Napoleon on Elba: “This will be an island of relaxation. Open left menu Elba Who owns the island of Elba

Elba Island (Italian: Elba)- biggest island of the Tuscan archipelago and the third island Italy, after Sardinia and Sicily. Dimensions of the island: length 29 km and width no more than 18 km. Area 223 sq. kilometer The coastline, famous for its tortuosity and picturesqueness, totals 147 kilometers. The border with France is very close - the island of Corsica is 50 km away.

There are 8 communes on the island: Portoferraio, Campo nell'Elba, Capoliveri, Marciana, Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro, Rio Marina And Rio nell'Elba.

You can easily get here by ferry from Italy in half an hour, because Elba is located only 10 km from Piombino. The distance between him and Grosseto is only 20 km, and the distance to Corsica does not exceed 35 km.

The ancient Greek name of the Elbe - "Aetana" - is translated as "sparks". The island was named so for its sandy beaches, sparkling in the sun with grains of mica. It was first mentioned in Homer's legendary "Odyssey" around the 8th-9th centuries. BC. Then, eight hundred years later, the island was captured by the Romans, who named it "Ilva". The ruins of Roman buildings can still be found on its territory. Its name was also preserved, over time transformed into “Elba”.

In world history, the island of Elba is widely known thanks to the French emperor Napoleon, who lived here for some time. As the most famous resident, two museums are dedicated to him on the Elbe - Villa San Martino and the Mulini Palace. The latter was built on the site of old windmills, hence the name "Mulino" (mulino - windmill). There is evidence that Napoleon personally took an active part in the design of the palace and garden, and also tirelessly monitored their implementation.

After the Congress of Vienna, the island passed to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. In 1860 the island became part of the newly created Kingdom of Italy.

Now the island of Elba has the status of a protected area, where any factory activity is prohibited and a limited development regime is established, which is how it differs in Italy from the island of Ischia, for example. Thanks to the measures taken, it remains an environmentally friendly area. Vacationers who rent villas in Italy often go to Elba for diving. In addition, the island offers other sports activities such as horse riding, golf or tennis. Your holiday on Elba Island will be simply unforgettable. Jet skis or skis, catamarans, surfing, yachting. Regatta fans should visit the main port of the island, where national and international competitions are held.

Tourists often go here by ferry from Italy to recover at the Baths of San Giovanni. In addition to the natural healing factor, there are many modern SPA centers on the Elbe, where the latest technologies for cosmetic and preventive procedures are used. The island is rich in small souvenir shops where you can buy a wide variety of jewelry and products made from natural stones: tiger's eye, agate, turquoise, pyrite, coral and other gems.

The main city of Elba is Portoferraio. Its historical center is framed by powerful fortresses from the 16th century. Portoferaio is a major port and a popular tourist resort. Among its attractions are the parish church and the municipality, which houses the 16th-century Foresiana city library, the Church of Santissimo Scaramento, the Church of the Misericordia and the Forte della Stella.

The Etruscans were the first to arrive here and discovered large iron deposits on the island. Iron ore is still mined on the Elbe today, but tourism has become the main industry of the island. In addition to the beauty of nature, magnificent beaches and coves, the island also offers excellent hotels and restaurants, water sports for all tastes and walking routes between vineyards and olive and chestnut groves.

Portoferraio is a quiet town that comes alive on market days. Beyond the spacious Place Cavour, with its cafés, shops and restaurants, houses line the hillside; At the top of the hill stands Forte del Falcone, a fortress built in the 16th century by order of Cosimo I de' Medici, who was very fond of Portoferraio.

Residents of Portoferraio mainly visit the pleasant beach of Delle Ghiaie. All you have to do is drive to Procchio to find a beach with the finest sand. The town of Marciana Marina is very unique and popular. With its 1,800 inhabitants, it is one of the largest on the island. The pines here reach almost to the sea; The picturesque small port is surrounded by an ancient tower and dozens of houses built on the cliff.

There are 153 beaches on the island, some of which can only be accessed from the sea. The beaches of Elbe are a unique phenomenon; their main advantage is the purest water, the quality of which is confirmed by the numerous fish that scurry around the shore without fear.

The highest point of the island is a mountain called Kapana, its height reaches 1019 meters above sea level. In general, the island is mountainous, which is why it attracts a huge number of athletes who are interested in rock climbing. World-class competitions in this sport are periodically held here. On the slopes of Mount Kapana you can find invigorating coolness on a hot summer day; everything is done here to make your stay memorable: you can organize a picnic - tables, benches, specially equipped places for preparing barbecue are already waiting for you.

