Resorts of Italy. Elba Island. Itineraries of Italy - Tuscany, Elba Island The most beautiful places and attractions on Elba

Considering the history of the island of Elba (Italian: Elba, Latin: Ilva), it must be said that the stay of Emperor Napoleon, the most prestigious owner of this island, for eight months made Elba the pearl of the coast of Tuscany (Italy).

Napoleon on the Elbe

On a May evening in 1814, a British frigate anchored in the bay of Portoferraio. Napoleon arrived on board to inspect the views of his place of imprisonment. After the treaty signed following the Battle of Fontainebleau, the British offered the defeated French emperor various places of exile. But he chose Elba, remembering the strong hand of the Roman Empire, Elba, from whose granites the foundations of the Pantheon in Rome were built.

Walking around the island, the emperor found places reminiscent of his native Corsica. This similarity was decisive in choosing the place of exile and fulfilling the terms of the peace treaty between France and England, which allowed Napoleon to retain his imperial title. For a few months, Elbe became the French Empire again, but with an area of ​​224 square kilometers.

Elba Island Italy

Portoferraio Bay, where Napoleon once landed, is today a picturesque harbor where modern yachts moor in front of chic boutiques and kiosks selling Christian Gelati souvenirs. In the mornings, in cozy coffee shops located in the harbor, the local population enjoys ristretto coffee, and in the afternoon, only a warm wind blows on the streets - everyone is relaxing, taking a siesta...

In any of the Elba souvenir shops you can find a bust of Napoleon, souvenir plates with his image, glass balls, inside of which a small but important figurine of Napoleon is hidden, and even... stuffed animals of the French emperor! But in order to thoroughly get acquainted with the history of the imprisonment of this great commander, it is worth taking a look at the local museum dedicated to the life history of such a famous person. According to the museum's director, Robert Martinelli, Napoleon never had any intention of staying on Elba; he always hoped that he would return to the mainland, to his native France.

To give you a more thorough insight into the life of Napoleon, it is also worth taking a look at the Palais de Moulin - a building built in the bourgeois style, its windows offer pleasant views of the hills of Portoferraio harbour, the sea and the horizon. Compared to traditional French castles of that era, the terraces and rooms of the Palais Moulin look quite ascetic.

Modern historians have carried out enormous work to organize the historical heritage of Napoleon; here they have meticulously reproduced the landscapes of Saint-Cloud - a palace on the outskirts of Paris, where in 1799 a coup d'état led by Napoleon Bonaparte was carried out, which became the end of the French Revolution and opened the door to Napoleon path to emperors. In historical information, this event is called the “Coup of the 18th Brumaire.” There are also scaled exhibitions of the royal palace in Compiegne and the Battle of Fontainebleau.

Napoleon's apartments were located upstairs in the palace. There was also his bedroom, where during his nightly dreams nostalgic pictures of the battle often came to him. By the way, for the curious, we note that the great commander preferred to sleep on an ordinary soldier’s camp bed, and not in the huge royal feather beds. Often the emperor slept in the garden, in a military tent, which was specially pitched in one of the clearings. It will be interesting to look into the library, where many books have bindings decorated with the golden letter “N”. And on the chest of drawers there is a clock that showed the time to the great emperor. On them Napoleon is depicted as a cowboy, standing firmly with both feet on the globe of the world. A tour of the museum can take you all day, bringing back memories of the literary hero - Don Quixote, whom Napoleon resembled when he based himself on Elba.

In the evening, over the province of Porto Azzurro (Italian: Porto Azzurro), which is located on the Elbe, the sun descends to rest, illuminating the empty embankments with warm rays.

The inhabitants of Eba are very grateful to Napoleon for the sources of fresh water that appeared during his stay on the island, for the roads laid instead of mountain paths, for the olive groves, vineyards and chestnut trees that he ordered to be planted, which still adorn the roadside landscapes. According to the native inhabitants of Elba, Bonaparte did more for the island during his eight months on the island than all those who were in power here before him!

It is said that by developing such vigorous activity, Napoleon tried to deceive the British jailers by declaring that he had accepted his fate... ? But reading the texts of the emperor’s manuscripts, preserved on the island of St. Helena, where he died, we can say with confidence that Bonaparte loved Elba very much, it was she who gave him the strength to return to power again in 1815, after exile... And the island of Elba in During the reign of Napoleon, he became independent for the first time and received freedom.

Elba useful information

On the occasion of the bicentenary of Bonaparte’s stay on the island of Elba, a tourism office was opened (tel. 01.42.66.03.96), and a website was also organized - www.napoleoneimperatoreelba2014.it.

Elba how to get there

The island can be reached by ferry from the port of Piombino, which will take about an hour. The Italian city of Florence, which is two hours away, is the ideal starting point for a flight to Elba, here you will be served by Air France, the price is € 150 round trip. You can also use the services of Easyjet, which will deliver you to Elba via Pisa in about an hour, the price is about 100 €.

How to get around To get around the Elbe, you should use a car rental service. To choose the best option for yourself, try visiting www.locationdevoiture.fr.

Elba Island Hotels

1. Classic - massive Hermitage Hotel, tel. 00.39.0565.9740, which offers quality service and beautiful views of the beach. Price - from 300 €.

2. Hotel Plaza, tel.00.39.0565.95010, located on the hills of Porto Azzurro. Price - from € 100.

3. Cozy boutique hotel Le Stanze del Casale (tel. 00.39.0565.944.340), near Portoferraio. It is a tastefully decorated, comfortable cottage, decorated with paintings and surrounded by a large garden. Here you will be offered a Thai massage, a luxurious French brunch, a warm welcome. Price - about 150 €.

Elba Island restaurants

1. Osteria Locanda Cecconi (tel. 32.91.38.11.59) - a restaurant with a jazzy atmosphere, serving fresh, delicious fish and dishes from local market products. Here you will find quality homemade Italian cuisine, and the owner of the restaurant has a cheerful disposition and speaks fluent French. Price: lunch will cost 30 €.

2. Ristorante Capo Nord (tel. 05.65.99.69.83) - very elegant, decorated with a beautiful terrace, located right on the beach. The menu includes delicious seafood and fish, desserts based on haute cuisine recipes. Price: to visit you will need about 50 €.

3. Altaluna (tel. 34.76.41.75.92), address: Porto Azzuro, au 2 Vicolo Montebello. Mini-bistro, the interiors of which are made in the style of the American fifties. The bar is open all year round, and this is where you can try the best mojito on Elba.

