Elba Island, not only sea: 5 experiences not to be missed

The Island of Elba is world-famous for its enchanting sea and beautiful beaches on which to sunbathe. OK, there is all this, but that is not all. The island, in fact, has much to offer, and for all tastes. Thanks to its exceptional historical, cultural and artistic heritage, it manages to please every type of traveller.

We have selected five not-to-be-missed experiences on the Island of Elba (besides going to the beach) that will pleasantly surprise you.

Visiting a real mine

It is impossible to go to Elba and not visit the iron mines in the Capoliveri area at least once. They are located a few kilometres from the town, on the promontory of Monte Calamita, which takes its name from magnetite. Production activity was suspended in 1981, but for centuries these mines were the greatest source of work for the people of Elba. The interior still recounts the hard life of the miners. There are two routes: the one at 6 metres above sea level, with no difference in height or difficult routes, suitable for everyone; and the one that reaches 24 metres below sea level, which involves descending 220 steps. A visit to the Old Workshop Museum completes the extraordinary underground experience.

Choose a different sport every day

The Island of Elba is the perfect destination for those who love sport and want to experience their holiday actively. It has always hosted events of a sporting nature, even of international importance, and the opportunities for practising sport are practically endless. Water sports enthusiasts are spoilt for choice: diving, snorkelling, sailing, surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing and kayaking. Don’t feel like diving into the water? Sports that can be practised include free climbing, paragliding, golf, tennis, trekking, walking, cycling, mountain biking, downhill skiing, horse riding and running in all its forms.

Admiring the panorama from the Volterraio Fortress

On a rugged hilltop between the municipalities of Portoferraio and Rio nell’Elba stands the Volterraio Fortress, the oldest fortification on the island. The complex, one of the few Elban fortresses ever conquered by Turkish pirates, was built around the 10th century on the remains of an Etruscan structure and subsequently extended several times. Despite its state of ruin, part of the original appearance of the fortress can still be seen. Set in the rock, it towers 395 metres above sea level. An impregnable fortress yesterday, a magnificent terrace today from which one can enjoy an enchanting panorama. Sunset is one of the most suggestive moments to visit it.

Following in Napoleon’s footsteps

Elba is also famous for having hosted Napoleon Bonaparte during his first exile, from 4 May 1814 to 26 February 1815. Although he only lived there for nine months, his traces can still be seen everywhere. The National Museum of Napoleon’s Residences consists of the two residences where he lived: the Palazzina dei Mulini, which still contains memorabilia, furnishings, furniture and part of the interesting library; and Villa San Martino, where the neoclassical Demidoff Gallery, built by the Russian prince who married Matilda Bonaparte, stands out. Other Napoleonic sites include: the Church of the Misericordia, where a mass is celebrated in his suffrage every 5 May; the Museum of Napoleonic Relics, which houses objects, vestments, sacred vessels and furnishings; the Teatro dei Vigilanti, built on Napoleon’s own initiative; and the rock known as Napoleon’s chair, where the general used to sit to admire Corsica.

Visiting the Butterfly Sanctuary

On the ridge that connects the picnic area of Monte Perone to the last slopes of Monte Capanne is the Butterfly Sanctuary, where it is possible to observe, in their natural habitat, one of the most precious populations of these fascinating creatures. Inaugurated in 2009, it is dedicated to the memory of Ornella Casnati, a passionate naturalist and author of numerous entomological discoveries, who died prematurely. Along the 2 km path, there are around 50 signs illustrating the different species of butterflies that can be admired. Three environments are encountered: pine forest, Mediterranean scrub and ridge grassland interspersed with garrigue.