Elba is not only a very nice place to find relaxation, it also offers a lot more. The sights on Elba are beautiful and unique. Here are a few tips on which sights are definitely worth visiting.
National Museum of Napoleonic Residences
What was casually told in history class is one of the most beautiful sights on Elba.
Napoleon was allied to Elba. Here he built up various residences. Napoléon's two great places to stay were his villa in the city, the Palazzina dei Mulini and the country estate, the Villa San Marino. These two places from bygone times have become one of the most popular attractions on Elba in Portoferraio. Furniture and other objects can now be discovered and admired in the museum.
Palazzina dei Mulini 
Mulini villa de Napoleon
Napoléon himself had the villas renovated. He made sure that his official residence is built into the upper floor. He also had the theater next to the building renovated. Most of the pieces and components are still very well preserved today. These relics transport almost everyone back to France after the revolution and represent the status of the former emperor once again. Because it was common for aristocrats to lead a prosperous life even in captivity or exile.
Pianosa Island
One of the most amazing sights on Elba is the Pianosa Island. Since it is an island, the spot is not directly on Elba, but is its direct neighbor. The island itself is nothing special, but what was once built on it. The former maximum security prison makes it one of the most historical sights on Elba. However, that was dissolved a long time ago. Since then it has been forbidden to enter the prison. But of course there are ways to stay around the island. The protected heritage is home to many different types of plants. Over 30 different species of birds can be admired here. As it is a protected area, the heritage offers a unique habitat for many animals. In addition to corals, lobsters and fish, dolphins and Caretta-Caretta turtles can also be admired here.
Teglia fortress
There are many historical attractions on Elba. Another is the Teglia Fortress. Also known as Fort Teglia, the old building is located on the island of Pianosa. At the time of sea robbers and pirates, the fort was intended to offer protection against attacks from the sea. After a while, the rectangular foundation stone extended over several levels. It is located on the Teglia promontory in Pianosa. The builder of the object built for protection is Napoléon Bonaparte.
Marciana
For a change, not built by the former emperor, France and a world empire, the former village of Marciana can be viewed. The village complex is one of the oldest places on the Elba-Island. This place was built around 35 BC on a hill 375 meters above sea level. Not much later, a fortress was added to protect the foundry's mint. The beautiful stairs take you back to bygone eras.
An archaeological museum explains that History from the place. The island also has something to offer for nature lovers. Hikes through the beautiful landscape of the island almost always lead to the 1019 meter high mountain, Mount Capanne.
Villa Romana delle Grotte
One of the older sights on Elba is the Villa Romana delle Grotte. In contrast to other buildings, the Roman villa from the pre-Christian century has not undergone any structural changes. During the war between France and the Kingdom of Naples, the villa was used as a center for artillery batteries. After excavations in 2014, scientists were able to conclude that the Villa Romana delle Grotte once belonged to Marco Valerio Messalla. He was a writer between 50 BC and 8 AD. The villa was probably an extensive place, with many rooms and a garden. Also part of the villa is said to have been a jetty that led directly into the water.
Mountain huts
Monte Capanne is a good idea for nature lovers and explorers. At 1019 meters, it is the highest mountain on the whole of Elba. When the weather is nice, you can even visit the other islands, such as Pianosa, Montecristo or Capraia be seen. A beautiful flora ensures that many animals settled there. Mount Capanne is the ideal place for bird watching but be careful, impressive birds of prey also fly here. Rare plants can also be found among over 200 different types of mushroom. Herds of mouflons also make their way up the mountain. A mouflon is a wild sheep and is known for its rounded horns. Nature was left in peace here. You can also tell from the granite rocks. Countless environmental factors have given the beautiful rocks an impressive shape. If the path is a little too spectacular for you, you can easily take the cable car to the top. A sensational panorama can be admired here.
The city walls of Portoferraio
The intimidating city wall can be admired above all by sea. Grand Duke Cosimo the first had the wall built to defend against the Ottomans. The huge walls have made Portoferraio an island through an extensive moat. In addition to the Stella fortress, there are three other fortresses on the wall. These are known as the Bastions dei Pagliai, del Maggiore and di San Cosimo. You can also get a flair of the times when you stroll through the streets of the old town. There are hardly any cars here and the architecture is very reminiscent of the time when the wall was needed.
Elba has many interesting and historically valuable sights to offer. They are all very impressive and definitely worth a detour next time you visit the island.
Last updated: 29.02.2024