From a height of 1019 meters, Monte Capanne, reached by cable car, dominates the entire island; The mountain is planted with the Marciana vineyards, where the best wines of the Elbe are produced. An hour's walk and you find yourself in the temple dedicated to Madonna del Monte, where Napoleon spent two weeks in 1814, seeking peace and solace in the shade of centuries-old chestnut trees.

In the vicinity of Cavoli there are many small bays suitable for swimming. Nearby is Marina di Campo, the main resort center of the southwestern part of the island, where you can find excellent fish restaurants. Elbe Airport is nearby.

The east coast is the most popular destination for tourists, flocking to Lacona Beach and the sandy shores of Cape Stella. The last stage is Porto Azzurro, one of the most beautiful corners of the Elbe. Protected from the north winds, it is surrounded by dozens of small bays. For those who want to stay here, there is a good selection of hotels and restaurants overlooking the port. Behind the residential areas you can see the Portolongone fortress, built in 1603 by order of the Spanish King Philip III

Island climate Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The holiday season here lasts from April to mid-October.

Quite active iron ore mining was previously carried out on the island. What remains are the mines, converted into rich stone museums. In addition to displaying and admiring gigantic natural specimens of minerals, it explains how to mine them and how to subsequently restore the earth. You can take a tour and ride through the entire production cycle on a trolley. The store at the museum displays various products made from natural stones for every taste and budget. Delicious Muscat wines, exquisite perfume based on herbs growing on the mountain slopes of the island (the popular perfume “Acqua del Elba”) - all are available to guests of the island.

Island kitchen rich in fish. But basically, of course, this is typical Italian pasta abundance.

A variety of cultural events are held on the island every year. For example, the International Festival “Elbe - the Musical Island of Europe”, which was created on the initiative of the outstanding Russian violist Yuri Bashmet and is held under his patronage.

Original taken from pro100_mica in Episodes from the life of Napoleon Bonaparte... Elba Island.

Alone in the darkness of the night over a wild rock
Napoleon sat

Napoleon on the Elbe A.S. Pushkin, 1815

After his abdication, Napoleon received lifelong possession of the island of Elba, on which 12 thousand people then lived.

The retired emperor was armed with a volume of “Notes on the Island of Elba” - after all, he had never been here before. He saw Portoferraio, located almost on an island - a canal passed through the isthmus - two forts, Torre di Martello - a tower that had been used as a prison since the time of Cosimo de' Medici. Napoleon immediately composed a new - in accordance with historical traditions - flag for Elba, in the morning it was raised above the forts, guns thundered, the English sailors - the crew of the ship carrying Napoleon - shouted "Hurray!"

A boat with 24 oarsmen brought the King of Elbe to the pier.

In front of everyone stood the mayor, Pietro Traditi, with a silver plate on which lay the keys to the Sea Gate. This gate is a triumphal arch built in the 17th century. Grand Duke Ferdinand II of Tuscany, and only through this arch can one enter the city, surrounded on the sea side by a powerful wall. But the real keys to the gate were lost. The mayor hastily took out the keys to his own basement and ordered them to be gilded. Now these gilded basement keys lay in front of Napoleon. The Bishop addressed the mayor with the traditional phrase: “Take these keys for yourself, Mr. Mayor, they will not find more careful hands.” So Signor Traditi's basement remained safe.

Napoleon was immediately saddened when he saw how small and poor his new kingdom was.

In Portoferraio he built his palace, connecting two rooms and adding another floor above them. He took 4 rooms for himself: on the garden side - an office and a small salon, on the city side - a library and a bedroom. The area of ​​the large salon on the first floor, where his beautiful sister Polina will live, is equal to the area of ​​​​all four of its rooms.

There was also nowhere to get furniture from. Without thinking twice, Napoleon sent a sailboat to Piombino. In this Tuscan city was the palace of his second sister, Eliza - Grand Duchess of Tuscany and Princess of Piombino, which, after her brother's abdication, she was forced to leave, despite the fact that her husband, Marshal Murat, who had betrayed Napoleon, still remained in the position of King of Naples. Eliza's palace was now occupied by the Austrian general Starhemberg; Napoleonic envoys took away his furniture, curtains and even floors.

