When you arrive on the Tuscan island of exile and paradise, Elba, you will usually first find yourself in the town of Portoferraio. A cultural and natural gem, it looks a little frozen in time and is utterly charming and picturesque. The capital of the island under Napoleonic times, its name means “Iron Port” and comes from the iron mills that facilitated the city's growth into the main shipping port of iron ore towards the mainland in the 19th century. This was further bolstered by the presence of Napoleon himself who briefly lived nearby when he was exiled to the island in 1814. During his stay, he set up infrastructure around the mills, economic reforms that modernised the island and architectural projects that heightened its beauty. His very presence drew curious types from all over and Elba suddenly became much more multi-cultural and a melting pot for ideas. This same legacy still draws many to visit this beautiful and fascinating island. Just find a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast and you can join their number and see what all the fuss is about for yourself as well.
If Napoleon is one of your reasons for visiting, his two villas on the island are must-sees; San Martino and Villa dei Mulini. In fact, we dedicated a whole post to the fascinating building that is the Villa dei Mulini and its museum, pretty gardens and stunning views across the coast. However, there is much more to see in the town. In September there is an international festival of jazz and classical music called “Elba Isola Musicale d’Europa” (Elba, music island of Europe), which takes place all over the island and in the Vigilanti Theatre (an ancient church turned into theatre by Paolina Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister) in Portoferraio. In mid April “Polpando e gli antichi sapori”, a traditional food event celebrating octopus takes place. The Archaeological Civic Museum is a cultural highlight and the beaches of Punta Pina and Biodola are perfect sandy expanses.
If you are planning on visiting Tuscany and spending time on the coast, a trip out to Portoferraio on the ferry is the perfect day trip where you can go on your own little “exile” from the real world and, instead, immerse yourself in beautiful views, a pretty cityscape, cultural gems, culinary delights and historical highlights. The only problem is that you might never want to come back!
