Insights and facts about the Isola d'Elba

A small encyclopaedia of the Isola d'Elba

The Isola d'Elba, the island of a thousand faces: an island of history and civilisations; an island that has been the setting for great events that gave rise to fascinating myths and legends; an island that is never the same.

In this section, we will help you discover another side of Elba: its history, Napoleon and geology, to learn about the geological origins of the Isola d'Elba and the Tuscan Archipelago.

There are also the towns and villages of Elba, which, although only a few kilometres apart, have developed very different traditions, customs and economies over time.

And there are many historical, natural and geographical facts about the Isola d'Elba: the Elba flag, the Argonauts and the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.

A small encyclopaedia for learning more about the Isola d'Elba and its inhabitants, with plenty of interesting information and amusing facts.

Interesting facts

Many historical, naturalistic and geographical interesting facts about the Island of Elba: the flag of Elba, the Argonauts, the Tuscan Archipelago Park.

Pianosa nests 2024

In the summer of 2024, six Caretta caretta turtle nests in Cala Giovanna, Pianosa, gave life to an emotional adventure of births and hope.

The waves of the past

"The Waves of the past" is the latest series with Anna Valle, Giorgio Marchesi and Irene Ferrari, entirely shot on the Island of Elba.

Giò Pomodoro

Giò Pomodoro from Elba's sculptures, celebrate the island with a circuit to guide the tourists as they discover art.

In 2023 second nest in Fetovaia

We were under the impression that the nest in Fetovaia hadn't been fully completed, infact there were later a record of 124 eggs laid with 77 ones hatched.

Fetovaia nesting 2023

Extraordinary nesting: 79 baby turtles hatched and only two eggs remained unhatched, resulting in a reproductive success rate of 97%.

Lacona nest 2023

Sea turtles: record nest in Lacona with 89 baby turtles coming to the light means a success of 95%

Galenzana nest in 2023

Sea turtles: record nest in Galenzana with 104 baby turtles coming to the light 127 after the eggs laid meaning a success of 83%

Ferry capacity

How many vehicles do the ferries to/from the Island of Elba carry?

2022 nesting in Sant'Andrea

September 2022: yet another exceptional nesting on the Island of Elba, on the beach of Sant'Andrea.

Nest in Morcone 2021

October 2021: surprise nest and birth on Morcone beach of baby tortoises.

Elba, oasis of orchids

The Calamita promontory in Capoliveri, above all in the south-western part, is the perfect place for many different species of wild orchids.

Sea Lily

The sea lily (Pancratium maritimum) is a plant with large, fragrant white flowers that blooms in summer along sandy coastlines.

Granite goat stalls in Elba

The western side of the Island of Elba is rich in traces of sheep and goat farming that go as far back as the ancient past: the granite goat stalls.

Entrance and exit from the port of Portoferraio

One aspect makes the port of Portoferraio different from all the other Italian ports: while some leave it, others arrive!

Napoleon spring

The very famous Napoleon's spring, is very near Poggio, and the water has healing power

Straccoligno nesting in Straccoligno

Summer 2018: with the new nest in Straccoligno, Elba once again shows it is the Caretta caretta's "new nursery"

Fonte di Coppi

The natural springs, dedicated to the champion Fausto Coppi, is today a legendary place to stop for all cycling lovers

The Municipality of Rio

The Municipality of Rio was officially established on 1 January 2018 through the merger of Rio Marina and Rio nell'Elba.

Marina di Campo nesting 2017

Summer 2017: the name Federica was given to the Caretta caretta turtle, her record nesting on Marina di Campo beach

Swim from Piombino to the Island of Elba

On Sunday 6th August 2017 Gregorio Paltrinieri was protagonist in an adrenaline filled event: he swam from Piombino to the Island of Elba (10 km)

Sea balls

Leaves of oceanic posidonia that the waves have bound together, forming the typical brown coloured balls that have a felt-like touch

The smallest in Tuscany

Marciana Marina is the smallest Municipality in Tuscany

Protected biology area of Lo Scoglietto

The stretch of sea between Punta Falcone and Capo Bianco, opposite Ghiaie beach, has been a protected biology area since 1971.