Napoleon also laid out a garden in front of his chambers - more like a garden. The sea, 30-meter cliffs, the outlines of Tuscany in the distance. Napoleon went out for walks at night. This is what his valet Marchand writes: “The silence of these delightful nights, broken only by the waves that crash on the rocks below, two hundred paces from the terrace along which he is walking, and the cry of the sentry “Stop, whoever is coming!” or the singing of the emperor . Sometimes he began to sing, while thinking about something completely different. He rarely sang loudly, just hummed something under his breath... He seemed to be urging the night on with his song so that it would pass quickly and the desired day would come, the arrival of which he always looked forward to. At dawn he dressed, mounted his horse and, accompanied by Noverre or Saint-Denis, rode to the port. On the way, he took General Drouot with him, went to the marshal or attended guard exercises. When the heat increased, he returned to his room and had breakfast alone, sometimes in the company of General Drouot or General Bertrand. The dishes were served the simplest, those that he always preferred: lentils, white beans, greens, which he loved very much..."

There are 10 riding horses and 48 draft horses in the stable. His own troops - 607 guardsmen, commanded by Cambronne, who had not yet become famous at Waterloo, 43 gunners, 119 Polish cavalrymen, one infantry battalion recruited on the island, and 12 non-commissioned officers of the elite gendarmerie.

Fleet. 3 boats with 8 crew members each, a light sailing-oared three-masted ship "Zvezda" with 16 crew members, a brig "Inconstant" with 10 guns and a crew of 60 sailors under the command of Lieutenant Taillad.

The ruler of Europe, of course, has nothing to do on such a tiny island. He's desperately bored. And he is limited in funds. Nevertheless, Napoleon eagerly sets out to improve his kingdom. Roads, bridges, sewerage, irrigation systems, the introduction of new crops, mining... The English Colonel Campbell, called upon to monitor the exile, was simply knocked off his feet, following the restless ruler of Elba: Napoleon took a walk from five in the morning to three in the afternoon, and then rode on horseback for another 3 hours - “to relieve fatigue,” as he explained to the amazed colonel.

"I will be judged for surviving my fall. It's unfair. I don't see anything great in committing suicide like a lost gambler. You need to have a lot more courage to live."

Byron condemned him:

If only you would fall like a king in purple,
In the centuries to come there could be in the world
Rise another Napoleon.
But it’s flattering - like a star above the abyss
Sparkle and collapse into starless darkness?

His mother, Madame Mother, came to the exiled emperor with a passport in the name of the “Widow Bonaparte.” Napoleon settled her in a modest house on Rue Ferandini. Yesterday mother and son played whist. Napoleon cheated as usual, and Letitia reproached him. “Madam!” he exclaimed. “You are a rich woman, and I am a poor man.”

My sister, the beautiful Polina, came to visit her brother. During his frequent walks, Napoleon noticed several houses on a hillside in the San Martino Valley, which he decided to acquire as a summer residence. From there there was a beautiful view of the port, the city and the fortress of Volterraio. However, the owner of the estate, Lieutenant Manganaro, asked for a huge sum for his goods. Polina had to shell out part of her funds to help her brother purchase a dacha.

Already during the Second Empire, Prince Demidov, the ex-husband of the daughter of Napoleon's brother Jerome Mathilde, built a huge museum right above Napoleon's house, occupying b O most of the kindergarten, but the exile’s house itself still exists.

Napoleon had 3 rooms there: a hall, an office, a bedroom. There was a bathroom in the basement next to the garden.

Napoleon's wife, Marie-Louise of Austria, never arrived with her little son. But the Polish woman Maria Walewska arrived - also with a small, older than the heir, son of the emperor. The meeting took place in Marciana Alta, away from human eyes, and lasted only from September 1 to 3.

And yet the news of the arrival of a young woman with a little boy spread throughout Portofraio; The emperor's doctor rode to Marciana to greet the empress and heir. Napoleon was sitting in front of the tent with a child in his arms.

Ah, Foro! - he said. - How do you find him?
- Sire, the little king has grown so much!

This was not the King of Rome, Napoleon's heir, although the children were very similar to each other: little Alexander was simply older than his half-brother, the heir.

From the beautiful Pauline, the emperor's sister, a statue by Canova has been preserved in Mulini and San Martino: a charming naked woman, or Venus.

Polina brought revitalization to the life of Portoferraio. The guard orchestra thundered in the palace, everyone danced, theatrical performances and carnivals were held.

But the time has come for Napoleon to flee the island.

The powers that divided his inheritance fell into conflict, the legitimate dynasty seemed to have become boring to its subjects, Napoleon was either captured or killed by his enemies, there was talk that he should be sent somewhere far away - for example, to the island of St. Helena in the Atlantic, and the pension of 2 million francs was not paid every year.

