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Elba (Portoferraio): What to visit in a few hours?

Elba is a beautiful Italian Island in the Mediterranean with about 31,000 inhabitants. The climate in the island is Mediterranean. When the Island is seen from land, it appears beautiful and even more so when seen from sea. In a few hours one can experience the Island’s beauty, climate, culture and artistic features. The island is made of capes and coves, mountains, valleys, hills, beaches towns and villages with a rich history. Here are things one can do or places one can visit in a few hours while at the Elba Island.

Boat excursions

One can take one of the many boat excursions on Elba, which will take you to most suggestive places that are admirable. This boat trips will help in exploring the coastal beaches especially in Capo Sant’Andrea and the Island of Capraia. Hotels in the area provide boats on hire to various destinations therefore one can circumnavigate the island from the south-west which is dominated by the peak of Monte Capanne to the east past Marciana and Gulf of Procchio.

Free climbing

This is another activity one can engage in while in Elba, especially to test your ability on the rocks in Fetovaia and Capo Sant’Andrea. The Island has high mountains to the west where free climbing can be done. Some of the other mountains are Monte Capanne, Monte di Cote and Monte Giove.

Sea kayaking

Sea Kayaking in Elba combines joy of discovery and explorations helping one relax and have a healthy physical activity. Kayaking especially to the north-western coast will make one discover the hidden surprises of the Island. The activity relaxes one’s mind as well as strengthens the muscles. Kayak excursions are available to the beautiful stretches of the Tuscan Archipelago coastlines, eastwards to Marciana Marina and to the west towards Carpo Sant’Andrea.

Mountain biking

Elba island has large network of pathways that are exciting and good for those interested in mountain biking. This event can help one pass time in Elba, enjoy the experience as well as improve the mountain biking abilities.

Visit villages, museums, churches theatres, parks and residences / palaces

One can take a visit to places such as the city of Protoferraio which is a fishing village and home to the house of Napoleon. Also in the city is the Emperor’s chief residence, the Mulini Palace. There are forts that date back to the 15th Century, such as Fort Falcone, Linguella Tower and Fort Stella. The city has narrow streets and alleys that are beautiful to take a walk through.

Another attraction is the museum for example Museum of Archaeology which if found next to the Fort Della Linguella. This museum tells the story of ancient navigators in the Island. Another museum, the Museum Villa dei Mulini is where Napoleon Bonaparte resided when he stayed in Elba. This museum portrays a rich history and consists of a gallery, library with hundreds of books, office and reception hall amongst others. Apart from museums, you can visit the churches in Elba such as Chiesa Della Misericordia and Santissimo Sacramento.

The Island of Elba has marine parks like Marciana Marina Beach which has an extensive shoreline. It is good for those who love sunbathing, surfing, underwater diving and boating. Along the beaches are also nice shopping centers, cafes with unique Italian cuisine that one can taste and experience.