The Italian island of Elba is part of the Tuscan Archipelago in the Tuscany region. It is located just 10 kilometers from the mainland in the Mediterranean. Elba is the third largest island in Italy, measuring 224 km². The island measures 27 kilometers from east to west and 18 kilometers from north to south, with a coastline of 147 kilometers. Elba is beautiful and very relaxing. There are eight municipalities and 32.000 inhabitants. The highest point is Monte Capanne at 1.019 meters. The annual average temperature is 15,7 degrees. This island offers a lot for those interested in culture and history. The locations of the Elba-Island look back on a 4.000-year-old settlement history. The island impresses with its beautiful white and golden beaches, crystal clear water, as well as the breathtaking Mediterranean vegetation.
Places on the island of Elba in the north
Portoferraio
This place is the island's capital and the ferry terminal from the mainland. Portoferraio is the most populous municipality in the towns on the island of Elba. It immediately catches the eye with its ocher-yellow houses on the harbor and on the hills. In this place Napoleon Bonaparte lived in exile for ten months. The two residences he stayed in are now popular attractions. On the one hand this is Palazzina dei Mulini, with beautiful gardens laid out over the sea and on the other hand his country house just outside the Villa di San Martino. There is a beautiful harbor promenade with numerous cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques. The port facilities Darsena Medicea can look back on an eventful past up to the 16th century. At that time the place was still called Cosmopoli. The History and the architecture are strongly influenced by the Renaissance. There is also a medieval fortress in the old town.
Marciana Marina
The municipality of Marciana Marina is one of the smaller municipalities on the island of Elba. There is a multitude of Mediterranean vegetation in this region, which is located in the foothills of the Monte Caponne massif. You can go for a nice walk in the marina or on the promenade. There are numerous restaurants and boutiques that invite you to linger. Whether by the sea or from the town, you can marvel at one of the most beautiful panoramas on the island. The two defense and watchtowers Torre Pisana date back to the 12th century and are located in the fishing district of Cotone.
Places in the northeast
Rio Nell'Elba
This municipality is one of the oldest on the island of Elba and is located high up on Monte Capannello. Here you can find peace and relaxation on the one hand and many cultural and historical sights on the other. On the main square is the parish church Giacomo e Quirico, built by the Pisans, with its great Renaissance facade. In the north are the sources of Fonte dei Canali from the 16th century. These were used by women for a long time to clean their clothes. Mining was active in this region until the 80s and tourists did not discover this place until late.
Places on the island of Elba in the east
Rio Marina
This place is a beautiful coastal town with almost 2.000 inhabitants in the east of the island of Elba. It is located exactly opposite the Tuscan coast, on the canal of Piombino. Rio Marina was the center of mining for millennia. Iron ore was mined. The remains that still exist today can be visited. The place is in the middle of red hills, the typical color for ferrous rock. The Mineral Museum is also located in this region.
Porto Azzurro
This place is located on the east coast of the island of Elba and is known for its rocky promontory of the Forte San Giacomo fortress from the 17th century. This was also a prison for a number of years. Directly below is the beautiful fishing district. The Piazza Matteotti is located directly on the sea with a great view of the harbor. Here you can marvel at numerous yachts and boats in summer. There are a few restaurants on stilts and beautiful alleys in the old town. The small parish church Madonna del Carmine and the chapel Cuore di Maria date from the 18th century.
Places on the island of Elba in the southwest
Campo Nell'Elba
Campo Nell'Elba is located in the southwest directly behind Monte Caponne. The main town of Marina de Campo is very famous for its large number of restaurants, bars and disco pubs. There is an old watchtower to marvel at, the San Giovanni. The region lives from tourism and fishing. The beautiful landscape is great for hiking. The only airport on the island is located in the nearby town of La Pila. International connections are also offered.
Places in the south
Capoliveri
This community is located on a hill high above the sea. The townscape is very well known and popular and dates from the Middle Ages. There are numerous alleys with Romanesque arches in the center, where you can also find many restaurants and boutiques. For a long time, the inhabitants of the mountain village lived by working in the mining industry. The Calamita iron ore mines are now only accessible to visitors. There are beautiful hiking trails with breathtaking views. Down by the sea there are great beaches, bays and cliffs.
Places in the northwest
Marciana
Marciana is one of the oldest places on the island of Elba. The fortification Fortezza Pisana dates back to the 10th century. Other sights include the Zecca mint and the archaeological museum. The cable car from the 60s is a very popular destination. The entrance is in the middle of the village and the drive to Monte Caponne takes about 18 minutes. On this tour, however, you should be free from giddiness, as the gondola consists only of bars and is only designed for two people. In this region you can marvel at the incredible diversity of the landscape of the island of Elba. Around Marciana are the three highest peaks, Monte Caponne, at 1.019 meters, Monte Giove at 865 meters and Le Calanche at 749 meters.
Last updated: 06.02.2024