Napoleon made up his mind.

Colonel Campbell was keeping an eye on the exiled emperor. But he was in love. The lady of his heart was Tuscan and did not come to Elba. The colonel went on dates with her - for a week or two every month...

On February 14, 1815, Colonel Campbell left Elba again. When he urgently returned on February 28, Napoleon was not on the island.

On February 23, Napoleon took his mother into the garden:
- Mom, I have to tell you something. I'm leaving at night.
- Where?
- In Paris. Well, what do you say?
“If you are destined to die, my son, then it is better to do it on the battlefield than from poison.”

Having arrived at the square in front of the Sea Gate, Napoleon's carriage stopped. The crowd shouted: “Long live Napoleon!” The Emperor addressed the public:

Elbians! I can't remain ungrateful. I will always keep the kindest memories of you. Farewell! I love you very much!

On February 27, at the latitude of the island of the same Tuscan archipelago of Capraia, from the Napoleonic "Fickle" they saw the "Partridge", on which Campbell was returning to Portoferraio. In the afternoon, Napoleon met the French royal frigates monitoring the Elbe - the Fleur de Lys and Melpomene. When approaching another Tuscan island, Gorgone, another French ship, the Zephyr, was spotted.

Where are you going? - asked from "Zephyr".
- In Livorno. And you?
- To Genoa.
- How is the great man doing?
- Perfect!

At dawn on February 28, a warship with 84 guns on board appeared, but it also did not pay any attention to Napoleon's brig.

This day is like then, under Austerlitz! - Napoleon exclaimed.

Waterloo was ahead.

But still. In gratitude to Napoleon, every year on May 5, the day of his death, a solemn service is held in the local church, which is attended by the entire self-government of the island and the elite.

Two of his museums are open and operating on Elba - Villa Mulinii and Villa San Martino. Interesting permanent exhibits and temporary exhibitions. Most of the furniture did not belong to the great commander, but the famous folding bed and the chair standing under the window, sitting on which the emperor admired the view of his native island of Corsica, as well as the library numbering 2,000 volumes, are original.

In the picturesque mountain village of Madonna del Monte, where Napoleon and Maria Walewska met, a chapel, a fountain, and a house have been preserved. Mountain landscapes and sea views have also been preserved.

(Toscana), district of Livorno, and is located at a distance of 10 kilometers from the city of Piombino, separated from it by the strait of the same name. 35 kilometers from Elbe in a western direction is the French island of Corsica. The central city is Portoferraio, the total local population is approximately 35,000 people.

Elba is a specially protected natural area and is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.

One of the natural attractions is the peak of Monte Capanne, which has a height of 1019 m. From afar, the island makes a vivid impression due to its intricately rugged shores, covered with mounds of dark red, coal-black, brown-brown and bluish-blue colors, fishing villages scattered along the coast, ancient fortresses, luxurious sandy and pebble beaches.

The island became famous in antiquity, as the ancient Etruscan tribe discovered iron ore here and built facilities for mining and processing. From 480 BC The Romans began developing iron deposits here, who also discovered granite deposits and healing mud.

Both the Etruscans and the Romans were engaged in viticulture and winemaking, as evidenced by archaeological finds. It is known that the wine trade on the island flourished during the times, Elba is famous for its wines even now.

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, predatory and destructive attacks by Saracen and barbarian tribes led Elba into decline. In the early Middle Ages, in the 11th century, the rulers of the city (Pisa) annexed Elba to their possessions. In 1399, the island was acquired by the ruler of the city of Piombino, Appiani, and Elba belonged to his family for almost two hundred years.

A famous page in the history of Elba is the stay on the island since 1814 during the exile of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The island was under the close control of Britain, but Napoleon declared himself emperor of the island and was surrounded by his own detachment of 600 courtiers.

For 9 months and 21 days, Napoleon carries out reforms in the economic and social sphere of the island in order to improve the quality of life of the local population: he supervises the construction of roads, reorganizes ore production in mines, and expands the wine market. After this, he escapes from Elba and returns to Paris, where he restores his power, which lasted the famous 100 days. After this there will be a lost battle at Waterloo and exile to Saint Helena Island in the south Atlantic Ocean.

After these events, Elba joined the Duchy of Tuscany, and since 1860 it has been included in the Kingdom of Italy (Regno d’Italia). During World War II, German troops were stationed here until June 17, 1944, when the island was liberated by the French army during a bloody battle.

