Legend tells that the Tuscan Archipelago originated from a necklace slipped from the neck of Venus, goddess of beauty and love, which fell into the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
There is some truth in this gentle myth, because there is no doubt that the islands of the archipelago are fragments of paradise.

On the other hand, few other tourist resorts in the world can boast such a rich and varied offer in the space of a few kilometres: from the seabed, a true diver's paradise, to the mountains surrounded by centuries-old forests, from the beaches and coves framed by the Mediterranean maquis to the small hilltop villages immersed in timeless tranquillity.

Each visitor can find his or her own holiday dimension, practising his or her favourite sport, indulging in the ritual of sunbathing or discovering what the Tuscan Archipelago has to offer in terms of history, culture and gastronomy.

BRIEF INFORMATION ON THE ISLAND OF ELBA

Just 10 km from the continent, with a surface area of 224 square kilometres, Elba is the largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago and the third largest of the Italian islands. For several years it has been part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park together with Pianosa, Capraia, Montecristo, Gorgona, Giglio and Giannutri.

Il clima è particolarmente mite con una temperatura annuale fra i 15° ed i 16°; le medie stagionali sono di 10° in inverno, 14° in primavera, 23° in estate e 17° in autunno. Le temperature mensili del mare sono: aprile 19°, maggio 20°.2, giugno 24°.1, luglio 26°.8, agosto 27°.3, settembre 25°.5 e ottobre 23°.1.

Because of the variety of its coastline (which is 147 km long), the amenity of its beaches, and the majestic beauty of the Monte Capanne range (1019 m), it has rightly become one of the world's leading tourist attractions.

The main road network (about 160 km) is completely paved. There are other scenic macadam roads for about 80 km.

Already inhabited in prehistoric times and known for its iron mines at the dawn of the Historic Era, Elba, called 'Ilva' by the Ligurians, 'Aethalia' by the Greeks, first Ligurian, then Greek, then Etruscan, remained Roman for centuries. In the Middle Ages it was held by the Pisans and then the Appiani and Medici families. From time to time it interested the European powers who left numerous traces of their rule there.

Indelible marks were left by the Medici in Portoferraio (in honour of Cosimo dei Medici, the town was called Cosmopoli) and the Spanish, who built the fortress of S. Giacomo and Forte Focardo in Porto Azzurro.

Napoleon's brief reign (1814-1815, 9 months and 23 days) has left significant memories in the Palazzina dei Mulini, the villa of S. Martino, the ancient churches of Portoferraio, Marciana Alta (Madonna del Monte) and other locations.

In administrative terms, Elba is divided into seven municipalities: Portoferraio, Campo nell'Elba, Capoliveri, Marciana, Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro and Rio.

The famous wines and excellent cuisine, combined with the uncontaminated sea, mild climate and clear air, make Elba an ideal health resort and tourist destination in all seasons.