Beaches, coves, and crystal-clear bays
The Island of Elba, with its 147 km of coastline, is the largest of the islands in the Tuscan Archipelago. Spending a holiday on Elba means immersing yourself in a microcosm that offers many opportunities: the sea and the coast vary from side to side, with beautiful sandy beaches, pebbled coves, and bays of crystal-clear water.
The sea is waiting to be explored, perhaps through some diving or a scenic boat trip. But Elba also offers interesting mountain excursions, immersed in the beautiful chestnut forests, discovering countless trails directly in contact with nature.
Outdoor sports and body care
Elba is perfect for those who love sports and wish to experience a complete holiday among nature, the sea, and physical activity. On foot, by bike, or on horseback, it is possible to enter the heart of this charming island. The holiday can also turn into relaxation, or even body care.
In fact, in front of the Portoferraio Gulf, where the old saltworks used to be, you can find an important thermal complex, “Le Terme di San Giovanni,” where sea baths and mud and algae baths are offered, beneficial for skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis, as well as for arthritis and rheumatism.
Medieval fortifications and historic villas
However, Elba is not just about the sea, relaxation, and sports—Elba is also history. Its strategic position and mineral wealth made it important for the various powers that faced the Mediterranean. In local museums, we find traces of the Etruscans and Romans, who exploited its iron mines. The medieval Pisan domination also left fascinating fortifications.
The Medici built Cosmopoli on the ruins of the Roman city, which is now Portoferraio, fortifying it with large defensive walls that provide the first impression of the island when arriving by boat.
But Elba is mainly famous for the brief exile of Napoleon, which lasted 100 days and left a significant mark. Evidence of this are the two Napoleon Villas in Portoferraio, which are of notable historical importance.
Given all this, the reasons to visit Elba are many, so don’t miss the opportunity to discover this beautiful island.