Island of Elba

Elba Island: the legend
Legend has it that the Tuscan Archipelago was born from a jewel slipping from the neck of Venus, the goddess of beauty and love, and falling into the Tyrrhenian Sea.

There's a touch of truth in this gentle myth, because it's hard to deny that the islands of the Archipelago really do feel like little pieces of paradise.

In fact, few places in the world can offer such a rich variety of landscapes in such a small area: from the seabed, a true paradise for divers, to mountains covered in ancient forests, from beaches and hidden coves framed by Mediterranean scrub to small hilltop villages wrapped in timeless peace.

Every visitor can find their own way of enjoying the holiday - whether that's doing their favourite sport, relaxing in the sun, or discovering what the Tuscan Archipelago has to offer in terms of history, culture and food.

Famous wines and excellent cuisine, together with unspoilt sea, a mild climate and crystal-clear air, make Elba an ideal destination for relaxation, stays and holidays all year round.

The beaches
One of the most striking features of the largest Tuscan island is the incredible variety of its landscapes. The beaches on Elba are many and all different: long stretches of golden sand, tiny pebble coves, black sand beaches, bright white pebble beaches, and smooth granite rocks.

Beaches that combine stunning views with crystal-clear water are every bit as beautiful as the most famous Caribbean destinations.

Inhabited since prehistoric times and already known in ancient history for its iron mines, Elba was called "Ilva" by the Ligurians and "Aethalia" by the Greeks. First Ligurian, then Greek, then Etruscan, it remained Roman for centuries.

In the Middle Ages it was ruled by the Pisans, followed by the Appiani family and later the Medici. Over time, several European powers took an interest in the island, leaving behind many traces of their presence.

The Medici left a strong mark in Portoferraio (which was renamed Cosmopoli in honour of Cosimo de' Medici), while the Spanish built the fortress of San Giacomo and Forte Focardo in Porto Azzurro.

Napoleon's short rule (1814-1815, just 9 months and 23 days) also left important memories, including the Palazzina dei Mulini, Villa di San Martino, the old churches of Portoferraio, Marciana Alta (Madonna del Monte) and other places.

Today, Elba is divided into seven municipalities: Portoferraio, Campo nell'Elba, Capoliveri, Marciana, Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro and Rio.