Elba Island - Capoliveri
The little pearl of the Mediterranean
As you probably already know, Elba is the third largest Italian island and the largest among its sisters in the Tuscan Archipelago. What you may not yet know, however, is that in 223 km² of surface area and 147 km of coastline you will be able to find not only a simply splendid sea, transparent, clean and with a variety of seabed that will amaze you, but also many things to do.
Below are some of the main opportunities, but during your vacation all the reception staff will be happy to give you the best tips on places to visit, routes to take, and current events.
Museum of the Sea Capoliveri
This museum is entirely dedicated to the sinking of the Pollux, which sank on June 17, 1841, following a ramming off Cape Calvo. Passengers and crew were rescued, but the ship’s cargo was lost to the present day. Beginning in 2000 amid various vicissitudes, the sunken treasure, made up of coins and precious artifacts, was recovered and can now be admired in the halls of the small but lovely museum.
Napoleonic Villas of the Mills and St. Martin's
History has it that Elba was the place chosen by Napoleon for his exile in 1814. The emperor, shortly before his departure for Elba, wrote: “[…] I reserved for myself the sovereignty of the island of Elba and the forts of Portoferraio and Porto Longone. This all the powers have permitted me […] Please let the inhabitants know this and the choice I have made of their island for my stay in consideration of the sweetness of their customs and the goodness of their climate.” So it was done.
Archaeological Museums of Linguella and Marciana
Elba has an ancient history, and along its coasts there are many wrecks of trading ships that testify to the importance that the Tuscan Archipelago had in ancient shipping routes.
In these two museums it is possible to learn about our island’s original past through archaeological finds from the Etruscan and Roman periods. In particular, it is possible to admire amphorae, vases, weapons and tools found aboard Roman ships and in the villas of Linguella, Capo Castello and Le Grotte.
Scuba diving
On Elba Island you come for the sea? Very well! So why not get to know this beautiful sea in depth? The seabed of Elba is truly wonderful, diving in these waters is a fascinating experience discovering wrecks and underwater statues, fish, corals and gorgonians.
Excursions to the Capoliveri mine
Guided tour of the museum and the Ginevro underground gallery. Interesting journey to discover magnetite and the history of the miners. The experience is highly recommended by visitors who have already tried it. The visit is also possible by booking the Mine Safari excursion aboard a large military jeep.
Mines of Mount Calamita Capoliveri
The best way to get to know a place is to discover it on foot or by bicycle, because by traveling more slowly our eyes can really see things. These hikes, done in the company of environmental guides, will let you admire and learn about postcard views and panoramas.
Rio Marina Mining Park
Guided tours of the museum and mining park aboard a friendly “little train” with a stop to collect minerals. The waters take on the color of the minerals, creating a unique landscape.
Boat excursions for underwater viewing
If your dream is to be able to admire the underwater landscape, but you don’t feel suited to the sport of diving, with the aquarium ship you can have this experience while sitting quietly inside the boat.
Island tour by boat
Circumnavigating Elba Island is THE quickest way to get to know the beauty and variety of its coastline. Elba in fact knows how to fascinate and surprise with its nature that changes from one side to the other. Stops for swimming and lunch on board are provided.
Excursions to the other islands of the Archipelago
Elba is the largest of the islands in the Tuscan archipelago and the one that encompasses all the scenery, but taking a trip to the other islands is truly an opportunity not to be missed, a vacation within a vacation.
Elba Aquarium
The small but well-maintained Elba Aquarium, with an exhibition area of about 1,000 square meters, offers a chance to admire the incredible biodiversity of the waters of Elba Island and the Tuscan archipelago. Expo“Elbabrick,” a private initiative dedicated to Lego bricks.
Volterraio Fortress
For hiking enthusiasts, an excursion to Volterraio Castle is definitely recommended.
The fortification, which is called Monte Veltraio in thirteenth-century documents, was built around the year 1,000, probably where an earlier structure from Etruscan times stood.
Guided tours can be booked on the Tuscan Archipelago Park website.
St. John's Spa
Vacation is the perfect time to take care of yourself, to treat yourself to a moment of well-being for the body and relaxation for the mind. Imagine a health path among Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, mini-massage pool, emotional shower with herbal tea corner. Particular then is the “Salt Room,” whose walls are covered with tiles composed of salt crystals. Upon entering, one immediately feels a sensation of absolute well-being.
Where the sea meets myth and every sunset is a promise of love.