4. In the evenings you can dine at some excellent pizzeria, in an unpretentious rural setting...

Diving on the Elbe

It is worth checking out Centro Sub Corsaro (tel. 05.65.93.50.66), located in the village of Pareti near Capoliveri. Here you will find mythical dives, the routes of which were laid out by the French diver Jacques Mayol. The small museum organized in honor of his memory is also worth visiting (even if you are not a fan of diving).

(Toscana), district of Livorno, and is located at a distance of 10 kilometers from the city of Piombino, separated from it by the strait of the same name. 35 kilometers from Elbe in a western direction is the French island of Corsica. The central city is Portoferraio, the total local population is approximately 35,000 people.

Elba is a specially protected natural area and is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. One of the natural attractions is the peak of Monte Capanne, which has a height of 1019 m. From afar, the island makes a vivid impression due to its intricately rugged shores, covered with mounds of dark red, coal-black, brown-brown and bluish-blue colors, fishing villages scattered along the coast, ancient fortresses, luxurious sandy and pebble beaches.

The island became famous in antiquity, as the ancient Etruscan tribe discovered iron ore here and built facilities for mining and processing. From 480 BC The Romans began developing iron deposits here, who also discovered granite deposits and healing mud.

Both the Etruscans and the Romans were engaged in viticulture and winemaking, as evidenced by archaeological finds. It is known that the wine trade on the island flourished during the times, Elba is famous for its wines even now.

Dear reader, to find an answer to any question about holidays in Italy, use. I answer all questions in the comments under the relevant articles at least once a day. Your guide in Italy Artur Yakutsevich.

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, predatory and destructive attacks by Saracen and barbarian tribes led Elba into decline. In the early Middle Ages, in the 11th century, the rulers of the city (Pisa) annexed Elba to their possessions. In 1399, the island was acquired by the ruler of the city of Piombino, Appiani, and Elba belonged to his family for almost two hundred years.

From 1546 to 1577, part of the island belonged to (Cosimo I de Medici), who built the Cosmopoli citadel in Portoferraio on the Elbe. Then, until 1603, the island was again ruled by the Appiani family. Since 1603, Elba has been in the possession of the Spanish King Philip II (Felipe II), thanks to which two more fortresses appeared. Since 1802, Elbe has become French territory.

A famous page in the history of Elba is the stay on the island since 1814 during the exile of Napoleon Bonaparte. The island was under the close control of Britain, but Napoleon declared himself emperor of the island and was surrounded by his own detachment of 600 courtiers.

For 9 months and 21 days, Napoleon carries out reforms in the economic and social sphere of the island in order to improve the quality of life of the local population: he supervises the construction of roads, reorganizes ore production in mines, and expands the wine market. After this, he escapes from Elba and returns to Paris, where he restores his power, which lasted the famous 100 days. After this there will be a lost battle at Waterloo and exile to Saint Helena Island in the south Atlantic Ocean.

After these events, Elba joined the Duchy of Tuscany, and since 1860 it has been included in the Kingdom of Italy (Regno d’Italia). During World War II, German troops were stationed here until June 17, 1944, when the island was liberated by the French army during a bloody battle.

The main resorts of Elba are Portoferraio, Capoliveri, Cavo, Rio Marina, Porto Azzurro.

The island is small, you can travel around it all by car in 1.5-2 hours. However, it presents unique historical and architectural treasures from different eras. If you take your time getting to know them, not even a week is enough!

Attractions Portoferraio

The attraction is the entire island as a whole. The largest number of cultural and architectural monuments are concentrated in the central city and its suburbs.

Church of Mercy

The Church of Mercy (Chiesa della Misericordia), located on Napoleone Street (strada di Napoleone), was built in 1677 for the Brotherhood of Mercy founded by Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici. The church received its name in honor of the brotherhood. The church contains the relics of Christian Martyr, the patron saint of the island.

The building amazes with the richness of its interior decoration, famous for the organ installed in 1792 and the sculptural image of the Virgin Mary and Child by master Tino di Camaino, who studied with Giovanni Pisano.

It is in this church that every year on May 5 (since 1852) services are held in honor of Napoleon.

Not far from the church there is a museum telling about the Brotherhood of Mercy and presenting some of its shrines.

The museum also displays relics related to the life of Napoleon Bonaparte:

• Flag presented to the deposed emperor on the day of his arrival on the island;
• Death mask made of bronze, donated to the museum by Prince A. Demidov;
• Bronze cast of Bonaparte's right hand.

Cathedral in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The cathedral, built in 1554, is located on the central Republic Square (Piazza della Repubblica) in Portoferraio. Here in 1814 a solemn mass was held in honor of the appointment of Napoleon as emperor of the island.

Medici fortress walls

The powerful walls of the fortress, the first to greet guests of the island arriving by ferry, were built by the Medici to protect against Turkish raids. The fortification complex was built first under the leadership of Giovanni Camerini and then by Bernardo Buontalenti and includes powerful walls and towers del Veneziano, del Casino di Mezzo, delle Palle and della Cornacchia.

This fortification consisted of 4 levels of fortress walls and was practically invulnerable during the Medici era.

Castle Volterraio

Volterraio Castle (Fortezza Volterra), located on the way from Portoferraio to the commune of Rio nell’Elba, is the oldest fort on the Elba, the first builders of which were the Etruscans. After the Etruscans, the fortress was improved by the rulers of Pisa in 1281, and strengthened by Appiani in 1440. This fort was never captured by Turkish pirate detachments, despite numerous and lengthy sieges. Now the fortress is a majestic ruin that attracts tourists from all over the world.

House-museums of Napoleon

Villa San Martino

Villa San Martino, where the exiled emperor stayed in the summer, is located 5 kilometers from Portoferraio among picturesque countryside. The building among the greenery of the garden is surrounded by a high wrought iron fence with images of eagles - symbols of power.
The interior decoration was designed by the artist-architect Bardiglio, the ceiling paintings were done by Vincenzo Antonio Revelli. The hall on the 2nd floor deserves special attention, displaying relics of Napoleon’s military campaign in Egypt:

1. Ancient papyri;
2. Fragments of walls.

The painting of lampshades in the rooms and halls of the residence depicts scenes from the life of the great emperor, for example, the story of his love for his wife Marie-Louise.

