Elba
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 21 January 2024
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Measuring in at 224 km², Elba is Italy's third largest island, behind only Sicily and Sardinia.
It's the main island of the Tuscan Archipelago, situated ten kilometres from the Italian mainland to its east. To the west of Elba lies the French-owned island of Corsica, fifty kilometres across the Mediterranean Sea. Inhabited since 3000 BC and rich in minerals, Elba was for many years an important mining centre, particularly for its iron ore. |
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Sparks: Elba's mining heritage
So important was the mining industry in Elba that it was named Aethalia by the Greeks, translating as "Sparks", in reference to its forges. In later times, the Romans were to come to depend on Elba for their swords. It was only recently however, in 1984 that the last iron ore mine on the island closed. That loss of the mining industry was partly responsible for the development of tourism on the island, upon which it has now come to depend to a much greater extent.
Whenever Elba is mentioned, the name Napoleon is not far behind. The French emperor was exiled to Elba for nine months in 1814 before he managed to escape. Apart from the notoriety his name has since lent to Elba, he left a physical legacy at the Palazzina dei Mulini, his temporary home during his exile, which is now open to visitors for a fascinating glimpse into his life.
Whenever Elba is mentioned, the name Napoleon is not far behind. The French emperor was exiled to Elba for nine months in 1814 before he managed to escape. Apart from the notoriety his name has since lent to Elba, he left a physical legacy at the Palazzina dei Mulini, his temporary home during his exile, which is now open to visitors for a fascinating glimpse into his life.
Napoleon and Portoferraio
Napoleon's house is situated in the island's capital town of Portoferraio, which translates as something like "Iron Port". The cultural and administrative capital of the island, Portoferraio is the entry point for most first-time visitors to the island who take the ferry there from Piombino on the Tuscan mainland.
There are alternative ferry ports on the island, namely Rio Marina and Cavo. A full breakdown of getting to the island is available at the Elba Ferry Tickets and Timetables page.
Without a doubt, the main attraction of Elba comes via its collection of beautiful beaches: there are more than 80 beaches on the island in total. The title of Best Beach in Elba is hotly-disputed but among the leading contenders are Sansone Beach, Biodola, Cavoli and Padulella Beach.
There are alternative ferry ports on the island, namely Rio Marina and Cavo. A full breakdown of getting to the island is available at the Elba Ferry Tickets and Timetables page.
Without a doubt, the main attraction of Elba comes via its collection of beautiful beaches: there are more than 80 beaches on the island in total. The title of Best Beach in Elba is hotly-disputed but among the leading contenders are Sansone Beach, Biodola, Cavoli and Padulella Beach.
Making your way around Elba
Elba's road network is an excellent way of getting to see the island and unlike many other places in Italy, the roads are wide enough for the most part for vehicles to pass each other without having to undertake any daredevil manoeuvres. These are also some of the most scenic roads in the country, sweeping around cliff-edges to reveal dazzlingly-blue seas and white powder-puff beaches.
Although the island is dominated by its port towns including the capital and the slightly smaller Porto Azzurro, Marina di Campo, Marciana Marina, Cavo and Rio Marina, there are some treats to be found by heading inland as well. The fascinating hill towns of Capoliveri, Poggio, Marciana and Rio nell'Elba all offer a cooler climate in the hot summer months as well as some great places to discover the local cuisine.
Above all of those hill towns is the highest point on the island: Monte Capanne which stands at 1,018 metres above sea level and can be reached via a cable car for the absolute best views of Elba.
Although the island is dominated by its port towns including the capital and the slightly smaller Porto Azzurro, Marina di Campo, Marciana Marina, Cavo and Rio Marina, there are some treats to be found by heading inland as well. The fascinating hill towns of Capoliveri, Poggio, Marciana and Rio nell'Elba all offer a cooler climate in the hot summer months as well as some great places to discover the local cuisine.
Above all of those hill towns is the highest point on the island: Monte Capanne which stands at 1,018 metres above sea level and can be reached via a cable car for the absolute best views of Elba.
Isola d'Elba
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Province: Livorno
Region: Tuscany Population: 31,952 Size: 224 km² Highlights: Cavoli, Sansone, Biodola, Padulella, Morcone (beaches) Arrival ports: Portoferraio, Rio Marina, Cavo Journey time from mainland: 30 minutes - 1 hour Distance from nearest mainland port: 16 km Arrive by: ferry Arrive from: Piombino Fly to: Pisa Airport Recommended accommodation: Marina Garden Hotel |
Things to see in Elba
Pomonte, Elba
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Elba Travel
Cartoon-clad Moby Ferry in Portoferraio, Elba
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Must See Elba
Portoferraio, Elba
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Comunes of Elba
Porto Azzurro - one of the seven official comunes of Elba
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