Discovering the Island of Elba
The island of Elba is only 10 km from the Italian coast away and offers an area of 224 square kilometers and a coastline of 147 km.
The island of Elba is the third largest island in Italy and is one of the islands of the Tuscan archipelago. Elba belongs together with Pianosa, Capraia, Montecristo, Giglio, Gorgona and Giannutri the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago.
Legend has it that the Tuscan archipelago was created from a pearl of the goddess Venus (goddess of beauty and love), which comes from a chain of pearls fallen into the water. From the 7 pearls emerged the islands of the Tuscan archipelago.
Already inhabited in prehistoric times and known for its iron mines, Elba was called by the Ligurians “Ilva”, by the Greeks “Aethalia”, first Ligurian, then Greek, later Etruscan, Roman for centuries. In the Middle Ages it was ruled by the Pisans and then by the Appiani and later by the Medici.
The brief reign of Napoleon (1814-1815, 9 months and 23 days) left indelible marks in the Palazzina dei Mulini, in the Villa S. Martino, in the ancient churches of Portoferraio and in Marciana Alta (Madonna del Monte).
The Elba coast is characterized by an incredible variety of landscapes, including romantic fishing villages, rolling hill villages, lush valleys, coves with fine sandy beaches, small pebbles and beautiful rocks, ideal for a rejuvenating bath or an exciting dive.
Geologically, Elba is like two islands in one. It is divided into two parts: the western, purely granitic and the eastern part, which is extremely rich in iron.
The mountain is a very present element in the landscapes of Elba, which contrasts the charm of the coast and the sea and offers enchanting landscapes and breathtaking views. There are many hiking trails along the coast and the mountains, ideal for hiking and biking, part of which will allow you to reach the summit of Mount Capanne and enjoy a charming view of the Tuscan archipelago. Less active tourists can comfortably reach the top of Mount Capanne (1019 meters above sea level) by cable car from Marciana.
Particularly noteworthy are some beaches that are more or less close to us, known to the frequent visitors of our island, as well as a major Italian and international tourism, such as:
- Fetovaia (4 km from us)
- Cavoli (4.5 km from us)
- Sant’Andrea (5 km from us)
- Procchio (20 km from us)
- La Biodola (25 km from us)
- La “caraibica” Sansone (30 km from us)
The climate is particularly mild with an average annual temperature of 17 ° C; the seasonal averages are 10 ° C in winter, 20 ° C in spring, 26 ° C in summer and 18 ° C in autumn. The sea temperatures are: 19 ° C in April, 20 ° C in May, 24 ° C in June, 26 ° C in July, 27 ° C in August, 25 ° C in September and 23 ° C in October.
The constantly changing and dazzling landscape, together with the unspoiled sea, the mild climate and the transparency of the air, make Elba an ideal holiday and tourist resort in all seasons, especially interesting in spring and autumn, then you can enjoy the island in its own enjoy all the beauty!
How to reach Elba
The island of Elba is accessible from Piombino Marittima, where four shipping companies (Toremar, Moby Lines, Blu Navy and Elba Ferries) depart several times a day. In one hour of navigation (7 nautical miles) you reach the ports of Portoferraio (the main port) and Rio Marina.
Alternatively, there is a faster connection by hydrofoil (passenger service only), which will take you to Portoferraio in just 35 minutes.
BY CAR
- From the North: From Milan, take the A1 motorway to Parma Ovest on the A15 until the A12 Genoa-Livorno motorway, exit Rosignano, continue on the SS Aurelia to Venturina-Isola d’Elba and from here to Piombino Marittima.
- From the Northeast: Motorway A1 Bologna-Florence-Pisa-Livorno: exit Rosignano, continue on S.S. Aurelia to Venturina-Isola d’Elba and from here to Piombino Marittima. Alternatively, the S.G.C. Florence-Pisa-Livorno: exit Firenze Signa and follow the S.S. to Collesalvetti, back to the Autostrada to Rosignano Marittima, take the motorway to Venturina-Isola d’Elba and from there to Piombino Marittima.
- From the South: A12 Rome-Grosseto Motorway: S.S. Aurelia exit Venturina-Isola d’Elba, continue towards Piombino Marittima.
In Portoferraio, which is not more than 35 km away, follow the signs for “All directions”, then Procchio and then Marina di Campo (15 km). From Marina di Campo follow the road Cavoli-Seccheto-Fetovaia-Pomonte and finally Chiessi.
BY TRAIN
The arrival point for ferries is that of Piombino Marittima (for timetables see www.trenitalia.it).
For those arriving by train and without own means of transport, there is the bus (Atl Livorno) which is located directly at the port, in one of two pink buildings, you will find the ticket counter Mobylines.
BY BUS
Thanks to various transport companies, Elba is reachable by bus from Milan year-round.
In the summer months, services are also available from Firenze and Siena, as well as an additional line from Milan.