Next to Napoleon's summer home, Count Anatole Demidoff, married to Napoleon's niece Mathilde de Montfort, built a museum in 1851 to display relics associated with Napoleon's reign.

The gallery, decorated with yellow granite panels, was designed by the architect Niccolo Matas from Florence. The gallery's treasures include the original statue by Antonio Canova, modeled on one of Napoleon's sisters, Marie Paulette Bonaparte Borghese, who shared exile with the disgraced emperor for 4 months.

The palace (Piazzale Napoleone), erected in 1724 by Gian Gastone de’ Medici and which served as Napoleon’s main residence, was rebuilt under the personal direction of the emperor. The front hall was improved, furniture was brought from Piombino from the house of Napoleon's sister, the emperor's personal books were delivered to the library from Fontainebleau, authentic ancient Greek statues and copies of ancient masterpieces were installed in the garden.

The name indicates that there were windmills here before the construction of the building. This main residence of Napoleon now houses the National Museum.

Villa del Grotte

Modern researchers have established that the building of the Villa del Grotte (Le Grotte) was mentioned in the poems of Ovid. It had a swimming pool and several gardens stretching along the sea. This building of the ancient Romans dates back to the 1st century BC, but its appearance has been preserved to this day. After the fall of the Roman Empire, it was not used for a long time, and only in 1799-1801 it acquired the status of a fortification. During the war between France and the Neapolitan Republic, it housed cannons.

Sights of Marcana

The Santuario della Madonna del Monte, built in the 16th century, is located in the city of Marciana and attracts with its unusual ascetic interior:

• Dim light;
• Lack of paintings on the walls, lush decorations and decor;
• Block of granite with an image of the Virgin Mary in heaven dating back to the 13th century;
• Frescoes from the era of Sodom, discovered in the altar area in 1995.

The sanctuary is surrounded by a green garden; since 1690, a clean spring has flowed in front of it. According to legend, Napoleon loved to come here to meet the lady of his heart, Maria Walewska.

Novalja Tower

Torre della Marina (Torre della Marina, Novaglia Tower) is located in the city of Marciana on the territory of the port and is a defensive structure in the shape of a cylinder. The citadel was built by order of Jacopo Appiani IV in 1558-1562 to protect the local population from attacks by Turkish pirate detachments led by Dragut.

Museum of Archeology

The Archaeological Museum, which opened in 1968, presents a unique collection of artifacts found on the Elbe and in the coastal area. The exhibits illustrate the history of the development of mining, crafts, shipbuilding and other aspects of human activity on the Elbe.

The fortification called Torre di San Giovanni, built in Ugento in the 12th-13th centuries at the direction of the authorities of Pisa, rises on a powerful base of monolithic granite.

Modern restorers are trying to restore the appearance of the fortress, which once had 2 floors and an observation deck for transmitting signals about the enemy’s attack. However, it is not recommended to penetrate inside the fortress due to the possibility of the walls collapsing.

Elba Island Mountain Park

Mining Park (Parco Minerario Isola D’Elba) is a museum in Rio Marina, where you can get acquainted with the collection of minerals, the structure of the mines of the Etruscan tribes, and also take part in the mining of minerals yourself, and then take them with you as a souvenir.

Holidays

There are holidays all year round on Elba! In the spring there are sports festivals, in the autumn there are harvest, wine and chestnut festivals, in the summer there are music competitions. There are also special holidays that are held only here.

May 5 – Napoleon Bonaparte Day

Every year in Portoferraio on this day a solemn service is held in the Church of Mercy and a procession in costumes of the Napoleonic era is organized from the Church of Mercy to Villa Mulini.

July 14 – The Legend of the Lover

This celebration is held in the commune of Capoliveri. The prehistory of the celebration goes back to a distant past: in 1534, a girl in love, Maria, rushed after a pirate ship on which her fiancé Lorenzo was captured by Saracen robbers. This story was first dramatized in the 17th century. Every year a costumed procession is organized through the streets of Capoliveri to the sea, and on the coast teams compete for the right to present the scarf of the legendary Maria to the most beautiful girl in the city.

August 12 – Saint Chiara's Day

Fans of fireworks and illuminations cannot miss the celebration of Santa Chiara's Day in the city of Marcana. Residents and guests take to the streets and head to the sea, where the holiday ends with a giant pyrotechnic surprise!

Grape Festival

This wonderful festival of harvest, fertility and winemaking is held in the commune of Capoliveri in late September - early October. On holidays, all participants of the holiday organize games and competitions, masquerades and competitions, and show performances reproducing the grape harvest from ancient times to the present day.

Jazz Music Festival

This international festival “Elba Isola Musicale d’Europa” brings together admirers of classical and jazz music from different countries in September in concert halls, theaters, cathedrals, museum buildings, ancient fortresses, and hotels in Portoferraio. The head of the Elbe Jazz Festival is Yuri Bashmet.

This original festival invites you to the cities of Poggio and Marciana on the last Saturday and Sunday in October. These days, in the squares of medieval settlements, you can taste roasted chestnuts with homemade wine, as well as a variety of chestnut dishes:

• Cakes;
• Bread;
• Polenta;
• Pies, etc.

Christmas and New Year

Christmas week in Portoferraio combines all the holidays into one big one:

• Concerts;
• Tastings;
• Contests and competitions;
• Holiday fireworks, etc.

Beaches

Each town on the Elbe has several beaches to suit different tastes. All of them are distinguished by the purest water. But the quality of the seabed and the near-water area is different:

• White, pink or black sand;
• Pebbles;
• Sand and small pebbles;
• Small and large pebbles;
• Concrete;
• Rocks.

Favorite beaches of all tourists, famous for their crystal clear water and colorful sand:

• Porto Azzurro;
• Marina di Campo;
• Lacona;
• Le Ghiaie;
• Rio Marina and others

On the island of Elba there are secluded nudist beaches in beautiful deserted bays bordered by rocks:

• Scogliera de Le Piscine;
• Capo Canata;
• Le Tombe beach;
• Acquarilli et al.

Some of them can only be reached on foot or by sea - on a yacht or boat.

Most beaches are superbly equipped, and for lovers there are wild beaches in different parts of Elba: Laconella, Barabarca in Stella Bay, Fonza, Galenzana, etc.

For guests of Elba Island there are special children's beaches and even beaches suitable for bathing pets. Sandy beaches with shallow warm water are suitable for kids:

• Fetovaia – included in the ranking annually;
• Marina di Campo;
• Cavoli;
• Sant'Andrea et al.