The main resorts of Elba are Portoferraio, Capoliveri, Cavo, Rio Marina, Porto Azzurro.

The island is small, you can travel around it all by car in 1.5-2 hours. However, it presents unique historical and architectural treasures from different eras. If you take your time getting to know them, not even a week is enough!

Attractions Portoferraio

The attraction is the entire island as a whole. The largest number of cultural and architectural monuments are concentrated in the central city and its suburbs.

Church of Mercy The Church of Mercy (Chiesa della Misericordia), located on Napoleone Street (strada di Napoleone), was built in 1677 for the Brotherhood of Mercy founded by Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici. The church received its name in honor of the brotherhood.

The church contains the relics of Christian Martyr, the patron saint of the island.

The building amazes with the richness of its interior decoration, famous for the organ installed in 1792 and the sculptural image of the Virgin Mary and Child by master Tino di Camaino, who studied with Giovanni Pisano.

It is in this church that every year on May 5 (since 1852) services are held in honor of Napoleon.

The museum also displays relics related to the life of Napoleon Bonaparte:

• Flag presented to the deposed emperor on the day of his arrival on the island;
• Death mask made of bronze, donated to the museum by Prince A. Demidov;
• Bronze cast of Bonaparte's right hand.

Cathedral in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The cathedral, built in 1554, is located on the central Republic Square (Piazza della Repubblica) in Portoferraio. Here in 1814 a solemn mass was held in honor of the appointment of Napoleon as emperor of the island.

Medici fortress walls

The powerful walls of the fortress, the first to greet guests of the island arriving by ferry, were built by the Medici to protect against Turkish raids. The fortification complex was built first under the leadership of Giovanni Camerini and then by Bernardo Buontalenti and includes powerful walls and towers del Veneziano, del Casino di Mezzo, delle Palle and della Cornacchia.

This fortification consisted of 4 levels of fortress walls and was practically invulnerable during the Medici era.

Castle Volterraio

Volterraio Castle (Fortezza Volterra), located on the way from Portoferraio to the commune of Rio nell’Elba, is the oldest fort on the Elba, the first builders of which were the Etruscans. After the Etruscans, the fortress was improved by the rulers of Pisa in 1281, and strengthened by Appiani in 1440. This fort was never captured by Turkish pirate detachments, despite numerous and lengthy sieges. Now the fortress is a majestic ruin that attracts tourists from all over the world.

House-museums of Napoleon

Villa San Martino

Villa San Martino, where the exiled emperor stayed in the summer, is located 5 kilometers from Portoferraio among picturesque countryside. The building among the greenery of the garden is surrounded by a high wrought iron fence with images of eagles - symbols of power.
The interior decoration was designed by the artist-architect Bardiglio, the ceiling paintings were done by Vincenzo Antonio Revelli. The hall on the 2nd floor deserves special attention, displaying relics of Napoleon’s military campaign in Egypt:

1. Ancient papyri;
2. Fragments of walls.

The painting of lampshades in the rooms and halls of the residence depicts scenes from the life of the great emperor, for example, the story of his love for his wife Marie-Louise.

Next to Napoleon's summer home, Count Anatole Demidoff, married to Napoleon's niece Mathilde de Montfort, built a museum in 1851 to display relics associated with Napoleon's reign.

The gallery, decorated with yellow granite panels, was designed by the architect Niccolo Matas from Florence. The gallery's treasures include the original statue by Antonio Canova, modeled on one of Napoleon's sisters, Marie Paulette Bonaparte Borghese, who shared exile with the disgraced emperor for 4 months.

The palace (Piazzale Napoleone), erected in 1724 by Gian Gastone de’ Medici and which served as Napoleon’s main residence, was rebuilt under the personal direction of the emperor. The front hall was improved, furniture was brought from Piombino from the house of Napoleon's sister, the emperor's personal books were delivered to the library from Fontainebleau, authentic ancient Greek statues and copies of ancient masterpieces were installed in the garden.

The name indicates that there were windmills here before the construction of the building. This main residence of Napoleon now houses the National Museum.

Villa del Grotte

Modern researchers have established that the building of the Villa del Grotte (Le Grotte) was mentioned in the poems of Ovid.

It had a swimming pool and several gardens stretching along the sea. This building of the ancient Romans dates back to the 1st century BC, but its appearance has been preserved to this day. After the fall of the Roman Empire, it was not used for a long time, and only in 1799-1801 it acquired the status of a fortification. During the war between France and the Neapolitan Republic, it housed cannons.

