Italy is an irresistible magnet for tourists. In 2019, the pre-pandemic peak, it attracted a whopping 93 million people a year. That’s well on the way to being double the total population of the country. There are iconic destinations that are on everyone’s must-see list—places like the Amalfi Coast, Venice, Milan, Sicily and Florence. If you visit these beautiful locations, you will never be disappointed, they are everything they’re cracked up to be, but you will also have plenty of company. In fact, a horde of fellow travelers.
But what about other locations that are just as gorgeous, but not so well-known? The island of Elba is one of these. Not many travelers realize that Elba is in Tuscany. It’s an island located about 6 miles from the coastal town of Piombino on the Italian mainland.
Perhaps you’ve only ever heard of Elba in your history class. That’s where Napoleon was exiled following his abdication in 1814. He was allowed a personal escort of some 1000 men, a household staff and to keep him happy, he was even given the title Emperor of Elba. He chose Elba because of its good weather and defenses and lived in two villas that you can still visit today. He retained the title of emperor of Elba’s 12,000 inhabitants until he escaped in 1815 and returned to France to regain the French crown
As a tourist destination, Elba offers hiking and mountain biking trails, awe-inspiring beaches that are ideal for lounging around, great dining options—all without the crowds that you will find in other Mediterranean islands. It’s mostly frequented by Tuscany residents, so you’ll get a chance to rub elbows with “local” people and get a taste of Tuscan life away from the tourist hot spots.
Some of the things you can do on the Island of Elba:
Visit Napoleon’s Houses.
The Villa dei Mulini: up high in the old part of Portoferraio, on the cliffs above Le Viste beach, and the villa in San Martino, built on the outskirts of Portoferraio.
Soak in the Thermal Baths of San Giovanni.
Elba is famed for its thermal baths. In the 19th century, European elite used to travel to these spas, to “take the cure”, to slim down and cleanse. Ladies who were having fertility problems swore that the waters at a Piombino or Elba spa helped them conceive. Today they are great places to relax. The baths can be found in a thermal basin located on the Portoferraio Gulf. It’s a place that’s said to be rich in iron and iodine, which will help soothe aching muscles.
Climb Mount Capanne.
For the avid hikers, Mount Capanne is your challenge. Rising some 3,200 feet in elevation, the trail to its peak is about eight miles long. If you plan to make the trip to the top and back, make sure to plan for an entire day and pack plenty of water. The views from the peak are exhilarating.
Lounge on the beach.
If hiking is not your thing, then Elba offers you gorgeous beaches. Biodola is a standout option. It’s home to stunning azure waters and warm, soft sand. It’s also sheltered from southern winds, making it the perfect place to lounge under an umbrella from sunup to sundown.
Go snorkeling.
The waters around the island make for an ideal place to explore the astounding variety of Mediterranean fish swimming below: groupers, dentex and blue fish, starfish, shrimp and lobsters, and the rare sunfish, as well as colorful coral. There are plenty of outfitters that are happy to take you out to various destinations around the island.
Where to Stay.
The charming hotel is home to rooms with massive balconies providing sweeping views of the clear waters outside, as well as plenty of private beach frontage with loungers and umbrellas for everyone.
If you’re a history buff then Il Termine, may be your ideal hotel. An 18th-century home turned boutique hotel, the hotel sits inside a lush forest just a few steps away from the shore. It’s ultra-romantic and has a wellness spa with treatment rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows so you never have to leave the gorgeous views for long.
For those traveling as a family, Le Acacie Hotel & Residence sits right on the water’s edge and comes with plenty of high-end amenities, but also boasts a kids club and teens club, so everyone in the family can experience something special.
What to Eat and Drink.
Elba’s cuisine is the quintessential Italian “slow food” that relies on fresh ingredients and leisurely preparation. One of the favorites is stoccafisso alla riese, an exquisite dish made with dried codfish (stoccafisso), onions, tomatoes, basil, green peppers, black olives, pine nuts and capers.
Gurguglione, another typical Elban dish, is a cousin to the French ratatouille, a medley of fresh summer vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, peppers and tomatoes.
After all these delicious dishes you could only finish off with a good DOC wine like Elba White, Elba Red, Rosato, Ansonica, Moscato and Aleatico (DOCG).
How to Get to Elba.
The easiest way to get to Elba is via car and ferry from the mainland town of Piombino. See all the options for ferry rides on the Visit Tuscany website. https://www.visittuscany.com/en/ideas/how-to-get-to-elba-island/