Guests with dogs are welcome on Morcone and Pareti and Fonza beaches.

Thermal springs

Elba offers unique wellness programs in the thermal springs of San Giovanni Terme Rapolano:

• natural healing mud;
• seaweed wraps;
• mineral water, etc.

The SPA center offers a variety of treatments (different types of massages, etc.), and there are outdoor and indoor swimming pools.

Detailed information about wellness programs, cost of services and work schedule on the official website www.termelbane.com.

Leisure

Elbe is an excellent place for active recreation: windsurfing, water skiing and jet skiing, yachting, catamaran riding, diving.

Fans of diving and photo-hunting come to Elba every year, as the underwater part of the island attracts with caves; near the island you can see the wrecks of dead ships and swim in the “underwater gardens”. For those who like to walk, there are walking routes of varying lengths and complexity. And those who like to ride a bicycle or scooter can rent one at any hotel.

How to get there

By plane

The fastest option is an airplane. Airplane flights from the airport to Elba are organized. Flights to the private airport in La Pila are provided by Intersky, Skywork and Silver Air. The flight takes 1 hour 20 minutes.

By train

A budget option is a train from Milan, Pisa, (Grosseto) to Campiglia Marittima, from there a bus to Piombino, and then a ferry. An affordable option is a direct bus from Florence, Grosseto or Milan to Piombino.

By car

The island of Elba can be reached by driving from the airport in Florence or Pisa to the coastal town of Piombino, and from there by ferry or catamaran.

By train

The ferry from Piombino to Elba takes 1 hour 10 minutes. You can take a ferry to the Elbe with your car. Ferries start running from 6:00 until approximately 21:30 in the evening. Instead of the ferry, you can take the Aliscafo catamaran from Piombino: the journey time is 40 minutes.

Where to stay

On Elba Island, guests will find a variety of accommodation options, including aparthotels, holiday homes, campsites, and floating hotels.

5 star hotels

Hotel (Portoferraio) - located on the shore of a bay in the middle of a national park, has its own pier, seawater swimming pools, sports grounds (volleyball, tennis, football), golf course, jogging tracks, diving school, fitness club, spa center, Turkish baths. Hotel guests can use mountain bikes and other sports equipment.

The hotel offers accommodation in villas with shaded courtyards or balconies overlooking the beach. It is important that guests with pets are also welcome here.

• Room rate per night: from 198 €.

4 stars

4 star hotel (Port Azzurro) – located on the top of a mountain above the sea, the restaurant offers a magnificent view. The hotel has a spa center, Turkish baths, a heated swimming pool and underwater massage. Guests with pets are welcome here.

• Room rate per night: from 60 €.

3 stars

(Portoferraio) - a small cozy villa with 28 rooms, located among wild nature, 9 minutes walk from the beach and 10 minutes from the city center. The kitchen delights guests with homemade national dishes, and the restaurant windows offer a beautiful view.

• Room rate per night: from 48 €.

(Rio Marina) - a hotel surrounded by a garden with 8 apartments with equipped kitchenettes and balconies. The mini-hotel offers a buffet breakfast and discounts at restaurants in the city.

• Room rate per night: from 45 €.

Apartments and B&B

Sailing Boat L'Abricotier

Sailing Boat L’Abricotier (Marciana Marina) – apartments in a floating hotel with views of the sea and mountains, within walking distance of the city’s attractions. The accommodation includes two bedrooms, an open terrace, a modern bathroom, a kitchen, and a dining area.

• from 163 €.

(Rio nell'Elba) - a hotel with spacious rooms in a rustic style, with a restaurant on an outdoor terrace surrounded by a green garden. The beach is 10 minutes away on foot. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, rooms are cleaned daily, toiletries and bathrobes are provided.

• Cost of apartments per day: from 56 €.

↘️🇮🇹 USEFUL ARTICLES AND SITES 🇮🇹↙️ SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS

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 the Tuscany National Park, the Elbe is in first place in size.

The area of ​​the island is 223.5 sq. km. The highest point of the Elbe 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, with a distance of 35 km between them. The length of the coast is 147 km. Magnificent beaches, ecologically clean flora and the historical heritage of the island, 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 10 km distance 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 onto 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 area of ​​La Pila, there is an airport that receives flights from many major European cities.

Story

In the distant past, iron ore was mined on the island. This explains the varied elevations of brown, black, and gray colors on the hillsides.

The first mines, according to archaeological research, were founded in the 8th-9th centuries. BC. Etruscans. Several 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 de' Medici, who left behind the fortress "Cosmopoli". In 1802, France took control of the island. And in 1860 Fr. Elba became part of the united kingdom of Italy.

Elba Island has a 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 “Emperor of the Island.” Although it was formal, Napoleon immediately upon arrival began improving the standard of living of the population, carrying out a number of effective reforms. His stay on the island lasted 9 months, during which the cities of Elba greatly changed in development.

Holidays and festivals on the island

Judging by the number and scope of entertainment events, it is not difficult to guess which country Elba Island belongs to. Rich in festivals and celebrations, Italy is hospitable in every form and on every island.

On Elba, as on the mainland, various holidays are very popular. Every spring, the Walking Festival sports event is held.

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

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

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

Napoleonic Day is celebrated every year on the island of Elba.

On August 12, the island celebrates St. Chiara. On this day, a grandiose spectacle of fireworks and music is organized in the city of Marcana Marina.

Attractions

If we talk about the Elba resort as a beach holiday option, then this is the most impeccable 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 there are the best beaches of white sand and pebbles, which will become favorite holiday destinations for tourists for many years.

Here are some of the best beaches:

• Scaglier;
• Ghiaie;
• Padulella;
• Sansone.

Beach lovers will love Elba Island

Beaches are not all that the island has to offer.
Elbe is a place where historical monuments of different eras and civilizations harmoniously combine with modernity.

Among the significant attractions of the Elbe it should be noted:

Island cuisine and restaurants

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

Local restaurants, of course, combine seafood and earth gifts.

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

You can taste very tasty pizza at Pizzeria LArte Bianca. This establishment also has a wide selection of quality beer.

Pizzeria LArte Bianca offers customers delicious Italian pizza

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

Where to stay

The island's hotel industry offers guests 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 about 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 Elba Island!

He is perfection itself!

Sights of Elba Island, what to see, how to get to Elba Island, where to stay and where to eat. All information about Elbe.