Sights of Marcana

• The Santuario della Madonna del Monte, built in the 16th century, is located in the city of Marciana and attracts with its unusual ascetic interior:
• Dim light;
• Lack of paintings on the walls, lush decorations and decor;
• Block of granite with an image of the Virgin Mary in heaven dating back to the 13th century;

Frescoes from the era of Sodom, discovered in the altar area in 1995.

The sanctuary is surrounded by a green garden; since 1690, a clean spring has flowed in front of it. According to legend, Napoleon loved to come here to meet the lady of his heart, Maria Walewska.

Torre della Marina (Torre della Marina, Novaglia Tower) is located in the city of Marciana on the territory of the port and is a defensive structure in the shape of a cylinder.

The citadel was built by order of Jacopo Appiani IV in 1558-1562 to protect the local population from attacks by Turkish pirate detachments led by Dragut.

Museum of Archeology

The Archaeological Museum, which opened in 1968, presents a unique collection of artifacts found on the Elbe and in the coastal area. The exhibits illustrate the history of the development of mining, crafts, shipbuilding and other aspects of human activity on the Elbe.

The fortification called Torre di San Giovanni, built in Ugento in the 12th-13th centuries at the direction of the authorities of Pisa, rises on a powerful base of monolithic granite.

Modern restorers are trying to restore the appearance of the fortress, which once had 2 floors and an observation deck for transmitting signals about the enemy’s attack. However, it is not recommended to penetrate inside the fortress due to the possibility of the walls collapsing.

Elba Island Mountain Park

Mining Park (Parco Minerario Isola D’Elba) is a museum in Rio Marina, where you can get acquainted with the collection of minerals, the structure of the mines of the Etruscan tribes, and also take part in the mining of minerals yourself, and then take them with you as a souvenir.

Holidays There are holidays all year round on Elba! In the spring there are sports festivals, in the autumn there are harvest, wine and chestnut festivals, in the summer there are music competitions.

There are also special holidays that are held only here.

May 5 – Napoleon Bonaparte Day

Every year in Portoferraio on this day a solemn service is held in the Church of Mercy and a procession in costumes of the Napoleonic era is organized from the Church of Mercy to Villa Mulini.

July 14 – The Legend of the Lover This celebration is held in the commune of Capoliveri.

The prehistory of the celebration goes back to a distant past: in 1534, a girl in love, Maria, rushed after a pirate ship on which her fiancé Lorenzo was captured by Saracen robbers. This story was first dramatized in the 17th century. Every year a costumed procession is organized through the streets of Capoliveri to the sea, and on the coast teams compete for the right to present the scarf of the legendary Maria to the most beautiful girl in the city.

Fans of fireworks and illuminations cannot miss the celebration of Santa Chiara's Day in the city of Marcana. Residents and guests take to the streets and head to the sea, where the holiday ends with a giant pyrotechnic surprise!

Grape Festival

This wonderful festival of harvest, fertility and winemaking is held in the commune of Capoliveri in late September - early October.

On holidays, all participants of the holiday organize games and competitions, masquerades and competitions, and show performances reproducing the grape harvest from ancient times to the present day.

Jazz Music Festival

This international festival “Elba Isola Musicale d’Europa” brings together admirers of classical and jazz music from different countries in September in concert halls, theaters, cathedrals, museum buildings, ancient fortresses, and hotels in Portoferraio. The head of the Elbe Jazz Festival is Yuri Bashmet.

• This original festival invites you to the cities of Poggio and Marciana on the last Saturday and Sunday in October. These days, in the squares of medieval settlements, you can taste roasted chestnuts with homemade wine, as well as a variety of chestnut dishes:
• Cakes;
• Bread;
• Polenta;

Pies, etc.

Christmas and New Year

• Christmas week in Portoferraio combines all the holidays into one big one:
• Concerts;
• Tastings;
• Contests and competitions;

Holiday fireworks, etc.

Beaches

• Each town on the Elbe has several beaches to suit different tastes. All of them are distinguished by the purest water. But the quality of the seabed and the near-water area is different:
• White, pink or black sand;
• Pebbles;
• Sand and small pebbles;
• Small and large pebbles;
• Concrete;

Rocks.

• Favorite beaches of all tourists, famous for their crystal clear water and colorful sand:
• Porto Azzurro;
• Marina di Campo;
• Lacona;
• Le Ghiaie;

Rio Marina and others

• On the island of Elba there are secluded nudist beaches in beautiful deserted bays bordered by rocks:
• Scogliera de Le Piscine;
• Capo Canata;
• Le Tombe beach;

Acquarilli et al.

