The most beautiful villages on the Island of Elba

Italy’s third largest island, Elba is known the world over for its extraordinary variety of seascapes and surprising vegetation. But there is more to it than sea and nature. The island is dotted with delightful villages, perched on rocky spurs or developed around a small fishing port, which represent its most authentic soul and are just waiting to be discovered.

Which are the most beautiful villages on the Island of Elba? Let’s discover them together!

MARCIANA

Along the slopes of Monte Capanne lies the village of Marciana, which still retains the medieval layout of the past, from the entrance gates to the characteristic stepped streets. The village is also known by the name Marciana Alta to differentiate it from the nearby Marciana Marina. It is one of the oldest and richest in historical and archaeological evidence on the Island of Elba. Of particular interest is the Archaeological Civic Museum, which houses artefacts dating back to the earliest phases of occupation of the island in the Palaeolithic period. Near the museum is the imposing Fortezza Pisana, built in the 12th century. Not to be missed is the walkway that crosses the structure from the south-west bastion to the north-west bastion.

BORGO AL COTONE

In Marciana Marina, the smallest of Elba’s municipalities, is the picturesque and colourful Borgo al Cotone, an old fishing village built around the natural harbour. Here, it seems as if time has stood still. It represents the first inhabited settlement of Marciana Marina and is a succession of pastel-coloured houses, staircases and details with constant references to the sea. The name derives from the Latin ‘Cos, Cotis’ and means cliff, series of rocks. From Borgo al Cotone it is also possible to watch an enchanting sunset between the Tower and the cliffs of Punta del Nasuto.

CAPOLIVERI

Capoliveri is one of the most beautiful and characteristic villages on the Island of Elba. Perched on the top of a hill, it has retained its medieval appearance with its narrow and evocative arched alleys called chiassi. It is famous for wine production and mineral extraction: a few kilometres from the village, on the promontory of Monte Calamita, you can visit the iron mines that for centuries were the greatest source of work for the people of Elba. The heart of the village is Piazza Matteotti, from which you can enjoy a wonderful view. Places of interest include the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie, Forte Focardo and the remains of the Romanesque Pieve di San Michele.

RIO NELL’ELBA

Another village not to be missed is Rio nell’Elba, at the foot of Monte Strega. This village was also of fundamental importance for mining. A great variety of minerals is exhibited in the Museo Civico Archeologico del Distretto Minerario (Archaeological Museum of the Mining District), housed in a modern building under the atmospheric Barcocaio terrace. Rio nell’Elba is home to the Orto dei Semplici Elbano, a veritable living museum of plant species that aims to preserve and enhance the island’s original flora. There are several churches in the village, including the Church of Saints Giacomo and Quirico, built during the Pisan rule, where some valuable paintings can be admired.

PORTO AZZURRO

Porto Azzurro is a characteristic fishing village located on the south-eastern side of the island. It was founded in the 17th century under Spanish rule, of which it still preserves important evidence today. To the east of the village, on the top of a promontory, stands the majestic, star-shaped Fortress of San Giacomo, built in 1603 by Philip III of Spain. Being the site of a penitentiary, it can only be partially visited. Sights include: the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monserrato, where the image of the Black Madonna is preserved; and the Church of the Madonna del Carmine, with the adjacent Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Mary. The beautiful Piazza Matteotti, overlooking the sea, is surrounded by shops and restaurants.