"Little Paradise" - Elba Island

If Napoleon lived in our time, he would certainly throw conquering ideas out of his head and, of his own free will, without any outside help, move to the Elbe - a desirable place for many today's tourists from all over the world.

However, this question can be looked at from another point of view - if Napoleon had not been exiled to Elba, would it have become so famous? If before the “tourist boom” the island was inhabited mainly by ore miners, then after the stay of the deposed French emperor, it was the visitors who became the main source of income for the local treasury.

About one and a half million vacationers visit the Elbe every year. A developed network of modern hotels and restaurants, comfort and the highest service help you fully enjoy the paradisiacal nature of the island. An endless azure sea stretching into the horizon and clean sandy beaches hiding between green hills - what could be better for modern man, hungry for the silent majesty of Nature?

The island of Elba, with its area of ​​224 square kilometers, is the third largest Italian island and the largest of the islands of the Tuscan archipelago. Getting to the island is not difficult, as numerous ferries and ships dock here every day. The distance from the mainland to the island is approximately 10 km.

Tuscan archipelago. Photo wikipedia.org

The population of Elba Island has about 35 thousand inhabitants, the island is divided into eight municipalities, the main one - the capital of the island, Portoferraio - is home to 12 thousand people.

Despite the fact that the perimeter of the Elbe coast is only 147 kilometers, the island offers tourists an endless variety of different landscapes: romantic fishing villages, small towns, ancient castles, green valleys and enchanting coves and, of course, beautiful sand and gravel beaches.

Romantic village near Marciana Marina, Elba. Photo elbaworld.com

The abundance of historical and cultural evidence combined with stunning natural beauty makes this island a magical and unique place to enjoy your holiday.

A short excursion into the history of Elba Island

When thinking about Elba, the name Napoleon immediately comes to mind, despite the fact that the deposed emperor lived on the island for less than a year.

But the history of this island is not limited only to the ten months of the rule of the French emperor and goes back to ancient times, dating back to the Middle and Upper Paleolithic period, as evidenced by the finds contained in the Archaeological Museum of Marchana.

History has decreed that the island of Elba has always been the scene of major events: there is no civilization in the Mediterranean that has not left its traces on the 224 square kilometers of the island, creating its unique character.

According to myth, Jason came here during his search for the Golden Fleece, Virgil mentioned it in the Aeneid, the Etruscans traded here, for whom the Elbe was an inexhaustible source of wealth - in the eighth century BC, the Etruscans extracted iron ore from the mines of the island.

After the decline of Etruscan culture, the Romans inherited the steel industry, and also discovered granite and healing mud on the island.

“The island of good wine,” the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder said about Elba. Ships calling at the island's port were loaded with amphorae: many of them have been preserved in the archaeological museums of Elba and Marcana.

During the Middle Ages, the island belonged to the Maritime Republic. In 1548 it was the turn of the Medici dynasty: Cosimo I built the fortified city of Portoferraio, a real pearl of military planning.

Portoferraio. View of the Torre della Linguella at night. Photo: aisoladelba.it

Immediately after this, the Spaniards settled in Porto Azzurro and built the impressive fort of San Giacomo.

In the eighteenth century, the Elbe was fought over by Austrians, Germans, British and French until the island became the “full property” of Napoleon Bonaparte, who did a lot of important things during his ten months in office: built roads, transformed the mining industry, and increased wine production and exports.

Upon his return to France, Napoleon left two residences here, which later became the National Museums.

Holidays and festivals on Elba Island

Visiting Elba Island during events, festivals and holidays will certainly enhance the cultural value of your holiday. You will discover different places of the island, created from music, dance, tastes, colors and sounds.

Why not choose your arrival date based on the popular annual festivals?

If you love sports, you need to get to the island in the spring, during the "Walking Festival", if you are crazy about gastronomic tourism, go to Elba in the fall, when gastronomic events are held, such as the wine or chestnut festival. In the summer, you will visit a variety of folklore and cultural festivals: from carnivals to international music festivals.

Below you will find the most important events held on the island for many years, and sometimes for centuries, captivating residents and tourists in a whirlwind of emotions.

May 5 - Napoleonic holiday in Portoferraio

Portoferraio, the city that was Napoleon's home during his 300 days in exile, pays tribute to the emperor every year with a costume party. A mass is celebrated in the Church of Mercy in memory of the emperor. Costumed actors from Belgium preside over the mass, where the sarcophagus is surmounted by a funeral mask and a cast of the emperor's hand, kept in a nearby museum.

Then there is a ceremonial parade through the streets of the city, leading to the villa where Napoleon lived in exile on the Elbe. This year, on the occasion of the bicentenary of Napoleon's stay on Elba, numerous other events will be held to commemorate the exiled emperor.

Napoleon's landing on the Elbe. Costume performance. Photo infoelba.it

July 14 - Capoliveri - The Legend of the Lover

The Legend of the Lover is a holiday that looks back to 1534, when the fate of two young lovers was tragically cut short due to a Saracen raid. Historical reconstruction was born in the mid-seventeenth century, thanks to Don Domingo Cardenas, an impoverished nobleman of Spanish origin who settled in the place where, according to legend, the girl Maria sacrificed her life to reach the pirate ship that captured her lover Lorenzo.

Today, the parade passes through the streets of the city until it reaches the beach del Innamorata, where teams from the districts compete to win the scarf of Mary who threw herself into the sea. The winners deliver the scarf to Don Cardenas, who gives it to the girl chosen from the crowd by the winning team.

Maria looks out for a pirate ship at sea. A costume dramatization of the legend. Photo tenews.it

August 12 - Marciana Marina - St. Chiara's Day

The celebration of Saint Chiara's Day is famous mainly for the beautiful fireworks display accompanied by the music of the concert organized in the town of Marciana Marina. Every year the entire coast is filled with people who, accompanied by a city group, take part in a ceremonial procession to the sea and a magnificent pyrotechnic spectacle.

Saint Chiara's Day. Pyrotechnic show. Photo agenziabrignetti.it

End of September - beginning of October - Capoliveri - grape festival

The Capoliveri Grape Festival is an event attended by about 5,000 people every year. Preparations for it take place over a period of weeks and the festival takes place in the four districts of Capoliveri among games and competitions. This is one of the island's best traditional festivals, which brings many surprises to visitors every year. The festival includes costumed performances that recreate the ancient traditions of the Elbe grape harvest.