Some of them can only be reached on foot or by sea - on a yacht or boat.

Most beaches are superbly equipped, and for lovers there are wild beaches in different parts of Elba: Laconella, Barabarca in Stella Bay, Fonza, Galenzana, etc.

• For guests of Elba Island there are special children's beaches and even beaches suitable for bathing pets. Sandy beaches with shallow warm water are suitable for kids:
• Porto Azzurro;
• Fetovaia – included in the ranking annually;
• Cavoli;

Guests with dogs are welcome on Morcone and Pareti and Fonza beaches.

Thermal springs

Elba offers unique wellness programs in the thermal springs of San Giovanni Terme Rapolano:

• natural healing mud;
• seaweed wraps;
• mineral water, etc.

The SPA center offers a variety of treatments (different types of massages, etc.), and there are outdoor and indoor swimming pools.

Detailed information about wellness programs, cost of services and work schedule on the official website www.termelbane.com.

Leisure

Elbe is an excellent place for active recreation: windsurfing, water skiing and jet skiing, yachting, catamaran riding, diving.

Fans of diving and photo-hunting come to Elba every year, as the underwater part of the island attracts with caves; near the island you can see the wrecks of dead ships and swim in the “underwater gardens”. For those who like to walk, there are walking routes of varying lengths and complexity. And those who like to ride a bicycle or scooter can rent one at any hotel.

How to get there

By plane

The fastest option is an airplane. Airplane flights from the airport to Elba are organized. Flights to the private airport in La Pila are provided by Intersky, Skywork and Silver Air. The flight takes 1 hour 20 minutes.

By train

A budget option is a train from Milan, Pisa, (Grosseto) to Campiglia Marittima, from there a bus to Piombino, and then a ferry. An affordable option is a direct bus from Florence, Grosseto or Milan to Piombino.

By car

The island of Elba can be reached by driving from the airport in Florence or Pisa to the coastal town of Piombino, and from there by ferry or catamaran.

By train

The ferry from Piombino to Elba takes 1 hour 10 minutes. You can take a ferry to the Elbe with your car. Ferries start running from 6:00 until approximately 21:30 in the evening. Instead of the ferry, you can take the Aliscafo catamaran from Piombino: the journey time is 40 minutes.

Where to stay

On Elba Island, guests can expect a variety of accommodation options, including aparthotels, holiday homes, campsites, and floating hotels.

5 star hotels

Hotel (Portoferraio) - located on the shore of a bay in the middle of a national park, has its own pier, seawater swimming pools, sports grounds (volleyball, tennis, football), golf course, jogging tracks, diving school, fitness club, spa center, Turkish baths. Hotel guests can use mountain bikes and other sports equipment.

The hotel offers accommodation in villas with shaded courtyards or balconies overlooking the beach. It is important that guests with pets are also welcome here.

• Room rate per night: from 198 €.

4 stars

4 star hotel (Port Azzurro) – located on the top of a mountain above the sea, the restaurant offers a magnificent view. The hotel has a spa center, Turkish baths, a heated swimming pool and underwater massage. Guests with pets are welcome here.

• Room rate per night: from 60 €.

3 stars

(Portoferraio) - a small cozy villa with 28 rooms, located among wild nature, 9 minutes walk from the beach and 10 minutes from the city center. The kitchen delights guests with homemade national dishes, and the restaurant windows offer a beautiful view.

• Room rate per night: from 48 €.

(Rio Marina) - a hotel surrounded by a garden with 8 apartments with equipped kitchenettes and balconies. The mini-hotel offers a buffet breakfast and discounts at restaurants in the city.

• Room rate per night: from 45 €.

Apartments and B&B

Sailing Boat L'Abricotier

Sailing Boat L’Abricotier (Marciana Marina) – apartments in a floating hotel with views of the sea and mountains, within walking distance of the city’s attractions. The accommodation includes two bedrooms, an open terrace, a modern bathroom, a kitchen, and a dining area.

• from 163 €.

(Rio nell'Elba) - a hotel with spacious rooms in a rustic style, with a restaurant on an open-air terrace surrounded by a green garden. The beach is 10 minutes away on foot. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, rooms are cleaned daily, toiletries and bathrobes are provided.

• Cost of apartments per day: from 56 €.

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Among the huge number of islands in Italy, and there are about 700 of them, the island of Elba is the most visited by tourists.

