Friday, 27 February 2015

ELBA, L' Isola d' Elba, Tuscany, Italy

ELBA (ISLAND), Tuscany, Italy

Where is  situated

Elba is a Mediterranean Island in Tuscany, Italy, 20 Km from the town of Piombino, the largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago and the third largest island in Italy after Sicily and Sardinia. It is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea about 50 km east of rhe French island of Corsica.


General aspects

The Island is well known from ancient times for its iron resources. Originally was inhabited by the Ligures Ilvati who gave the ancient name Ilva after that was inhabited by the Etruscans and later by the Romans.
French emperor Napoleon I was exiled to Elba after his forced abdication in 1814 and arrived at  Portoferraio on May 30,1814.
In 1860 it became part of the new unified Kingdom of Italy.
More recently, the island has become famed for its wine and today it is a noted tourist resort. Elba is famous for its clear and blue sea and beautiful beaches. Also a tourist can practice diving and snorkeling in Elba, spending some time on free climbing and mountain biking, enjoying a round of golf  or sea kayaking.
Island of Elba is undoubtedly a unique experience in life. It’s a green oasis within the Tuscany Archipelago, crystal clear water lapped by golden beaches, granite rocks, its winds its perfumes and flavors, its hillside villages are waiting for you.


Climate

The climate of the island is predominantly Mediterranean
Month
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEPT
Record high °C (°F)
29,6 (85,3)
32,0 (89,6)
34,3 (93,7)
36,1 (97,0)
32,0 (89,6)
Average high °C (°F)
18,8 (65,8)
22,7 (72,9)
26,5 (79,7)
26,7 (80,1)
22,6 (72,7)
Average low °C (°F)
12,3 (54,1)
15,8 (60,4)
19,0 (66,2)
19,5 (67,1)
16,4 (61,5)
Precipitation mm (inches)
31,6 (1,24)
26,8 (1,05)
13,8 (0,54)
41,5 (1,63)
75,0 (2,95)
Rainy Days
5
3
1
3
5
Sea Temp °C
18,0
21,0
23,0
25,0
24,0



Reaching Elba

   The port of departure for the Island of Elba is Piombino, while the ports of arrival are Portoferraio, Cavo and Rio Marina.
   Maritime connections with the island of Elba are provided by four companies:
Corsica Ferries - http://www.corsica-ferries.co.uk/  

Moby Lines       - http://www.mobylines.com/ 

Toremar             - http://www.toremar.it/en/


 on the Piombino Marittima-Portoferraio (Elba) route. During high season, there is a ferry crossing every half-hour. We advise you book your crossing in advance, especially if coming by car.
   Marina di Campo Airport on the Island of Elba (www.elbaisland-airport.it - tel. 0565.97.60.11) is about two kilometres from Marina di Campo, in a place called La Pila; the airport is within easy reach of all parts of the island.


What to visit

The biggest town-places to visit are: Portoferraio, Porto Azzurro, Capoliveri, Marina di Campo, Rio Marina, Marciana, Cavo.
There is more than 130 beautiful beaches on the Island like: Sansone Beach (Portoferraio), Pomonte Beach (Pomonte), Cavoli Beach (Seccheto), Capo Bianco Beach (Portoferraio), Barabarca Beach (Capoliveri), Biodola Beach (Portoferraio).
The most interesting places to visit are:
 Villa dei Mulini di Napoleone – This was the emperor’s public residence and certainly the most important Napoleonic site in Elba.
Villa di San Martino – The emperor’s more private residence is in the greener area outside of Portoferraio and near San Martino.
Roman Ruins: There are two important ruins on Elba: Villa Romana alle Grotte and Villa Romana di Capo Castello.
Mineral Park and Museum - The Mineral museum and park might appeal to anyone passionate about rocks. 














What to eat/drink
Aleatico DOCG red wine, for example, has been made on the island for centuries. Moreover Elba’s cuisine is the result of the migration and influences of different people that arrived here from other lands to share the same hard works: in mines, vineyards and at the sea. Known since antiquity as “Liviatico” or “Liatico”, this grape varietal of probable greek origins arrives in Elba thanks to the Romans. Centuries later, during the Renaissance, Aleatico wine became popular thanks to Lorenzo de’ Medici.
 Elba wines are first class and many bear the DOC label, such as the excellent: Elba WhiteElba RedRosatoAnsonicaMoscato and Aleatico (DOCG).
The Elba’s diet is largely based on fish and seafood dishes that are flavoured with local spices. Here are some of the most famous dishes: Palamita, Stockfish with potato , Sburrita. Gurguglione is another Rio speciality made from vegetables, cacciucco or fish soup and other specialities.

Events
A number of important cultural, folk, sport and food events usually take place on the Elba Island in Autumn and in Spring. Here are some of the most popular ones which will surely make your holiday more interesting.
 Walking Festival that takes place in Spring
Grape Festival in Autumn
Chestnut Festival in Autumn it’s a gastronomic feast that take place in small, hillside towns.

Rent a car
If you would like to visit the isle of Elba and not miss any of the wonderful things rent a car for the freedom to move when and where you wish.




Useful info

118 - Medical Assistance
112 - Police Emergency
113 - Police Public Assistance
115 - Fire Brigade
117 ­­- Revenue Guard Corps - Emergency
1515 - Forest Rangers
1530 - Harbour Office – Sea Rescue


Sites to visit for more info :


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