Elba is the biggest island of the Tuscan Archipelago and the third largest in Italy after Sardinia and Sicily. Together with eight other islands, including Giglio, Giannutri and Montecristo, it is part of the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago, the largest marine park in Europe.
The island of Elba is famous around the world for harboring French Emperor Napoleon in 1814 during his exile. But its history goes back to prehistory, with the Ilvati tribe from Liguria who named the island Ilva. It was then inhabited first by the Etruscans and later by the Romans, who really appreciated the island and its rich deposits of iron and its mud baths.
What really makes Elba famous and renowned are its clear and blue sea and beautiful beaches. The extraordinary richness of its landscapes, both land and marine, turns the island of Elba into a unique destination in Tuscany
In addition, Elba is the perfect place for outdoor sports and activities. Among the most appreciated sports, there is diving and snorkeling in Elba, thanks to its rich seabeds housing lots of different species of fish. But outdoors lovers can also enjoy spending time on land hiking and mountain biking, enjoying a round of golf, a day of sailing or enjoying days of complete relaxation at the thermal baths of San Giovanni. These are just a few of the many things you can do in Elba!
MARCIANA MARINA
On the slopes of Mount Capanna, set amongst rich Mediterranean vegetation, stands one of Italy’s smallest municipalities: Marciana Marina. Whether seen from the sea or the nearby viewpoint, it provides the loveliest of the Island of Elba’s fine panoramas.
During a stroll along the seaside promenade, a magnet for tourists with its many bars, shops and restaurants, the town’s two historic symbols are constantly in view. The Pisan Tower, built in the XII Century as a lookout and defensive point against pirate raids and, right next to it, Cotone. This, Marciana Marina’s oldest and most picturesque hamlet, was originally inhabited by fishermen. Today, with its houses clinging to the rocks and fishing dinghies resting on the slipway, it jealously conserves the reminders of its unique past.
PROCCHIO
Thanks to its sandy beach, that is also one of the longest in Elba
(1 km), the seaside town of Procchio, on the northern side is one of the most popular tourist resorts on the Island of Elba.
In actual fact, the very wide beach of Procchio is naturally divided into two parts: Procchio, on the western side, goes as far as Campo all’Aia on the east, and La Guardiola at the far end of the cove.