Just before arriving at Portoferraio by ferry, we cannot fail to notice the Volterraio Castle. This fortification, built around the year 1000, possibly on a previous Etruscan settlement and later Roman, was commissioned by the Pisans who, in 1281, tasked an architect with expanding it to turn it into a defensive fortress. Later reinforced and enlarged in 1440, it is one of the few Elban fortresses that was never taken by Turkish pirates, who, in their raids, repeatedly plundered the island of Elba.

Recently purchased by the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, the fort was in a state of severe decay. Following two phases of restoration work (January 2016 and July 2017), it has become open to visitors.

It is worth hiking up to the top of the mountain that hosts it to admire the majestic remains of the walls and enjoy a unique view over the Gulf of Portoferraio.