Elba: the splendid jewel of the sea

According to the legend, Venus, the goddess of beauty and love, when she emerged from the sea to embrace the horizon, lost seven pearls from the ribbon that adorned her white neck. These fell in the sea and from them originated the islands of the Tuscan arcipelago: Gorgona, Capraia, Elba, Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri. The biggest and most beautiful pearl became the island of Elba.

Few other holiday resorts have so much to offer on such a small piece of land: a rich underwater world (a heaven for divers), mountains covered with century old forests, beaches and little bays surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea Macchia along with small villages that still today maintain their slumberous atmosphere.
There is something here for everybody, one can choose to play their favorite sport, explore the Tuscan arcipelago to discover history, culture and gastronomy or simply enjoy the sun.

The island is of great interest also because Napoleon was exiled there from 1814 to 1815. Both residences, Villa San Martino and Villa dei Mulini, near where he lived, offer stunning views. Napoleon appreciated the strategic position and during the short period he resided on Elba his lively mind worked on projects and reforms that are still important today. Up to this day one can feel Napoleon’s former presence. A restaurant on Elba tempts with the motto “Napoleon has never eaten here”.