Grape Festival in Capoliveri. Photo pernici.net

September - Portoferraio - Jazz Festival "Elba Isola Musicale d"Europa"

For more than fifteen years, every September this important celebration of classical music and jazz takes place in Portoferraio, bringing international stars to theatres, cathedrals and fortresses of the island of Elba. Over the years of the festival, the island has seen many first-class world-class performers, starting with Yuri Bashmet, who became the artistic director of this festival with his Moscow Soloists orchestra.

The festival is traditionally held at the Teatro dei Vigilanti in Portoferraio, the Fortress of Pisa in Marciana, the Cathedral of St. James the Apostle in Portoferraio and the Hotel Hermitage in Biodola.

The president and artistic director of the festival is maestro Yuri Bashmet. For more information about concert dates and times, visit the official website: www.elba-music.com.

Last weekend of October - Poggio, Marciana - chestnut festival

Poggio, located in the province of Marciana, is the ideal location for the Chestnut Festival, a celebration that has been taking place for thirty years in this medieval village. In Piazza Castagneto, wine and gastronomic stalls are lined up, offering traditional Elbe dishes based on chestnuts, such as chestnut bread, chestnut cake, cheese, pies, noodles and polenta with chestnuts, in addition to the classic roasted chestnuts and red wine.

Chestnut Festival in Poggio. Photo mucchioselvaggio.org

New Year - Portoferraio

Fairs, tastings, concerts and spectacular fireworks reflected in the sea water - this is what awaits those who decide to spend the New Year holidays in the city of Portoferraio.

Elba Island attractions: museums, ancient monuments and breathtaking panoramic views

This section will be a real surprise if you think that the island of Elba is just sun, sea and beaches.

The island is replete with attractions and interesting places to visit that will satisfy every type of curiosity, be it historical, geological, architectural, religious or naturalistic archaeological sites, landscapes, museums, churches or forts. All you need is a little attention!

As on all islands, the indigenous population of Elba consists mainly of farmers, fishermen and sailors, inextricably dependent on the forces of nature: land, sea and weather.

That is why there are many places of worship scattered throughout the island, dedicated to the deities who protect the land and sea. There are many monuments of Christianity and no less pagan sanctuaries. The temples are mainly dedicated to the Virgin Mary or Ceres, the goddess of fertility.

Church of Mercy

(Portoferraio - Salita Napoleone)

The Brotherhood of Mercy was founded by the Venerable Giovanni de' Medici in 1566. In 1677, a small church was built for worship, which was named the Church of Mercy in honor of the brotherhood.

This cathedral contains the relics of St. Christine the Martyr, patron saint of Elba. Since 1852, every May 5th a mass has been celebrated here in honor of Napoleon.

Of particular value are the organ built in the church in 1792 and the statue of the Madonna and Child, which was created by Giovanni Pisano's student, Tino Camaino.

Next to the church there is a small museum where sacred relics of the brotherhood and objects associated with Napoleon are kept - the flag that was presented to Napoleon during the landing on the Elbe on May 4, 1814, a bronze mask of the deceased Napoleon donated by Prince Anatoly Demidov, and a bronze cast of his right hand .

Church of Mercy in Portoferraio. Photo infoelba.com

Portoferraio Cathedral

(Portoferraio - P.za della Repubblica)

The construction of the Cathedral of Portoferraio, which began in 1554 and dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, began simultaneously with the construction of the Villa Medici in 1548 for Cosimo I.

The cathedral originally consisted of a single nave, which was expanded over the centuries. In the French manner, the cathedral began to function as a parish church, and for this reason the main altar of stone was replaced with marble.

On May 4, 1814, a mass was celebrated here in the presence of Napoleon Bonaparte, the newly appointed ruler of the Island of Elba.

Cathedral of Portoferraio. Photo globopix.net

Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte

(Marcana)

The church, immersed in greenery, dates back to the 16th century. Bare walls, dim light, silence and cold air that reigns in this sanctuary create an almost mystical atmosphere. It houses an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary in heaven, painted on a granite block, probably dating back to the thirteenth century.

During the 1995 restoration, frescoes attributed to Sodom were found behind the church's altar.

The purest drinking water has been flowing from a small spring in front of the church's façade since 1690. Here Napoleon, for a short period in the summer of 1914, escaped the heat of Portoferraio and met, away from prying eyes, with his Polish mistress, Maria Walewska.

The island of Elba, a strategic point in the Mediterranean due to its location, has always been targeted by the largest civilizations in history, who, in order to protect their hard-won territories, created fortified outposts over the centuries.

Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte. Photo elbaexplorer.com

Medici ramparts

(Portoferraio - Historic Center)

Approaching Portoferraio by ferry, you are immediately struck by the grandeur of these walls that rise above the sea. These are the Medici ramparts, built by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo I, to protect against Turkish attacks.

After the completion of the fortresses of Forte Falcone, Forte Stella and the Lingella Tower, in 1555 Giovanni Camerini began the construction of the ramparts of the front of the Earth, developing them about 500 meters in a westerly direction under Forte Falcone. After Camerini's death, Bernardo Buontalenti took over the complex.

Organized on four levels (Bastions "del Veneziano", "del Casino di Mezzo", "delle Palle", and "della Cornacchia"), the ramparts represented a powerful defense against attacks that could arise from Porta Terra.

Over the years, due to wars and natural destruction, the condition of the Medici ramparts was greatly weakened. However, you can still feel the grandeur of this fortified city, built in the sixteenth century to protect the island.

Forte Falcone in Portoferraio. Photo fotoeweb.it

Castle Volterraio

(located between Portoferraio and Rio nel Elba)

Visible from the ferry arriving in Portoferraio, Volterraio Castle is the oldest fortification on the entire island of Elba. The origin of its name is unclear: it may come from the Etruscan word "Vultur" (vulture) or from the name of the territory of Volterra, where the architect Gherardo Rau, who was responsible for the reconstruction of the castle in the thirteenth century, came from.

The original Castle of Volterraio, of Etruscan origin, was actually expanded and fortified in 1281 by order of the Pisan State, which used the fort for defensive purposes. Subsequently strengthened in 1440, the castle is one of the few strongholds that the Elbe never surrendered to Turkish pirates.

Acquired by the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago, today the castle is in a severe state of decay. Despite this, with great care within the framework of the visit, the castle walls are worth a visit to admire the majestic remains and enjoy the unique view of the Gulf of Portoferraio.

