Pomonte, Island of Elba

The tiny town of Pomonte sits at the foot of Monte Capanne, along the western coast of the Island of Elba, also called the Costa del Sole. It is very picturesque, with the sea on one side and the mountains on the other that are both a beautiful frame around the valley bearing the same name that has many vine terracings, ditches and springs.

Interesting information: the town is divided by a ditch that defines the half that is in the Municipality of Campo nell'Elba with the half that belongs to Marciana.

The origins of the town date back to the Etruscan period; in the past, the main source of work for Pomonte were iron and granite as well as an economy that was closely linked to fishing and producing wine.A typical "Bigo di Forza" (antique wooden crane) has been re-built on the Calello cliffs, where the boats landed when they had to load granite and wine, in memory of the days when granite was extracted and loaded.

In more recent days these fields of work have given way to the development of tourism, but the hospitality and peace and quiet has in no way altered the relaxing life style that characterizes the town.

The coastline is characterized by the Calello cliffs and by Cala Maestrale that go right down to the sea, and also by the three, shingle beaches that are only metres apart: Scalette beach, Relitto beach and l'Ogliera.

Pomonte is also an appealing place to visit for snorkelling and scuba diving lovers because not far out from the shores of these three beaches and at a minimal depth you can swim down and visit the enormous Elviscot shipwreck.

Lovers of trekking and mountain bike will find many paths that start off right in the town, and they go along the top of the mountains and take you to the nearby towns as well as the summit of Monte Capanne.

In Pomonte tourists will find all the necessary facilities: a bank, a chemist's, restaurants, bars, a grocer's, a newsagent's that also sells tobacco and cigarettes, shops, a 24 hours a day medical service for tourists and also public assistance.You can go to Mass in the Church of Santa Lucia that is in the main square.

On a clear day in Pomonte you can also admire the islands south of Elba: Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio and Corsica. The fact that this town lies on the western coast of the island means it is one of the last in Elba to see the sunset, granting you moments you will never forget.