Elba Island is located between the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Sea, about 10 kilometers from the coast. Is the largest of the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, and the third largest in Italy (223 km2). Elba, together with other islands of the archipelago (Pianosa, Gorgona, Capraia, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri) is part of the Tuscan archipelago national park. The island is divided into eight municipalities, all relating to the province of Livorno: the main one is Portoferraio, Campo nell'Elba, Capoliveri, Marciana, Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro, Rio Marina and Rio nell'Elba, for a total of about 30 thousand inhabitants, which increase considerably during the summer. Elba Island is the largest remaining strip of land of the ancient stretch that connected the Italian peninsula to Corsica, after the other islands of the Tuscan archipelago. The northern shores are lapped by the Ligurian Sea, the East by the channel of Piombino, the southern from the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Western channel of Corsica.
The terrain is very varied, and divided into several parts depending on its geological conformation and Era in which it formed: the most recent, Mountain West, is dominated by the Monte Capanne (1018 m above sea level), the "roof of the Tuscan Archipelago". The Centre spans a stretch of flat, and the width is reduced to just four kilometres. It is precisely in this part of the island that are major centers: Portoferraio, Campo nell'Elba. To the East lies the oldest part of the island, formed more than 400 million years ago. In that hilly area, dominated by Monte Calamita, there are deposits of iron that made famous the Elba Island. The major findings of the island descend many watercourses to torrential regime, which rarely exceeds 3 km. During the summer, when rainfall is reduced to a minimum, it is common for those of lesser length and scope therefore, leaving the bed dry.
The most important, sorted by length, are:
- Fosso di San Francesco 6.5 km;
- Fosso Barione, 5.1 km;
- Fosso Redinoce 2 km.
- At the foot of Mount Capanne, Poggio and Marciana, there is a source of the name Napoleon considered, Source for quality organic-electric, one of the best drinking water in Italy that is used by citizens and bottled by the factory of the same name with the logo of the Park of the Tuscan archipelago. The island's climate is predominantly Mediterranean features, except for Mount Capanne where winters tend to be moderately cold. Rainfall is concentrated in autumn and turn out to be quite contained.
The island was inhabited by the protohistoric Ilvati, an ancient population belonging to the ethnicity of the Ligurian-hence the old name of the island: Ilva. Rich deposits of iron, the Elba made possible the rise of the Etruscan civilization and then the military success of Rome, whose soldiers used as a weapon, the iron- tipped Javelin, weapon only possible with a limitless availability of iron.
The Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to Elba, and some villas are testimony: Villa dei Mulini is located in Portoferraio, with a magnificent view over the sea and the summer residence of Corsican, Villa San Martino located on the outskirts of the small town. More recently, the island became famous (even abroad) for its wine (particularly the Aleatico, sweet fortified wine dessert that often accompanies the typical "schiaccia Briaca"). The island is connected to the Mainland by ferries to three shipping companies, Toremar, Blu Navy and Moby Lines, operating routes between Piombino and Portoferraio, situated to the North, Rio Marina on the East coast of the island. The frequency is hourly to every line in times ranging from 5.10 to 20.30 in winter and from 5.10 to 23.00 in summer.
Rich of beaches and cliffs of the island of Elba offers a wide choice for diving, ranging from diving accessible to beginners and those more demanding [1].
Some examples are:
- The wreck of Pomonte (42°44′35.40″N 10°7′6.60″E / 42.743167, 10.1185), near the Ogliera rock, lying at a depth of only 10 meters on a sandy seabed, also suitable for beginners diving;
- Le Formiche of Zanca (42°48′19.80″N 10°7′35.40″E / 42.8055, 10.1265), to the West of the island near Cape Sant'Andrea, a vertical wall from 20 to 40 metres with plenty of Red gorgonia;
- Capo Stella, an immersion demanding up to 41 yards full of groupers, morays, gorgons and Red coral;
- The peaks of Pablo(42°46.570′N 10°26.080′E / 42.77617, 10.43467), from 8 to 33 meters deep, with the wall populated by white and yellow sea fans, sponges yellow covered by prawns.
- The Scoglietto of Portoferraio, a dive on a stopped between 20 and 35 metres, with little current, rich barracuda also in considerable number, bream, sea bream, snapper, groupers, ombres, greater fork-beard, morays.
The island of Elba offers many types of housing:
- Camping: on the South coast, between lido di Capoliveri, Margidore, Lacona, Laconella and Marina di Campo, you will find the best facilities for this type of accommodation, mostly in fragrant greenery of Mediterranean scrub and pine forests.
- Hotel: scattered throughout the island, vary depending on location;
- South Coast: Margidore, Lacona, Laconella, Lido di Capoliveri, Cavoli, Seccheto and Fetovaia, Marina di Campo (almost 2 km long), Pomonte.
- West Coast: quite barren, collects some beach near Chiessi and Pomonte, but worthy of note are especially Pomonte, Sant'Andrea and Patresi.
- North Coast: turning the North Coast, there are many beaches. Approaching Portoferraio Fund becomes Rocky.
- To remember: Marciana Marina, Procchio (Sandy), the Biodola (Sandy), Scaglieri (sand), the Enfola (sand and gravel), Acquaviva (white stones), Samson, Capo bianco (white gravel, fantastic), la Padulella and le Ghiaie (similar to Capo Bianco), Schiopparello, Bagnaia and Nisporto.
- East Coast: Cavo, Rio marina, Ortano (often infested with jellyfish), real, Barbarossa, Naregno.