Agriturismo Elba

Elba – National Park

One of the ports where you can arrive when traveling to Elba is Portoferraio, also the capital of Elba, situated on a headland surrounded by the sea. The city has approximately 11.000 inhabitants. The history of Portoferraio dates back to well before the Common Era, when the island was utilized for its iron ore mines by the Etruscan people. The name Portoferraio also means iron port – from here, large quantities of iron ore were shipped to the mainland in the past. Subsequently, the island was also very popular with the Romans, who utilized the iron but also had villas built here, of which only the remains are left today.

In the Middle Ages, around 1500, Cosimo de Medici was the ruler of the island and had the fortresses built – a must-see to visit. Around 1814, Napoleon was the king of the island. He did a great deal for the island… His houses can be visited, as well as the small church where his death mask and bronze handprint are kept. Near Portoferraio lie several beautiful beaches of pure white pebbles… which color the sea an incredible blue…. Along the boulevard, it is always full of small sailboats, and you can enjoy a delicious meal in one of the many restaurants. Mooring in the harbor of Portoferraio is an experience in itself. While the large Medici forts proudly stand on the hill in the background, yachts and sometimes a cruise ship lie in the harbor.

This small town is certainly worth a visit. Here you will find charming squares, narrow streets, and many bars, cafes, and restaurants. It is a fantastic place to have an aperitif and get a first impression of the island. You will also immediately discover part of the island's rich history. Napoleon's main residence, the Villa dei Mulini, is located on top of the hill between the two fortifications, Forte Stella and Forte Falcone. At the end of the quay, however, lie the remains of a Roman villa, and the island's archaeological museum is housed in the medieval defensive tower, Torre Martello. Renting a boat and heading out to sea yourself is also quite an experience – there are several companies that rent boats on Elba, especially in Portoferraio, Porto Azzuro, and Marina di Campo.

One of the most authentic villages on the island is Capoliveri, very charming and entirely medieval with small streets, beautiful buildings, staircases, and archways. Cozy terraces and restaurants, but above all, a breathtaking view over the Mediterranean Sea. It is a “Parco Nazionale”, a protected nature reserve of which the other islands are also part, namely ….

Lily – It is the second largest island of the archipelago and is predominantly mountainous, consisting almost entirely of granite, with steep cliffs descending into the sea, while the island's beaches are small, well-equipped bays.

Giannutri – is part of the municipality of Giglio Island. This limestone island has a distinctive crescent shape and features four hills: Capel Rosso, Monte Mario, Monte Adami, and Cannone, as well as rugged coastlines with countless coves and caves, and the beaches of Cala dello Spalmatoio and Cala Maestra.

Pianosa – The only island in the Tuscan archipelago without mountains. Inhabited since the Paleolithic era, Pianosa still has the remains of a Roman villa and a system of catacombs.

Montecristo – The island of Montecristo is the wildest and most pristine island of the Tuscan archipelago. A biogenetic reserve of just over 1000 hectares, consisting of pinkish-grey granite rocks and feldspar crystals, to visit it it is necessary to obtain a special permit from the Forestry Corps of Follonica.

Gorgona – the smallest of the Tuscan archipelago. A green mountain situated on the sea, predominantly mountainous, and rich in vegetation typical of Mediterranean scrub. A pristine nature that shelters a multitude of animals and welcomes an infinite number of plant species.

Capraia – an island of volcanic origin with the eruption cone still clearly visible in the beautiful Cala Rossa, which is framed by a landscape of steep coasts, rocks with bright colors, and intense color contrasts.

Hiking on Elba

The Tuscan island of Elba is a true paradise – this begins right from the moment you arrive by ferry in Portoferraio, with its beautiful fortress. The island has many different faces, such as high, rugged mountains, beautiful bays with beaches, one after the other… lovely hills with vineyards. Very picturesque villages with small streets and squares. Terraces, restaurants, charming shopping streets. But also wild, unspoiled nature… and of course the deep blue and turquoise sea… crystal clear. The island of Elba has an incredible number of beaches, said to be more than 130, and there you experience the freedom and friendliness of the islanders.

For example, you can take a walk to the small red lake of Le Conche in the middle of the Mining Park, on the east coast of the island of Elba, between Cavo and Rio. Iron ore has been mined here for centuries. The area is still full of special shimmering black stones, the hematite. Many pieces of jewelry are also made with these stones.

The surrounding earth is rust-brown, logical as the earth is full of iron ore minerals, and the color of the water in the small lake is therefore red and is very special and impressive in contrast to the deep blue sea.

