Sightseeing in Elba Island - what to see. Complete travel guide

Island of Elba is situated only 10 kilometers away from Tuscan Riviera. The island offers everything for excellent vacations; it’s a good choice for both active tourists and travelers looking for private rest. Picturesque Elba is commonly associated with comfortable beaches. Thanks to unique climate, high season there begins in mid-April and lasts till mid-October. Formidable landmarks located all across the island make leisure at scenic beaches even more amazing.

For hundreds of years, San Giovanni Terme has been regarded as a symbol of the island. This nature-made balneology center is well-known far beyond island borders and is visited not only by tourists caring about their health, but also by curious travelers willing to see the famous natural healthcare center.

A lot of landmarks of Elba are associated with Napoleon Bonaparte in one way or another. Villa San Martino is one of the most fascinating of them; it’s located next to Portoferraio. It was built on the initiative of Napoleon's niece, Countess de Monfor. Nowadays villa is turned into an amazing museum housing the unique collection of Emperor's family relics. Guests of the museum can see a collection of antique furniture, weapons, arts and lots of priceless historical relics. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Beautiful Palazzina dei Mulini built on top of a razed ancient church is another point of interest on Elba. This harmonious and spectacular palace is one of the most important architectural landmarks of the island. City of Portoferraio is the island’s capital. It’s also rich in historical landmarks. There are ruins of defensive walls and wonderful S.Stefano alle Trane church, a classy example of Romanesque architecture.

Lots of legends are associated with Altura Etrusca del Castiglione , so those fond of history are recommended to visit it. However, the most attended cultural place of the capital is Museum Italo Bolano . It houses the unique collection of paintings, which includes priceless exhibits of Medieval arts. Nature lovers should pay attention to Ottone botanical garden located nearby. It’s known for its impressive collection of plants and flowers and also for its decoration. The garden is an excellent place for walks on a hot sunny day.

Several important archeological areas are found near small town of Porto Azzurro. Those include ruins of antique Villa Le Grotte built back in Roman Empire times and wonderful Castello del Volterraio. Mont Serrat clove is the unique religious landmark located there. The church founded inside this mysterious cave many years ago houses a priceless relic with cryptic history, Black Madonna icon. Loschwitz area is rich with medieval landmarks. There are three castles and a number of amazing old churches. Another point of interest nearby is the legendary Schloss Eckberg. That’s the unique 19th century landmark built by Adolf Loos.

There are more than 70 beaches in total on the island of Elba, so everyone will easily find a beach to fit their taste. Barabarka Beach is often recognized as the most beautiful and romantic beach of the island. It is famous not only for its amazing beauty and also for the high ecological index. Water is crystal clear in this part of the island, so Barabarka Beach is suitable for fans of snorkeling. Romantic couples usually head to another beach, Le Gyaye. This charming beach is calm and peaceful, but that is not the only advantage of Le Gyaye. This part of the coastline has an unusual pink colored pebble surface.

Tourists with children usually pick another beach to relax - Marciana Marina. This resort area is also famous for its crystal clear beaches and outstanding nature. Marciana Marina Beach is the starting point of a very popular hiking path that ends in the nearby village of Marciana Alta. The path is laid across pristine beaches and gorgeous landscapes. Even travelers seeking solitude and absolute relaxation will not be disappointed. They are recommended to make a ride to the nearby island of Porto Caccamo. It is possible to reach this tiny island by boat and enjoy wild beaches with pristine, untouched nature. Guests of Elba can also sunbathe at Terranera Lake. This is a unique freshwater lake that is located not far from the sea.