Official Language:
Italian
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Currency:
EUR
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Population:
Approximately 35,000 call Elba home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Elba: The climate is of the mediterranean insular type. It belongs to the mediterranean xerothermic area and it is characterised by clement winters and hot and dry summers. The mild climate, which is due to the thermoregulation of the Thyrrenian Sea, is characterised by a narrow temperature range and an average temperature of 62°F/17°C. The mountainous conformation of the Isle of Elba is the cause of the various climaticareas: mediterranean climate along the coast; subcontinental mediterranean climate from an altitude of 400-500 metres above sea level; submontane climate over 800 metres. The mild water temperature allows for pleasant swimming well into October. In fact, any time from Easter to the end of October makes for a perfect cruise holiday visit.
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Roman legend has it that Venus, the goddess of love, was walking through the Tyrrhenian Sea when she accidentally lost a precious jewel that was hanging around her neck. The stone fell into the water, and became the beautiful island of Elba. Of course, most of Elba's fame (or notoriety) is derived from the French emperor Napoleon's brief exile here in 1814. Over the years, Elba has come to embrace him as a sort of prodigal son, with museums and galleries erected in his honor. Napoleon gave back as well, designing the tiny island's flag and helping to set up Elba's infrastructure.
Elba and its surrounding islands figure prominently in literary history. Victor Hugo spent part of his childhood here before growing up to write The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables, among others. Even more importantly, the island of Montecristo is off of Elba. For those not familiar with the Alexander Dumas classic, The Count of Monte Christo, it was this island that was used as inspiration.
Portoferraio is Elba's main port town, and the place where most visitors spend the majority of their time. This is unfortunate, because many of Elba's premier attractions are elsewhere, particularly on the northern side of the island. A visit to Marina di Campo, Porto Azzurro, or Marciana Marina will acquaint you with some of Elba's hidden beauty. Cruise ships dock at the Port of Portoferraio on Elba. There is easy access to the rest of the tiny island from the port. Ferries and hydrofoils run between Portoferraio and Piombino, which is on mainland Italy. On Elba, buses connect Portoferraio to Porto Azzuro, Capoliveri, Cavo, Rio Elba, and other cities. Taxis (tel. 0565/915-112) are also available, but make sure to negotiate your fare in advance. Bikes and mopeds are fairly easy ways to travel around the small island. Contact TWN (tel. 0565/914-666) for rental information.
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Attractions |
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Yo may enjoy a local vineyard tour, or discover the remains of an ancient Etruscan civilization. Elba offers something of interest for everyone, historians, archaeologists and those who simply like to browse among treasures from the past. For those who enjoy fun at sea go sea kayaking. It's more of a cultural experience than an adventure.
Marciana Marina
Climbs along the Valley of Cappone where specimens of the rare Osmunda fern can be found. A short stretch of paved road links up with Marciana Alta.
Semaforo
Where ruins of a naval outpost can be found which served to keep the stretch of sea between Corsica and Elba under control. It is said that Napoleon sent signals to Corsica from here. head to Pomonte where you get very beautiful and panoramic views. Elba gained its fame during Napoleon's short exile here in 1814. He accomplished a lot while on Elba, designing the island's flag and helping to develop the island's infrastructure. Elba has embraced its Napoleonic association, with lots of tourist attractions devoted to him.
Villa dei Mulini
The Napoleon Museum can be found at his former home Villa dei Mulini. Among the highlights here are Napoleon's personal library, some correspondence he carried on while in exile, and the flag he designed, elements of which are still found on Elba's flag today. (tel. 0565/915-846).
Napoleonica di San Martino
Napoleon wasn't a man to live in only one house, of course. His summer residence, (San Martino, tel. 0565/914-688) has also been turned into a tourist attraction. The letter ?N? is embroidered all over the place, but lest you think that Napoleon was vain, most of the memorabilia found here was placed after his death. Napoleon's death mask can be visited at Chisea della Misericordia, one block from Napoleonica di San Martino. When you tire of Napoleon, visit the Museo Archeologico (Fortezza del Lingrella, 0565/917-338). Ancient boats often met their doom in the rough waters around Elba, and some of their treasures have been excavated from the bottom of the sea for display here. The Medici Fortress, built by Cosmo d'Medici of the famed Florentine family, overlooks Portoferraio. Lastly, tours can be arranged through the APT tourist office (Calata Italia 26, tel. 0565/914-671) for visits to the smaller islands that surround Elba. Alexander Dumas fans would be remiss to miss the chance to visit the island of Montecristo. The small spit of an island was the inspiration for Dumas famous tale of Edmond Dantes revenge as the Count of Monte Christo. Montecristo is now a wildlife refuge. A nature hike around Monte Capanne serves as both a beautiful and exhausting pastime.
Beaches and Outdoor Activities
Elba is so small that practically the entire island is on the coast. There are plenty of nice beaches for lying out and swimming. The cities of Procchio, Biodola, and Marina di Campo all feature long stretches of coastline. Chiessi's rocky coves and quiet beaches remain secluded and mostly undiscovered. Porto Azzurro is another city renowned for its beaches, but eating or shopping in the area can be pricey. Il Viottolo (Via Pietri 6, tel. 0565/978-005) rents out kayaks and mountain bikes, and organizes hikes around Elba.
Nightlife
As for nightlife, Porto Azzuro does offer one of the better nightclubs in Elba. Morumbi (tel. 0565/920-191) is always busy in the summer. Bar Tamata (Via Cesare Battisti 3, tel. 0347/381-3986) caters to a quieter crowd. In Marciana, Club 64 is along the beach in Procchio, with live music every night.
Shopping
The stores are few and far between, and the selection is not terribly varied. Local wines are a top seller, so be on the lookout for Aleatico and Moscato wines, which are indigenous to the area. Equatore (Marina di Campo, tel. 0565/907-886) offers swimwear, women's fashion, and homemade crafts.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Elba:
Elba island Travel Information
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