Isola d'Elba - Tuscany

Legend has it that the Island of Elba ("Isola d'Elba") and the other islands of the Tuscan Archipelago (Pianosa, Capraia, Montecristo, Giglio, and Giannutri) first rose up from the sea thanks to the mythical Roman goddess of beauty, Venus. The goddess, journeying through the clouds, suddenly dropped her necklace, set with six precious stones. These stones fell irretrievably into the waters below, and from them were formed the six main islands of the Tuscan Archipelago—the biggest and most beautiful stone constituting the Island of Elba.

One of the most amazing mineral zones in Europe, the Island offers the visitor a mélange of majestic landscapes, nature preservations, and coastal environs. With a pleasantly mild climate and numerous attractions, the Island of Elba is an optimal spot to vacation, practice (water) sports, shop, or discover regional culture, history, gastronomy, and nightlife. The third-biggest Italian island, Elba is located 10 kilometers from the continent, 5 miles from the Tuscan coast, and extends 100 square miles with a 70-mile long coastline. Its winter population of only 30,000 is divided into eight small town councils, or communes: the capital Portoferraio, Campo nell'Elba, Capoliveri, Marciana (the largest of the communes), Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro, Rio Marina, and Rio nell'Elba.

History
Due to its iron mines, Elba has always maintained great historical importance. The Ligures, Greeks, Romans, and Pisans alternately occupied the island until the time of the Middle Ages. Two of the island's occupants, however, left more salient marks on the Isola both culturally and physically: the Medici family and Napoleon. Members of the Medici are responsible for the construction of the walls around Portoferraio, giving the name of "Cosmopoli" to the city in 1500 A.D. During this time, the island was also influenced largely by Tuscan culture.

Napoleon, though he remained only nine months, succeeded in fundamentally altering the island. He built roadways and streets, and laid down certain laws explicitly benefiting the mining industry. In addition, he designed the very flag that the island continues to use to this day.

Sights
Today, the mines are closed, and tourism has taken over as Elba's main source of income. Aside from an extensive offering of swimming pools, golf courses, sports facilities, riding stables, vehicle rental agencies, and trekking paths, island residents recommend that visitors embark on a boat ride around the island's secluded bays to better enjoy the gorgeous vistas and to take a dip in the crystalline sea. The uncontaminated landscape constitutes part of the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago, and the outlying sea is pertains to the largest marine park in Europe. Napoleon's elaborate constructions attempt to rival the natural beauty of the island, and his two domiciles, "Villa dei Muliini" and "Villa San Martino," are inherent to the culture of Elba.

Transportation
From Piombino, take the ferry service or the faster hydrofoil or hydrojet. You can also arrive by air from other Italian or European cities at La Pila airport, Marina di Campo.