Audouin's Gull

The rarest species of seagull in the world: Audouin's gull, the symbol of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.

Saffron from the Island of Elba

Crocus Ilvensis, a new species of saffron that grows only on the Island of Elba.

The BarLume crimes

"The Barlume crimes", a production adapted from Marco Malvadi's books, has now been made into a tv series.

The Martello Tower

The Passannante Tower, or Martello Tower, or Linguella Tower, in Portoferraio, a clear example of military architecture to protect Portoferraio and its port.

The granite from Elba

The granite from Elba has even been used in historical buildings and monuments, like the Pantheon and the Cathedral in Pisa.

Rules for bathing activities

Information on rules and laws for bathing in the sea, issued by the Harbour Master’s Office.

The area of the Island of Elba

Some information to help you realise the size of the Island of Elba, often considered very small.

Islands with the same name!

Pianosa and Capraia, aren't just the names of two islands in the Tuscan Archipelago, but also the names of two islands in the Tremiti Archipelago, in Puglia.

The Argonauts and the Island of Elba

Legend has it that the Argonauts landed on one of the islands called Aethalia in the Tyrrhenian Sea , that is, the Island of Elba.

Posidonia...not seaweed!

Mediterranean Tapeweed is a marine plant that grows in unpolluted seas. The sea around the Island of Elba is rich in meadows of this plant.

Highest peaks in the seven islands

A little information about the mountains and hills in the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. The highest peak is Monte Capanne on the island of Elba.

Size of each of the seven islands

A little information about the size of each of the seven islands in the Tuscan Archipelago.

Amerigo Vespucci training ship

The Amerigo Vespucci is often in the Gulf of Portoferraio. It is a full rigged ship, used in training Officers.

Aleatico from Elba

The unique and famous DOCG wine from Elba that isn't easy to produce, perfect with desserts and chocolate.

The Castle of Volterraio

The Castle of Volterraio was built round about the year 1000, on top of what remained of an Etruscan fortification that pirates never succeeded in entering.

Napoleon's residences in Elba

The Villa dei Mulini and the Villa in San Martino are the two residences Napoleon Bonaparte had built while he was exiled on the Island of Elba.

European Shag

The European Shag is a marine bird very similar to the Cormorant, whose number has greatly inceased all over Elba in recent years.

Herring gull

The Herring gull is part of the fauna in the Tuscan Archipelago, with a stable, average number of about 15-16.000 pairs.

Strawberry trees

Strawberry trees grow in the Mediterranean bush, and can be found both in Elba and in the other islands of the Archipelago.

The seven islands of the Tuscan Archipelago

There are seven islands in the Tuscan Archipelago in the Ligurian Sea and the Tyrrhenan Sea

Inhabitants of the Island of Elba

Some statistics on the number of inhabitants of the Island of Elba and its 7 municipalities.

Elba and the conservation of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park

The Island of Elba's territory, and the sea around Lo Scoglietto in Potoferraio, a marine biology area, are protected by the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.

The tiny island of Palmaiola

The tiny island of Palmaiola is in the strait of Piombino and the lighthouse at the top means it can be easily seen from the ferry to Elba

The island of Cerboli

Cerboli is a tiny island between Elba and Piombino with characteristic flora and fauna, some of which isn't as yet fully known.

Visiting the Island of Montecristo

Montecristo is a protected environment of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park and the State Forest Rangers. Information about guided excursions on the Island.

The island of Montecristo

Alexandre Dumas' novel has brought fame to this small island south of Elba. Nature here is completely untouched, so swimmng and sailing are strictly forbidden.

The flag of Elba

History of the flag of the Island of Elba, with its 3 bees, symbol of hard work. It was given to Elba by Napoleon during his exile on the island.

History of Elba

Some historical information on Elba and its origins.

Following the footsteps of Napoleon

The story of the exile of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte on the Island of Elba: 1814-1815. His works and his women.

From the Argonauts to Barbarossa

From the Argonauts to Barbarossa's conquest and loot, via the Etruscan dominion.

The Appiani dominion

At the end of the 14th century the Appiani, from Piombino, Pianosa and Montecristo, took over from the Pisans.