Castle of Volterraio. Photo: elbalink.it

Torre della Marina

The Torre della Marina or Novaglia Tower is the dominant element in the Marciana Marina harbour. The not very large cylindrical structure still retains elements that indicate its function as a warning and defense of the northern coast of the island of Elba.

Various assumptions have been made about the origin of the tower. Today's hypothesis states that the construction of the tower was carried out by Jacopo Appiano VI between 1558 and 1562, after his family regained possession of the Elbe. The tower may have been built following requests from the local population, who were seriously suffering from raids and devastation at the hands of the Turkish pirate Dragut.

Torre della Marina. Photo elbaexplorer.com

Torre San Giovanni

The Tower of San Giovanni dates back to the twelfth or thirteenth century, when the island of Elba was occupied by the Republic of Pisa, which took the trouble to build a system of fortifications as a defensive garrison.

The tower seems to arise from a huge granite boulder located on Monte Perone, 300 m above sea level, overlooking the Marina di Campo bay, at that time one of the bays most prone to possible attacks from the sea. The tower occupied a strategic position for observation and transmission of optical signals, from where today you can enjoy a magnificent view of the bay.

The structure consisted of two floors and a control terrace, unfortunately destroyed after an enemy attack. Despite being in disrepair for many centuries, due to a series of collapses, the tower has often been the subject of reconstructions, which have helped to consolidate the walls, even if access to the interior remains very difficult and dangerous.

Tower of San Giovanni.Photo elbaexplorer.com

The most important museums and residences located on the island

Villa San Martino and Demidoff Gallery

(Portoferraio - San Martino)

Cost of visit - 5 euros

Villa San Martino, Napoleon's summer residence, is located in the countryside, about 5 km from Portoferraio. The majestic monument of neoclassical architecture is associated with the name of Count Anatole Demidoff, the husband of Napoleon's niece, Mathilde, who in 1851 wanted to build a residence worthy of the imperial era to house his collection of Napoleonic memorabilia.

The Demidoff Gallery lies at the foot of the original residence, inside you can admire the original Galatea sculpture for which Paolina Borghese posed.

The original Napoleonic residence extends over the galleries. The external architecture is decorated very simply, inside there are rooms and halls designed by the architect Bargigli and painted by Vincenzo Antonio Revelli.

The most noteworthy is the Egyptian hall located on the second floor, containing papyri and fragments of walls from the Egyptian campaign, and the “Love Knot” room, a dining room whose ceiling frescoes symbolize the love between Napoleon and Marie-Louise.

Villa San Martino. Photo by ansa.it

Municipal Archaeological Museum of Marcana

(Marciana - Via del Pretorio, 66)

The Municipal Archaeological Museum of Marciana is the first archaeological museum on the island of Elba. It was opened in 1968 to house finds brought to light during excavations that took place throughout the island in those years.

The museum's collection consists of many exhibits, mainly quarried around Marciana, arranged chronologically according to the period of their discovery: there are finds of stone production dating back to the Stone Age, Etruscan household items found on the hills near the fortress of Monte Castello di Procchio, remains of Roman shipwrecks, assemblages from the funerary tombs of Monte Capanne, and objects and pieces of equipment found aboard shipwrecks in the eighteenth century.

Villa dei Mulini

(Portoferraio - Piazzale Napoleone)

Cost of visit - 5 euros

Villa dei Mulini - the official residence of Napoleon, today is the National Museum. On the occasion of the bicentenary of Napoleon's stay on Elba, the Villa has just been restored to restore the house to its former splendor.

Villa dei Mulini was built in 1724 by Grand Duke Giangastone de' Medici, then it was adapted to Napoleon's needs by the architect Paolo Bargigli, who raised its central hall to one floor, forming an original connection between the two buildings.

The entrance is on the ground floor, then through a tunnel you can get to the main rooms of the emperor: a living room followed by a library and a bedroom.

The original furniture made for Napoleon, brought from Piombino from the residence of his sister Elisa, is now missing. The meticulous restoration of the residence included the installation of new nineteenth-century imperial-style furniture, which now recreates the imperial atmosphere. The villa's library, however, preserves Napoleon's books, which the emperor brought with him from the libraries of Fontainebleau.

The garden of the villa, leading to the sea, is decorated with two beautiful statues of Minerva, which are said to have been brought from Ancient Greece, as well as a copy of the Galatea sculpture.

Villa dei Mulini. Photo trekearth.com

Villa delle Grotte

(Portoferraio - Le Grotte area)

Dating from the first century BC, the Roman Villa delle Grotte is one of three villas located on the island of Elba that have not undergone building modification processes over the centuries.

Abandoned at the end of the first century, between 1799 and 1801, due to expansion, it becomes a strategic location where artillery batteries were stationed in the battles between France and the Kingdom of Naples.

The structure of the villa, thanks to excavations carried out between 1960 and 1972, is now well known: the rectangular villa had a swimming pool and three large gardens, one of which is located along the coastline, overlooking the bay of Portoferraio.

Scientists do not know who originally owned this luxurious villa. The only mention of this complex was found in an elegy by the ancient Roman poet Ovid.

Villa delle Grotte. Photo viaggi-di-gruppo-elba.it

Where to eat on the island?

Restaurants are a key ingredient to a good holiday: a beautifully prepared and beautifully presented meal is the icing on the cake after a day spent in the company of sea, sun and nature.

Elba's cuisine, simple and natural, stems from the frequently changing dominations to which the island has been subjected in the course of its history. Typical island dishes often combine the flavors of the sea with the flavors of the land. The eastern part of the island is famous for its sweets, while high quality wines and liqueurs, red and white, are always good almost anywhere on Elbe.

In some towns, like Capoliveri or Porto Azzurro, the streets of restaurants come alive at dusk, with the aroma of freshly prepared food wafting through the air. In Marciana Marina and Marina di Campo you can find excellent fish restaurants that overlook the sea, in the streets of Portoferraio such taverns are traditionally passed down from generation to generation, while for those who prefer meat dishes, Marciana Alta is certainly a great place .

Throughout the island, even in less touristy areas, you can find a variety of pizzerias and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.

How to get to Elba Island?

The island of Elba, located approximately 10 km from , is easily reachable by any means of transport: cars, trains, buses or planes.

