Elba Review is a guide to the beautiful island of Elba in Italy. The word "Napoleon" seems inextricably linked whenever Elba is mentioned and despite there being some significant heritage from the famous French Emperor's time here, this pales into insignificance compared to the rugged natural beauty, golden beaches and charming hill towns that proliferate on Italy's third largest island (Sicily and Sardinia being the only bigger ones). This guide aims to highlight the very best that Elba can offer but if you'd like some further advice on visiting the island, please write to me, Dion Protani, via info@italyreview.com and I'll be happy to help.
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Elba In - FocusThe starting point for most people's adventures in Elba, Portoferraio ("Iron Port" in English), is the transport, administrative and cultural capital of the island. The mention of iron in the town's name gives reference to one of its principle historical functions as it was used to transport iron ore to and from the Italian mainland before the mining industry eventually died out in the 1970's. Situated in a strategically advantageous location, the town and its port have been much fought over since it was founded by Cosimo Medici in 1548 and one of the town's defining characteristics is its system of fortifications which surround -
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Portoferraio
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- the port area and attest to the importance that was given to protecting it.
World history has regularly touched Elba and Portoferraio in particular, perhaps none more so then when French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to the island and had his home, Villa dei Mulini built in the town. Portoferraio was also the setting for an important battle during World War Two; the occupying German troops giving battle to a liberating Free French army in a fight that lasted two days but caused the town significant damage.
These days Portoferraio is a bustling port town where you'll find an attractive marina with street side cafès, trendy shops and the island's best nightlife, particularly during the busy summer months. The marina and the area just behind it are the main focal points but you can also visit the three forts, Forte Stella, Forte Falcone and Forte Inglese which offer not only a fascinating historical context but also some wonderful views of the port and beyond.
Being the island's transport hub, Portoferraio not only connects Elba to the Tuscan mainland but its also at the centre of the island's road and bus network. You reach the island from the Tuscan port of Piombino either by ferry (1 hour journey time) or hydrofoil/fast ferry (40 minutes) with regular crossings throughout the day offered by Corsica Ferries, Toremar, BLU Navy and Moby with their unmistakable comic book livery. It's also worth noting that you can sail directly from Piombino to two other ports in Elba: Rio Marina and Cavo.
World history has regularly touched Elba and Portoferraio in particular, perhaps none more so then when French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to the island and had his home, Villa dei Mulini built in the town. Portoferraio was also the setting for an important battle during World War Two; the occupying German troops giving battle to a liberating Free French army in a fight that lasted two days but caused the town significant damage.
These days Portoferraio is a bustling port town where you'll find an attractive marina with street side cafès, trendy shops and the island's best nightlife, particularly during the busy summer months. The marina and the area just behind it are the main focal points but you can also visit the three forts, Forte Stella, Forte Falcone and Forte Inglese which offer not only a fascinating historical context but also some wonderful views of the port and beyond.
Being the island's transport hub, Portoferraio not only connects Elba to the Tuscan mainland but its also at the centre of the island's road and bus network. You reach the island from the Tuscan port of Piombino either by ferry (1 hour journey time) or hydrofoil/fast ferry (40 minutes) with regular crossings throughout the day offered by Corsica Ferries, Toremar, BLU Navy and Moby with their unmistakable comic book livery. It's also worth noting that you can sail directly from Piombino to two other ports in Elba: Rio Marina and Cavo.
THINGS TO SEE IN ELBAIn this section you'll find Elba's main sights categorized as Port Towns, Seaside Towns, Hill Towns and Beaches. Then within each of those menus you can click through to the individual town pages.
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ELBA ACCOMMODATIONIn the accommodation section you'll find a Booking.com search engine where you can book Elba Hotels, reading reviews from genuine visitors and often reserve with free cancellation.
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