Elba belongs to the Tuscany region in Italy and is located about 10 kilometers from the mainland. After Sardinia and Sicily, Elba is the third largest island in Italy. Whether it’s a family holiday, a beach holiday or a hiking holiday – the island of Elba in the Mediterranean Sea with its Mediterranean climate and beautiful bathing bays really has something to offer for everyone.
To discover the many highlights and sights with a mix of ancient culture and untouched nature, you should take a little time.
Elba is characterized by a unique flora and a diverse landscape. Countless bays, crystal clear water and beaches lined with rocks attract many holidaymakers every year. Should it be a turbulent beach holiday or is a secluded beach section with less hustle and bustle more in demand? It doesn’t matter, because on Elba everyone finds their place in the sun. The most famous beaches of the island with a light sand are located in the bays of Golfo della Lacona and Golfo di Campo. Beautiful pebble and stone beaches are Padulella, Sansone and the beach of L’Enfola.
Magnificent diving areas and lofty heights
Natural caves and a wide variety of fish, turtles, crustaceans and corals captivate snorkelers and divers . In the clear waters, scorpionfish, moray eels and monk fish, among others, cavort. Experienced divers can dive to the remains of the German Ju-52 in the bay of Portoferraio. The aircraft is located about 300 meters north of the lighthouse at a depth of almost 37 meters.
If you don’t want to see the fish in the sea, you can visit the aquarium of Campo nell’Elba. Here you can marvel at about 150 different fish species from the Mediterranean and many crustacean species.
With its mountains and hills, Elba is also a great hiking paradise. For hiking enthusiasts, the ascent to Capanne, the highest mountain on the island with an altitude of 1,018 mtr, is worthwhile. From its summit you have an impressive view over Elba and as far as Corsica. And with a little luck, you can see mouflons (wild sheep) with their long, downwardly curved horns on the way ascent. If you don’t want to walk to the summit, you can also use the cable car. However, the journey is a bit adventurous, because the transport takes place via open metal baskets, which only have room for two people at a time.
Weekly market on Elba: haggling allowed!
The weekly itinerant market on Elba takes place in a different town every day. The market, where fruit and vegetables as well as many specialties of Elba are offered, is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Souvenirs, leather goods, household appliances, shoes and clothes are also offered here. And haggling is not only fun, but also absolutely common here.
Places of interest on Elba
Portoferraio
Many holidaymakers arrive by ferry in Portoferraio, the capital of Elba. The picturesque old harbour with its fishing boats, sailboats and yachts is a nice destination. The wide waterfront promenade “Calata” dates back to the 18th century. There is something going on here until late at night in the numerous restaurants, bars and shops. But not only the harbor is worth seeing. In Portoferraio there are many medieval fortresses, interesting museums and churches.
Marciana Marina
Marciana Marina is a beautiful place with a marina from which glass-bottom boat trips can also be booked. The historic town centre and the natural bay of Cotone with its round watchtower are also popular. This was built in the 12th century to protect against pirates. In Marciana Marina there is also the cable car station that leads up to Monte Capanne.
Porto Azzurro
In the popular holiday resort of Porto Azzurro with its two mighty fortresses, yachts and fishing boats lie peacefully side by side in the harbour. The former fishing village not only has a beautiful historic district to offer, but also a cozy waterfront promenade that invites you to stroll and stroll in the evening. The promenade is also a very popular meeting place for the locals.
On a treasure hunt
There are different types of rock on the island, such as pyrite, hematite, and magnetite. Today, however, mining no longer has the economic importance it used to have. Nevertheless, there are still some mines on the island that can be visited today as a museum. The “Parco Minerario” in Rio Marina is worth seeing. A small train takes you through the mining park. If you want, you can then arm yourself with a hammer and go in search of minerals yourself. The found “treasure” can of course be taken home.
Specialties of the Island of Elba
During an evening stroll through the nice little alleys or on the promenade, it always smells tempting. Often they are “fritto misto”, small freshly fried fish (anchovies, shrimps, young mullets, squid rings). The fried fish are served with lemon and parsley. But of course, other delicious dishes are also offered on the island. Particularly popular is the “Stockfisch alla Riese” with onions, anchovies, basil, tomatoes, peppers, olives, pine nuts, parsley, capers, oil, chili and salt. Other delicious specialties are the black squid risotto, stuffed arrow squid or the famous fish soup cacciucco.
