family. It also hosts various cultural events and thematic exhibitions.

In Portoferraio you can see the ancient fortress walls of the Medici times, in the vicinity of Porto Azzurro - the ruins of the Roman villa Le Grotte and the castle of Castel Volterraio, and not far from the Rio Elba is the Mon Serrato Gorge with a church with a mysterious icon of the Black Madonna.

On the Elbe, many ancient mines have been preserved, in which iron ore was once mined, and which today are turned into historical museums- you can see giant specimens in them rocks, learn about the methods of mining ore and about the further restoration of the soil. In addition, in some museums you can ride a special trolley through the entire production cycle.

Length coastline Elbe is 147 km, most which are occupied by beaches, both sandy and pebbly. In total, there are more than 70 beaches, colorfully framed pine groves and citrus plantations. The most famous is the Barabarca beach with crystal-clear water in the lagoon and amazing views of Stella Bay. Another popular beach is Le Giayet, famous for its pink pebbles. According to legend, it was on this beach that the Argonauts stopped, and multi-colored blotches in the local pebbles are nothing but their sweat.