The island of Elba is the perfect combination of crystal clear waters, stunning scenery and rich history. The largest of the Tuscan islands, Elba is not only famous for its natural beauty, but also for being the place where Napoleon Bonaparte spent part of his exile. For those who love history, adventure and picturesque beaches, Elba is the ideal destination for a day trip or even a longer holiday.
Did you know? Just 10 kilometres from the mainland of Tuscany, Elba is Italy’s third largest island and easily accessible by regular ferry services.
History – Napoleon and the Principality of Elba
The history of Elba goes back thousands of years, but the most famous event was undoubtedly Napoleon’s exile from 1814 to 1815. Although he arrived as an exile, Napoleon quickly modernised the island, building roads, introducing reforms and maintaining two residences: the Villa dei Mulini in Portoferraio and the Villa San Martino in the hills. After a short reign, he fled to return to France, but his legacy lives on in Elba.
Elba’s Best Beaches – Paradise Beaches and Crystal Clear Waters
The coastline of Elba is full of stunning beaches that offer visitors the perfect relaxation. Hidden coves, white pebble beaches and fine sandy beaches where the sea shimmers in azure hues can be found in every corner of the island.
Located near Spiaggia delle Ghiaie – Portoferraio, with its crystal clear waters and white pebble beach, it is an ideal place for relaxation and snorkelling.
Spiaggia della Sorgente & Spiaggia di Sansone – These two beaches, side by side, boast fine white pebbles and sand. The rocky path offers stunning views en route, and the sparkling clear water makes the perfect photo opportunity. You can also enjoy the underwater world without a snorkel, as you can go right down to the water’s depths.
Spiaggia di Lacona – One of the largest sandy beaches on the island, stretching for 1200 metres. With beach clubs, water sports and nature reserves, there is something for everyone. Lacona’s special feature is the presence of the last remaining sand dunes of the Tuscan archipelago and the characteristic white flowers of the water lily.
Did you know? In the summer of 2023, a record number of sea turtles hatched on this stretch of coastline, making this place even more special.
Portoferraio – Historical capital of Elba
Portoferraio is not only the capital of Elba, but also its historical and cultural centre, with fascinating sights and a unique atmosphere.
Napoleon’s residences – Portoferraio was one of the most important stops of the emperor in exile. The Villa San Martino, Napoleon’s summer residence, is now a museum and tells the story of the life of the former emperor through its unique interiors, such as the Egyptian Room and the ceiling frescoes in the Room of the Doves. The Villa dei Mulini, which served as a winter residence, can also be visited. The library here still preserves Napoleon’s original collection of books, which he brought with him from Fontainebleau.
Medici forts and old town – Portoferraio’s townscape is dominated by the fortifications built by the Medici family. The star-shaped walls of the Forte Stella and one of the oldest lighthouses in Europe are dominant features of the panorama. The narrow streets, picturesque harbour and Renaissance charm of the old town make it well worth a walking tour.
Monte Capanne – If you want breathtaking views, visit the highest point on Elba (1019 m), from where you can see the whole Tuscan archipelago. You can also take a cable car to the top for an even more special experience.
The island of Elba is famous not only for its stunning beaches and historical monuments, but also for its rich industrial past. The island was once home to the largest and most productive magnetite mines in Europe and was a centre of Italian iron and steel production.
The Ginevro Mines offer visitors a unique experience: an exciting underground journey to discover this unique industrial heritage. On the guided tour you will not only learn about the mining past, but you can also take an E-Bike tour of the area, adding extra adventure and dynamism to the experience.
If you are looking for something really special to do on Elba, exploring the Ginevro Mines is guaranteed to be a memorable and unique experience!
Elba’s gastronomy is mainly defined by seafood, but the island’s agricultural tradition also means that delicious meat dishes can be found, especially in the smaller villages. Although Italian classics such as pizza and pasta are available everywhere, it is worth trying the local specialities. Palamita fish, a relative of tuna, is traditionally preserved in olive oil and bay leaves. Squid and octopus are also popular ingredients, prepared in a variety of ways. A special treat is black risotto, made with squid ink – but be careful, it’s not a white shirt-friendly dish!
An unmissable part of a trip to Elba is exploring the vineyards. Although the wines of Tuscany are known worldwide, the hidden treasures of Elba are less in the spotlight – and well worth a taste! Wine production on the island declined in the last century as tourism grew, but is now on the rise and the local wine producers’ association is actively defending this precious tradition.
