Chiessi, Island of Elba

The tiny, seaside town of Chiessi, at the foot of Colle San Bartolomeo, is along the Costa del Sole at the furthermost point of the western coastline of Elba.

This tourist and bathing hamlet where, even today, you get the impression you are in Elba of the past, where tourism has not yet arrived, so you know it is perfect if you want a quiet and peaceful holiday in a pristine environment.

This tiny and very suggestive hamlet is made up of small, white coloured houses surrounded by a web of narrow lanes and alleys that go right down to the sea front with a very attracive granite square above. The coast consists of smooth, granite cliffs and a tiny, shingle beach that seems to plunge into the crystal-clear sea.

Mother nature is one of Chiessi's main attractions. On one side its valley where there are many perfect paths for going trekking across orchards, plots, vineyards and Mediterranean bush; the most famous is the path that goes as far as Marciana and enables you from there to get to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte.

On the other side the sea and the cliffs, where the sea bed is very popular among lovers of snorkelling and scuba diving.Chiessi is also greatly appreciated by lovers of windsurf (just like the nearby town of Pomonte because the wind is often very strong in this area and blows right across the coast.

Not only are there hotels to cater for tourists who have chosen Chiessi for their holidays but there is also a small grocer's, a newsagent's and a tobacconist's.

The town looks right onto the sea opposite Corsica, and on a clear day you can enjoy the view of the Island of Pianosa too.