Depending on your needs, you can decide whether to take the ferry with your car, rent a car on the island, or rely on public transportation. You can even come here on your own yacht, as Elba offers a wide range of ports and harbors that cater to tourists.

By plane

Airplane is the most convenient way to get to Elba Island. Numerous daily flights allow you to reach here from major European airports.

In the summer of 2014 a new connection with the national airport also appeared. The flight takes about an hour and 20 minutes.

The airport on the island of Elba is located in La Pila, 2 km from Marina di Campo. It is a private civilian airport open to commercial traffic. Planes of 3 airlines fly here, connecting Elbe with numerous European cities: Intersky, Skywork and Silver Air. You can book tickets.

By train

To take the ferry to Elba Island, you need to get to Piombino Marittima Station, a small train station located just in front of the port where the ferry departs.

For most train routes, both North and South, you should get off at the station in Campiglia Marittima, where there is a train or bus every 20 minutes direct to Piombino Marittima.

Attention! For those coming from Florence: there is a bus from Florence Station that takes you directly to Piombino Marittima.

On a ferryboat

Ferries departing for Elba Island are operated by 4 companies (Moby Lines, Toremar, Blu Navy and Corsica Sardina Ferries), the journey time to Portoferraio is about 70 minutes.

There is also fast water transport - "aliscafo", which in 20 minutes will take you to Cavo, Rio Marina and Piombino, to Portoferraio in about 40 minutes.

In summer (from April to early October) ferries are very numerous and operate almost all day long. In the winter months, transport is more infrequent - you will have to wait 2-3 hours if you are not familiar with the exact schedule.

If you wish to travel with your car, booking ferry tickets is always advisable, especially between 25 April - 1 May and on weekends in the summer.

If you want to leave your car in Piombino at the port, guarded parking lots are available, paid and free.

By bus

The island of Elba can be reached by tourist buses that connect Piombino Marittima - the port of embarkation for the ferry to Elba - from Grosseto and (buses depart from various points in the province of Milan, such as San Giuliano Milanese, Melegnano, Lodi, Casalpustelgo and Piacenza).

The Florence-Piombino-Marittima route is operated by BuSITAlia Nord, which belongs to the Ferrovie dello Stato company and the bus schedule maintains connections with trains from Milan, Milan and Milan.

By car

The port of Piombino Marittima is located on the Tyrrhenian coast between and Grosseto. Easily accessible from any part of Italy, the exit for Piombino Marittima is marked on the SS1 motorway as "Venturina / Piombino / Elba".

Once you reach Piombino Marittima, you can leave the car in a guarded parking lot or transport the car to the island of Elba.

Highways of the north:

Milan - Piombino Marittima

Take the A1 towards Parma/Bologna, exit at La Spezia/Parma Ovest, then take the A15 towards La Spezia. Take the "Genoa/Livorno" exit on the A12, direction Rosignano Marittima. Exit at Rosignano and follow the SS1 to Grosseto until the exit "Venturina - Isola d'Elba"

Travel time:

Milan-Piombino: 5 hours

Turin / Genoa - Piombino Marittima

Hotel Paradiso (Via Viticcio 41, 57037 Portoferraio)

Hotel Desiree (Lido di Spartaia, 57030 Procchio)

Hotel Biodola (Via Biodola 1, 57037 Portoferraio)

Hotel Del Golfo (Via Delle Ginestre N° 31, 57030 Procchio)

Hotel Biodola, Portoferraio

An endless horizon, golden beaches caressed by clear sea waters, picturesque cliffs immersed in dense greenery... This is Elbe. The island, located in the Tuscan archipelago, is washed in the north by the Tyrrhenian Sea in the south. On the east coast is the Piombino Canal, and the Corsican Canal separates it to the west from Corsica.

Probably Napoleon, who was once exiled here, could consider himself lucky. Today everyone would agree to such an exile. More than a million tourists come every year to plunge into the warm sea waters, wander among the colorful landscapes, and be enchanted by the ancient history of the island of Elba. Reviews from people who vacationed in this attractive corner are most enthusiastic. The climate here is almost everywhere Mediterranean, with the exception of the Capanne Mountain region, where winters are generally cool.

Many Mediterranean civilizations have left their cultural traces. For the Etruscans it was an inexhaustible source of wealth. Already in the eighth century, iron was mined here, processed in furnaces that worked day and night, and iron was exported around the entire Mediterranean basin. The Romans inherited the steel industry, began granite mining, discovered a variety of landscapes and healing muds, and built the Baths of San Giovanni.

History has decreed that the island of Elba has more than once become the scene of important events. It was one of the centers of winemaking and Pliny the Elder called it “the island of fine wine.” Ships loaded with amphorae with wonderful wines transported them to different parts of the vast Roman Empire. Many amphorae can be seen in the archaeological museums of the cities of Portoferraio and Marciana, as well as other amazing finds that tell the story of ancient shipping. In enchanting places on the shores of the bays, the luxurious patrician villas of Linguella, Grotto, and Capo Castello grew, the ruins of which still make an indelible impression.

In the Middle Ages, the island of Elba belonged to the Pisa Maritime Republic. The mining of iron ore and granite did not stop during that period. Many columns, created by skilled stonemasons from granite quarried on the island, decorated the Piazza de Miracoli in Pisa. The culture of the Pisan period is represented by some beautiful elegant Romanesque churches and the tower of St. Giovanni in Compo, built on a huge granite boulder, but above all, the powerful "fortezza" in Marciana, the fortress of Voltarraio in Portoferraio, built in Etruscan times and reconstructed in Pisan times.

In 1548, the island of Elba passed to I and built the fortified city of Portoferraio - a true pearl of military urban planning. There was such perfect harmony between sea, land and architectural structures that it was originally called Cosmopoli (Universal City).

At the beginning of the seventeenth century, the Spaniards, who settled on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea in Porto Azzuro, built the impressive fort of San Giacomo, today secluded and proudly rising on a hill, various chapels, the temple of Our Lady of Montserrat on a dolomite mountain.

In the eighteenth century, the island was contested by the Austrians, Germans, English and French through frantic diplomatic negotiations and bitter fighting. In 1802 it became a French possession. After the Treaty of Fontainebleau in 1814, Napoleon, who forcibly resigned his imperial powers, was exiled to the island. During the months he lived here, he introduced a number of economic and social reforms, greatly improving the lives of the islanders.

Today, the island of Elba is still famous throughout the world for its excellent wines and is a favorite tourist destination.