The Castle of Volterraio

As you enter Portoferraio on the ferry, you can't help but notice the Castle of Volterraio. This fortification dates back to about the year 1000, and was built first on top of Etruscan remains, and then Roman ones. The Pisans had it built in 1281 and then asked an architect to enlarge it so that it could be turned into a defence fort. Made bigger and stronger in 1440, it is one of the few fortresses in Elba that the Turkish pirates never managed to enter, despite their numerous and frequent raids on the Island.

It was bought over a few years ago by the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, but the fort was in a state of total neglec. Once thet first restoration work had been completed, (in January 2016 and again in July 2017)  it was given a new lease of life so it is now possible to visit it.

Go right up to the top of the mountain where it sits, because while you admire the majestic walls you can also take in the unique and breathtaking view of the gulf of Portoferraio, and this makes the visit more than worth it.