Or a walk to the castle of Volterraio. The old fortress sits on the top of a mountain – the castle was built in the year 1200 by Vanni di Gherardo Rau on the ancient remains of a settlement from the Etruscan era. The purpose of the fortress was to guard the sea and the bay against pirate raids and thus provide protection to the inhabitants of the city of Portoferraio.

The hike is not long, but it does have a significant elevation change, almost 200 meters. The path is very easy to walk, and there are steps on the steepest sections. You park your car halfway up the mountain at a small parking lot where the hiking trail also begins.

The surroundings are breathtakingly beautiful; fragrant herb bushes, yellow juniper, wild lavender, and flowering rosemary color the rocks. The fortress is impressive, but the view is truly breathtaking: a 360° panorama over the island and the sea…

A hike to the island's highest mountain, Monte Capanne at 1019 m, is a must. On a clear day, you can see the entire mainland coastline, stretching north to the Apuan Alps; surrounding you are the islands of the Tuscan archipelago: Gorgona, Capraia, Pianosa Montecristo, Giglio, Giannutri, and in the background, the northern coast of Corsica. There are various hiking routes to reach the summit, but the elevation difference should not be underestimated; otherwise, there is a pleasant cable car from Marciana, which is easily accessible by car.

Not far from Porto Azzurro, you can also take a walk to the Sanctuary of Monserrato, a small monastery in a narrow valley. This monastery and small church were built around 1600, when the area surrounding Porto Azzurro was still under the rule of the Spanish Crown. Governor José Pons y Léon commissioned its construction. Above the altar hangs a copy of the Black Madonna of Monserrato in Spain. The walk begins about 1 km past the village, and you can also walk in the evening as all paths are illuminated. In Porto Azzurro itself (formerly Longone), a former fishing village on Elba, you can also enjoy some nice shopping. In the 17th century, it was a safe harbor on the Spanish trade routes, where the large Fort Longone was built and, on the other side of the bay, the smaller Forte Foccardo.

This is the reason why many of the inhabitants of this place have Spanish surnames. After the Second World War, the name 'Longone' was changed to Porto Azzuro, which translates as 'Blue Port' in relation to the color of the water. The village is now one of the island's most important seaside resorts, and in the center, on Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, you will find the “Bottega Storica”, where you can buy products from this island, such as the amazing spice mixes, local limoncello, homemade beer, and excellent olive oil. There are also numerous other walks possible on Elba to enjoy the beautiful nature.

Autumn holiday Elba

The month of October is beautiful on Elba – you can enjoy the beach, and the seawater is still warm from the summer. It is also a perfect time to take unforgettable walks, visit villages, and enjoy the ever-green nature.

In Porto Azzurro, for example, a very cozy and picturesque village right by the sea. A beautiful promenade with boats, restaurants, and charming terraces. There are two beaches in the village within walking distance. And, of course, 120 beaches across the entire island.

There are many advantages to going on holiday in late summer: you catch some sun before winter sets in, prices are significantly lower, the intense heat is over so you can really do more—especially hiking and visiting villages—the beaches aren't crowded and you can find a spot everywhere; it’s just “pleasantly” busy. This period is also ideal for exploring Elba by mountain bike.

You can go hiking in Porto Azzurro during the autumn holidays, for example. Head straight up the hill from the village to the old Fort of San Giacomo with its thick fortress walls. Then follow the coast, where a pleasant walking path has been laid out that takes you to the first bay. You can also start the walk from the end of the Porto Azzurro promenade. The first bay with a large sandy beach is Barbarossa, named after the notorious pirate who caused quite a stir here a few centuries ago. You cross the beach and go back up on the other side. The path continues along the coast, and you have beautiful views from the rocks. Then you arrive at another bay with a beach, Reale Beach; here too, you cross over and go uphill again. After a few kilometers, you reach Terranera Bay, where a beautiful emerald green lake lies just behind the beach. At the end of the beach, the walking path continues and goes uphill. Here you have a choice of several walking paths... choose the path that runs around Capo d'Arco. Through hills and forests back to Porto Azzurro...

Elba and Napoleon

On the occasion of the two hundredth anniversary, the island of Elba is dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte in 2021, who left an indelible mark on history during his ten months of exile in the capital of the Tuscan archipelago.

Elba offers year-round gatherings, visits, concerts, tastings, and routes to discover the Emperor's footsteps, allowing you to immerse yourself in history in a fun way and relive the atmosphere of the era. For a wealth of information on activities on Elba, there is a dedicated website. visit Elba.