As part of the Tuscan archipelago, which belongs to the Tuscany National Park, the Elbe is in first place in size.

The area of ​​the island is 223.5 sq. km. The highest point of the Elbe is Monte Capanne - 1018 m above sea level. The capital of the island is Portoferraio.

The Corsican Strait separates the islands of Elba and Corsica from each other, with a distance of 35 km between them. The length of the coast is 147 km. Magnificent beaches, ecologically clean flora and the historical heritage of the island, combined with the hospitality of the people of Elba, attract a huge number of tourists from all over the world.

Location of Elba Island on the map of Italy

The 10 km distance between the island and mainland Italy can be covered in 70 minutes by ferry, which runs regularly from the port of Piombino.

You can also load a car onto the ferry, for which you will have to pay extra.

The port can be reached by train from or Piombino. By bus you can get to the port from cities such as Florence, Milan, Lodi,.

On the island, in the area of ​​La Pila, there is an airport that receives flights from many major European cities.

Story

In the distant past, iron ore was mined on the island. This explains the varied elevations of brown, black, and gray colors on the hillsides.

The first mines, according to archaeological research, were founded in the 8th-9th centuries. BC. Etruscans. Several centuries later, namely, in the 5th century BC, iron mining passed into the hands of the Romans. In the sixteenth century. part of the island was ruled by Casimo I de' Medici, who left behind the fortress "Cosmopoli". In 1802, France took control of the island. And in 1860 Fr. Elba became part of the united kingdom of Italy.

Elba Island has a rich history and many historical monuments

The island has a very rich historical past.

It is known that after his first abdication and exile to Elba, the commander was declared “Emperor of the Island.” Although it was formal, Napoleon immediately upon arrival began improving the standard of living of the population, carrying out a number of effective reforms. His stay on the island lasted 9 months, during which the cities of Elba greatly changed in development.

Holidays and festivals on the island

Judging by the number and scope of entertainment events, it is not difficult to guess which country Elba Island belongs to. Rich in festivals and celebrations, Italy is hospitable in every form and on every island.

On Elba, as on the mainland, various holidays are very popular. The Walking Festival sports event is held annually in the spring.

In autumn, gastronomic festivals such as the wine or chestnut festival are popular. In the summer, many cultural events are held, including folklore and music programs.

A special date for the island's residents is May 5th. On this day, Napoleon left the island after a short stay in exile.

A reverent attitude towards the memory of the emperor encourages the population to pay tribute every year in the form of a holiday.

Napoleonic Day is celebrated every year on the island of Elba.

On August 12, the island celebrates St. Chiara. On this day, a grandiose spectacle of fireworks and music is organized in the city of Marcana Marina.

Attractions

If we talk about the Elba resort as a beach holiday option, then this is the most impeccable option. Emerald water, rare and rich flora and fauna, rocky landscapes - everything is conducive to enjoying the wonderful benefits of nature.

On the island of Elba there are the best beaches of white sand and pebbles, which will become favorite holiday destinations for tourists for many years.

Here are some of the best beaches:

• Scaglier;
• Ghiaie;
• Padulella;
• Sansone.

Beach lovers will love Elba Island

Beaches are not all that the island has to offer.
Elbe is a place where historical monuments of different eras and civilizations harmoniously combine with modernity.

Among the significant attractions of the Elbe it should be noted:

Island cuisine and restaurants

Seafood and fish dishes are a culinary feature of all Italian islands, and Elba is no exception. The variety of fish is impressive - from sardines to octopus and shrimp! Everything your heart desires!

Local restaurants, of course, combine seafood and earth gifts.

A great place to relax and have a great dinner is Ristorante Publius. The restaurant is located in the heart of Marciana. In addition to the abundance of fish, the menu also has a sufficient number of meat dishes. A delicious dinner will be complemented by delicious local wine.

You can taste very tasty pizza at Pizzeria LArte Bianca. This establishment also has a wide selection of quality beer.

Pizzeria LArte Bianca offers customers delicious Italian pizza

An excellent selection of wine and a variety of seafood dishes will be offered to you Ristorante Koala.

Where to stay

The island's hotel industry offers guests hotels with comfort of any level and for every taste:

Paradise island Elba! A combination of picturesque valleys and hills, rocks and sandy landscapes, emerald water and unique flora and fauna. Everything about it is beautiful and unique!

You can plunge into the unique atmosphere of Elba Island by watching the video:

And whoever said that there is no limit to perfection has simply never been to Elba Island!

He is perfection itself!