Elba can be found 7 miles off of the West Coast of Tuscany, about an hour’s ferry boat ride from the harbour in Piombino, 32 miles from the North East coast of Corsica. It is the largest and most central isle within the Tuscan Archipelago, enclosed by the very clear waters from the Tyrrhenian Sea, in between the mainland peninsula as well as the French Island of Corsica. It is dominated by tremendous mountain regions at the east and west ends. The green shoreline is littered with picturesque rocky coves as well as soft sandy bays, nestling underneath the rugged hills.
Despite Napoleon Bonaparte’s short exile here, prior to meeting his Waterloo, this modest mountainous isle continues to be among Italy’s greatest kept secrets. It is an hour’s boat trip from the mainland, and contains only a small local airport, which is unsuitable for large aircraft, meaning foreign tourism hasn’t acquired a foothold, and it is not likely to do so. It is for this reason, this area is totally unspoilt.
Portoferraio is the principal town and primary point of entry; it is a fortified aged town, occupying a smallish headland that safeguards the harbour. Having a modest waterfront lined with business oriented buildings and a few bars, this town is generally residential. The principal tourist places have developed throughout the modest seaside communities of Procchio and Marcianaf Marina around the north coast and ‘Marina di Campo’ found in the south.
The region is practically exclusive to middle and upmarket Italians during the months of July and August, having a smaller contingent of discerning Swiss, along with a small number of German Nationals. Quite a few well-off Italians have summer homes within the hills, which are made available to let during the rest of the year. The hotels in the area can be found dotted across the north, central, and south coasts, with family-run B&BS and apartments also widely available. Some lodgings have their very own reserved sections which are scrupulously taken care of and equipped with deck chairs, sun loungers, and colourful parasols.
Entertainment and activities are pretty much centred throughout the beachfront, with various water-sports available, including sailing, windsurfing, and water-skiing, depending on where you are located. Night life is typically low-key with the exception of the months of July and August, where a couple of bars are open until the small hours. Expect to rely upon transport if residing at outlying resorts.
A variety of boat trips, along with other expeditions are on offer around the coast and also to the mainland Harbour of Piombino. A selection of historical hillside fortifications, ancient chapels, and Napoleonic homes such as ‘Villa di San Martino’ and ‘Palazzina de Mulini’ are also worthy of a visit.
