ISOLA D’ELBA: an island yet to be discovered
Elba – the largest island in the Tuscany Archipelago - encapsulates the charm and exclusivity of an area rich both in history and civilization , where sea and nature are the protagonists. It is thanks to its geological structure and its particular geographic position that this island is considered an open-air laboratory for geologists, naturalists and botanists.
The zone of Portoferraio, the Island’s capital, besides being one of the main arrival and mooring posts for Elba, also stands out for its own long history. The area is the most populated on the Island and holds some of the most precious treasures of Elban culture, which primarily refers to the Medici domination.
Portoferraio is dominated by the ancient fortress built by Medici, called Mura Medicee. You can visit the fortress enjoying quite a fascinating walk back to the Medieval age.
While in Portoferraio you can take a walk in the historical center and enjoy an aperitif at “La Tonnina”, boutique bar on the dock overlooking the sea or indulge in an ice cream at “Zero Gradi”.
From Portoferraio you can walk to Le Ghiaie, the local beach of white smooth pebbles. Le Ghiaie is the first of the many white beaches that follow one another upto the Enfola promontory Le Ghiaie, Cala dei Frati, Padulella, Capo Bianco, Sansone and that are surrounded by white cliffs.
The Enfola promontory is 6km away from Portoferraio. Capo d’Enfola is famous for its ancient tuna fishing port, where up till 1958 the tuna fished there was cut and prepared. Recently the building has been renovated and turned into the administrative seat of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park . You can also find a museum dedicated to the fotographs of the Tonnara ancient activity.
Enfola also hosts one of the best restaurants of the island “Emanuel” where you can taste real Elban fish recepies. Emanuel is a real island taverna.
Countless are the beaches of Elba, and here we will name just a few of them: Procchio, la Paolina, Spartaia, Pomonte, Sant’Andrea, and Chiessi, loved by surfers and Fetovaia, a little piece of heaven.
As mentioned before Elba island is also history, and a very important part of history; in fact, close to Portoferraio, in San Martino you can find one of the residences of Emperor Napoleon at the time he was exiled from France. The residence is open to the public and can be visited all year long.
Always a few stones away from Portoferraio you can find olive groves and vineyards at “La Chiusa” estate, open all year long. The estate overlooks the gulf of Portoferraio and takes its name from the walls which enclose 20 hectares of land. The main business is the production and retail sale of Elba traditional wines (red, white, rosé and Aleatico) and cold-extra virgin olive oil. Its origins can be traced back to the late 16th century, when the cellars and the old hamlet were built.
Elba is trekking in the nature, hiking in the mountains and birdwatching. There you can find Monte Capanne, 1019 mt high that can be reached either by numerous trails or by a two seat cable car that departs from Marciana.
From the summit of Monte Capanne, on a particularly clear day, not only can you admire a unique panorama, but you can also stretch your gaze to the distant islands of the archipelago: Pianosa, Capraia, Montecristo, Gorgona, and even Corsica.
Elba is fishermen and hunters villages,, is medieval villages and minerals. The iron deposits of Monte Calamita brings back to ancient times when the island was an important crossroad of the iron trades. The Minerological Museum is one of the best known in Europe.
Capoliveri, a hill perched small town, is characterized by a very particular architecture, with its narrow and picturesque arched alleys called "chiassi", which hide small artisan shops and cozy places where you can taste a typical dish or a good glass of wine.
Porto Azzurro , where still today we can see the signs of Spanish rule (17th Century) in the Fort of San Giacomo. Not to be missed : the harbor, the piazza surrounded by shops and restaurants, and the Baroque Church of San Giacomo Apostolo. Opposite this small piazza is a panoramic view of Barbarossa Beach, a haven for divers.
There would be much more to tell about Elba, but now it is time for you to discover this island whose beauty will leave you breathless.
