Elba Island: a location between sea and nature

This fabulous location is a pristine area made up of beaches that have golden sand and crystal clear water. It is a place with a millenary history where you can admire cliffs, villages that are perched on the mountains, mines, and granite massifs.

The island of Elba is a wonder of nature and offers tourists a variety of landscapes that has no equal: long stretches of beaches, impressionable coves and black sand beaches that contrast with the extraordinary elegance of Mount Capanne - an imposing giant from where it is possible to admire even the distant islands of Pianosa, Capraia, Montecristo, Gorgona and Corsica on days when the sky is clear.

Describing it here is almost impossible given the vastness of its beauty and the profound culture that oozes from every corner of this place. That's why we decided to tell you all about it here - in this small "special" article – regarding the selection that Nature provided to the Island of Elba. We simply outlined the characteristics but we promise that we will return shortly to talk more about its magnificent scenery ...

The pristine nature of the island

On the Island of Elba it is possible to practice many activities such as trekking and hiking for those who love mountain sports. You can immerse yourself in the purest nature, practice bird watching or - simply - take long walks or take a trip by mountain bike and admire breathtaking views and flowering meadows, where you can also see colorful orchids.
With a bit of luck, you catch a glimpse of groups of mouflons and other majestic birds in flight.

The black porcino

The mountains of the island of Elba are rich with holm oak forests, where - above all in the autumn - over 200 types of mushrooms exist- The undisputed king  of these is undoubtedly the renowned "black porcino, with its unmistakable scent. It is a fundamental ingredient for many local culinary delicacies.

Between sea and history

On the island, in addition to the free beaches, there are many perfectly equipped beach clubs that provide every comfort, suggestive mountain landscapes, and an extraordinary historical and archaeological heritage. Pietra Murata, for example, houses a rock formation located on the south-western side. It is located on the granite reliefs of the Monte Capanne massif - home to several settlements from the Bronze Age until the Etruscans and the 14th century.

The cylindrical formed viewing place located on the aforementioned rock formation probably dates back to the medieval period. This lookout allowed an armed sentinel to guard and keep an eye on the sea.

In these areas it is not difficult to miss the semi-finished granite boulders, abandoned at the time when the processing of granite took place and whose quarries were already exploited by the Etruscans or the Romans.

Flora and fauna

Among the vegetation that characterize the island there are: myrtle, lentisk, strawberry trees, heather, red cistus, marine cistus, chestnut trees and black alder.
The island of Elba hosts a huge variety of birds: from the royal gull to the Corsican gull, from the shag to the peregrine falcon.

In the surrounding seabed it is possible to admire sea fans, sea anemones, starfish, corals and Posidonia carpets.

In this earthly paradise it is possible to take boat trips to admire the coves or the rocky spurs that overlook the sea or explore the caves. If you travel a little further from the coast you may also have the chance to see some sweet dolphins.

The Butterfly Sanctuary

And how can we forget about a visit to the Butterfly Sanctuary? It is located on the western side of the islan.  It collects lots of colorful specimens,which hover around the many wonderful meadows, and where you can also admire the numerous pines, brooms and strawberry trees.

Choosing is the hardest part

If you have a passion for minerals, a guided tour of the Capoliveri mines or the Vecchia Officina Museum is a must . One mustn't forget the Aquarium of Elba which is one of the most equipped in the Mediterranean. And how can we forget about the splendid villages which are small but very suggestive, and the museums dedicated to Napoleon? Well, the choice is tough!
The Baths of San Giovanni will allow you to spend wonderful days in total relaxation and rest, erasing the fatigue and stress accumulated in the days spent in the city.

Between food and shopping

What kind of holiday would it be without having tasted the local food and wine delicacies at least once? Well, on the island of Elba you will find numerous farms that are waiting for you with open arms and will allow you taste the many gourmet dishes that originate from the place.
You will find many feasts and folk festivals -  especially in the summer -  where you can taste many good dishes: from appetizers to desserts.

Before returning home, don't you need buy a few souvenirs for friends and relatives? Don't worry: there is too much to choose from. In fact, on the waterfront of the city, and in the alleys of the various villages, you can buy local hand crafted products in typical little shops or at the stand which are present.