The Medici and Cosmopoli

Under the Medici, Portoferraio was fortified and became a strategic Mediterranean port.

The Spaniards

The Spaniards ruled over the eastern part of Elba, Porto Azzurro and Rio, for 150 years, and built fortifications

Contemporary history in Elba

From the Congress of Vienna to the boom in tourism: the history of Elba via the Unification of Italy and the two World Wars.

The history of the mines

The iron ores in Elba are among the oldest mines in the world.

Geology of Elba

Pluton formation on Monte Capanne, ancestor of the entire Tuscan Archipelago.

The Calamita mines

The mines of Capoliveri are Calamita, Ginevro, and a small site called Sassi Neri.

Island of Elba Mineral Park

There are excursions to the Mineral Park from the Mineral Museum in Rio Marina

Minerals

The history of the Island of Elba and that of its mines are one and the same thing.

Granite

The granite from Elba was exported and used in many important historical sites, like the Pantheon and the Colosseum.

Municipalities and towns

Until recently, Elba consisted of very different towns that developed entirely distinct traditions, customs and economies over time.

Campo nell'Elba

Its many high-quality facilities make this historic seafaring town one of the island's main tourist centres.

Capoliveri

Perched on a hill, the small municipality of Capoliveri is one of Elba's most distinctive and lively towns, rich in charm and history.

Marciana

Situated in the hills at 375 metres above sea level, Marciana is one of the oldest villages, rich in historical and archaeological heritage.

Marciana Marina

With picturesque districts, narrow granite streets and pastel-coloured houses overlooking the sea, it is one of Italy’s smallest municipalities.

Portoferraio

Portoferraio, capital of the Island of Elba, is a town of ancient origins that still retains its Renaissance charm.

Rio nell'Elba

Famous for its iron mines that date back to the Etruscan period, Rio nell'Elba was the mineral centre on the island until the ores were closed down.

Rio Marina

Once the 'Iron Capital' because of its mines, Rio Marina is now a thriving seaside resort.

Porto Azzurro

A lively, welcoming town of clear Spanish origin, situated at the foot of a promontory in a broad inlet on the island’s eastern coast.

Media gallery

The most beautiful photographs of the Island of Elba: magnificent photographs and wonderful videos

Photographs of the beaches

The most beautiful beaches on the Island of Elba await you to discover them

Photographs of the towns and villages

The most beautiful towns and villages on the Island of Elba, be they small villages along the coast or inland, await you to come and visit them.

Sunset photographs

Every evening, when the sun goes down, the magic of the Island of Elba takes place once again: the sunset fills the sky with breathtaking unbelievable colours.

Bicentenary Napoleon

Napoleon's bicentenary will be celebrated with 10 months of exhibitions and special events covering various moments of his exile on the Island of Elba.

Napoleon's field tent

The original field tent, recently renovated by Mobilier National, for the first time on show on the island of Elba from June to September

Historical revivals

The historical revivals and the traditions of the time of Napoleon on the Island of Elba

A miniseries about Napoleon produced by Spielberg

Spielberg and kubrick are working on the screenplay of a miniseries dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon leaves Elba

Napoleon didn't secretly flee from Elba but had organized his departure long before

"The Empire Island", a volume about Elba under Napoleon

Revisiting the history of the Island of Elba through the man Napoleon "told" by the documents of the historical archives in the Communes of the Island of Elba

Napoleon's disembarkation

Three whole days dedicated to the official opening of Napoleon's bicentenary

Bicentenary Napoleon's death

In 2021, year of the bicentenary of Napoleon's death, will be the underlying theme of the ideas and celebrations planned on the Island of Elba.

Napoleonic Passport

Amidst history and nature, ten stops towards discovering Napoleonic Elba with all the various stamps to complete yout Napoleonic passport.

A love story in the days of Napoleon

A piece of work born from a document found in the historical archive in Porto Azzurro with reference to a wedding on September 8th 1814.

Docufilm about Napoleon on Rai History Channel

The special edition on Rai History Channel for Napoleon's bicentenary shot competely on the island, where the French Emperor was exiled.