Elba Island (223 km², Italy's third-largest island) is reached from Piombino by ferry (1h, Toremar or Moby, €12-20 return per passenger, €30-60 with car). Napoleon was exiled here for 10 months (1814-1815) — two residences are visitable. Beaches range from fine sand in the north (Marina di Campo, Procchio) to pink granite coves in the east and west (Fetovaia, Sansone, Acquaviva). A car is useful for touring the island but not essential — there are public buses between main centres.
Beaches and Monte Capanne
Best beaches: Fetovaia (pink granite and turquoise water, the most photographed — car park fills early), Sansone (white granite, excellent snorkelling, only 20 min on foot from Portoferraio), Cavoli (fine sand, frequented), Acquaviva (west, quiet). Monte Capanne (1,019m, the highest peak, open-grip cable car from Marciana €12 return) offers the island's best panorama — Corsica visible on clear days. The Tuscan Archipelago National Park trails cross Mediterranean scrub with cicadas and strawberry tree fragrance.
Napoleon and the Wines
Villa dei Mulini (Portoferraio, €8) is Napoleon's main residence — small, functional, with the original library and bed. Villa San Martino (3km from Portoferraio, €8, combined €12) is the country villa with Prince Demidoff's neoclassical gallery. Aleatico dell'Elba Passito DOC is the Archipelago's rarest sweet red wine — produced from dried Aleatico grapes, amber and dense, bought directly from the cellar (€15-30 per 50cl). Moscato dell'Elba DOC and Elba Bianco DOC (Ansonica/Procanico) complete local production. Acquabona (the island cooperative cellar) is the most accessible for tastings.
Practical tips
Fetovaia is the most beautiful beach — arrive before 9:00, the car park fills quickly
Aleatico dell'Elba Passito is one of Italy's rarest sweet red wines — buy it directly from the cellar
