Porto Azzurro
Il Comune di Porto Azzurro all'Isola d'Elba
Boasting a lively and welcoming atmosphere, this town with evident Spanish origins was founded in 1603 by Filippo the third of Spain. Originally named Porto Longone, the town is located at the base of a promontory along an ample inlet, on the island's eastern coast.
Forte Focardo and Forte San Giacomo
were an integral part of the town's system
of defence, orchestrated by Don Garcia di
Toledo, modelled on the city of Anversa,
in an attempt to defend the village from
the Saracean pirates.
Worthy of a visit is the small sanctuary of the Madonna of Monserrato which was built in this peaceful valley by Spanish Governor Pons Y Leon in 1606 as a namesake and monument to the famous sanctuary erected in the vicinity of Barcelona.
Porto Azzurro Beaches: Barbarossa, Reale, La Rossa (sand), Terranera (shingle), La Pianotta (sand and rocks).
Porto Azzurro Hamlets: Barbarossa, Bocchetto, Mola, Pianetto.
Area: 13,36 Kmq.
Population: 3.050;
Altitude: m. 0/516 a.s.l.
CAP (ZIP Code): 57036; Area Code: 0565
