History has chosen the island of Elba as its theatre where important events are shown: every Mediterranean civilization has left proof of its presence on the island. Nature, art and ancient culture are all held in 224 square metres of microcosm, creating a unique atmosphere, bringing breathtaking views to life, all this thanks to past civilizations.

Aristotole gave way to the name Aethalia. The five century rule of the Etruscans can be seen today in the various necropolis, or the numerous "hillside villages" standing out from breathtaking surroundings. Romas built "villa delle Grotte", Mediovaltime left "Volterraio castle"...

To quote Plinio il vecchio The Island of Good Wine, and this explains the many ships carrying amphoras full of wine, many of which can be admired in the Archeological Museums in Portoferraio and Marciana. These, along with amazing findings the sea has brought in, tell the story of ancient sailings. The magnificent patrician villas in La Linguella, Le Grotte and Capo Castello were built in some of the island's most beautiful gulfs, and even today are places of absolute bliss.

During the Middle Ages it was Repubblica marinara di pisa's turn to exploit the iron mines and granite deposits in Elba: indeed most of the columns in Piazza dei Miracoli were made from skilled stone-cutters from San Piero. There is much proof of the Pisan presence too: the elegant Romanesque churches and the San Giovanni in campo Tower, built on a giant granite rock, but above all the majestic "Fortress" in Marciana and the Volterraio castle, standing on guard to protect the mountains and the sea.

The Medici arrived in 1548: Cosimo I built the fortified town of Portoferraio, considered a military gem. The harmony between sea, land and architecture was so perfect that the new town was given the name of strong>Cosmopoli, "heart of civilization and culture, a perfect example of balance and rationality". Immediately afterwards the Spanish settled in Porto Azzurro and built not only the majestic Forte San Giacomo, today a prison, but also various chapels, as well as the suggestive santuario di Monserrato, set on a high "dolomitic" mountain.

In the XVIII century, the Austrians, the Germans, the English and the French fought to rule over Elba, going from frenetic diplomatic discussions to fierce battles, until it was given to Napoleon Bonaparte as "sole owner and leader". In only ten months of ruling he left very significant signs: he built roads, reorganized the mining economy, increased the wine production and exportation. He made a nice theatre out of an ancient, deconsecrated church; the building has since been restored to perfection and important cultural meetings are often held there.

Countless are the beaches that make up the 147 km of coast of Elba Island, sand, gravel or mineral residues as there are countless possibilities for hiking or mountain biking on the many miles of trails that wind through the area. Just in Lacona has recently created the LACONA TREKKING PARK with trails of various difficulty.

If the day does not allow you to go to the beach you could visit the Napoleonic Museums (2014 is the year of the Napoleonic bicentennial) or the Aquarium of Elba which is considered one of the most complete mediterranean aquarium existing.