Elba Island

Elba is the largest island of the Italian Toscana archipelago and the third largest island in Italy after Sicily and Sardinia. Elba is located 30 miles east of the Corsican port of Bastia, and the northern tip of the island is only seven miles from the commercial port of Piombino on the Italian mainland.

Most parts of the island are mountainous with the highest point Monte Capanne's 1,019-meter peak in the west. The island's main town and port, Portoferraio, is located on the north coast.

The island was much sought at ancient times. The Etruscans and then the Romans mined iron ores here (hence Portoferraio). By the 17th century, Portoferraio's excellent natural harbor attracted the navies of France, Spain, Italy and finally England, which captured the island in the end of 18th century.

Elba's modern popularity, however, stems from Napoleon Bonaparte's exile here from May 1814 to February 1815, whose Villa dei Mulini in Portoferraio and summer residence Villa Napoleonica di San Martino, five kilometers southwest of the town, are now museums.

Today Elba is a thriving tourist island, invariably attracting tourists from all around the world, especially in high season.

For yachtsmen, the island is also interesting for its marinas with good infrastructure in Portoferraio, Porto Azuro and Marina Marciana, as well as numerous small bays and anchorages along the coast.