Tag Archive for: Elba

Panoramic view from Castello del Volterraio

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Panoramic view from Castello del Volterraio over the Bay of Portoferraio and the west of Elba, Tuscany, Italy

From the ruins of Castello del Volterraio above the Bay of Portoferraio, the view sweeps from the north-east of Elba far into the west to the Monte Capanne massif. The short but steep climb from the winding road between Magazzini and Rio nell’Elba, just before it narrows at the top of the pass and leads through a rock in a single lane, is especially worth it in the early morning or late afternoon when the low sun bathes the island in fascinating colours – or as a romantic spot for a sunset picnic.

You can find more pictures of Elba in the “Elba” gallery

Castello del Volterraio on Elba

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Castello del Volterraio, Elba, Tuscany, ItalyOne of the most beautiful viewpoints on Elba is the ruins of the Castello del Volterraio fortress above the bay of Portoferraio. The fortress dates back to the 11th century and sits impregnably atop a steep 400m-high mountain. The walls are barely distinguishable from the rocks, so the fortress only becomes recognisable as a building as you approach it. From the winding road between Magazzini and Rio nell’Elba, a simple but steep and sweaty path without shade leads up through the macchia in about 30 to 45 minutes. The fortress could previously only be entered via a drawbridge; today, a “secret” passage – a small opening in the wall at the north-western corner – leads inside and onto the battlements. The climb is particularly recommended for the fantastic panorama of the island of Elba from the north-west to Monte Capanne.

You can find more photos of Elba in the “Elba” gallery

Rocky beach at Capo Sant’ Andrea on Elba

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Rocky coast near Sant'Andrea, Elba, Tuscany, Italy

At the north-western tip of Elba, the steep slopes of the often cloud-shrouded Monte Capanne meet the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea at Sant’ Andrea with a dramatic rocky coastline. The road leads through lush vegetation past numerous holiday flats to a small bay with an inviting bar next to a small sandy beach. To the east, a path leads over cliffs and rocky swimming spots to the somewhat hidden, tiny Cotoncello sandy beach – which is usually overcrowded in the summer season. In the other direction, a path leads to the extensive swimming rocks of Cape Sant’Andrea.

You can find more pictures of Elba in the “Elba” gallery

The idyllic mountain village of Poggio on Elba

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The mountain village of Poggio on Elba, Tuscany, Italy

Perched 350 m above the Tyrrhenian Sea, the idyllic mountain village of Poggio sits on the northern slopes of Monte Capanne and overlooks the north coast of Elba from Sant’Andrea across Marciana Alta and Marina all the way to Portoferraio. Poggio can only be reached via narrow, winding roads and is surrounded by sweet chestnut and oak forests. Read more

Sunset over Capoliveri

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italy-elba-capoliveri-piazza-marconi-evening-300On summer evenings, the narrow streets and the main square, Piazza Matteotti, in Capoliveri’s old town fill up with locals and visitors. There’s a lively buzz, but away from the hustle and bustle, you can also find quiet spots to enjoy the view of the sea and the Calamita peninsula, such as Piazza Marconi with the artwork by Elban artist Italo Bolano.

You can find more photos of Elba in the “Elba” gallery

The Napoleon Museum at Villa dei Mulini

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Napoleon's Study at Villa dei Mulini (Napoleon Museum), Elba, Tuscany, Italy

During his exile on Elba from May 1814 to February 1815, Napoleon also resided at the city residence Villa dei Mulini in Portoferraio. This villa is located in the upper town above the Darsena harbour, nestled between the two fortresses Forte Falcone and Forte Stella. Today, the villa houses the impressive Napoleon Museum. Read more

Mountain forest on Monte Capanne

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Mountain forest on Monte Capanne, Elba, Tuscany, Italy

The northern mountain slopes of Monte Capanne on Elba are covered in dense forest; here you can often still find centuries-old sweet chestnut trees, holm, cork or downy oaks, ash trees as well as species of pine and stone pine. Driving along the road from San Giovanni to Poggio, you pass through Elba’s numerous vegetation zones and cross the pass between Monte Capanne and Monte Perone, where many hiking trails begin, e.g. to the summit of Monte Capanne via the rocks of Le Calanche.

You can find more pictures of Elba in the “Elba” gallery