The legend says that the Tuscany Archipelago, located between the land and Corsica, has been formed by the falling down in water of some pearls coming from the necklace decorating the neck of Venus at the moment when she came out from the sea: seven of these fell down in the Tirreno sea, right in front of the coasts of Tuscany, and it is like this that were formed the seven islands of the Archipelago: Gorgona, Capraia, Elba, Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri.

Beautiful and suggestive all year through, each of them has its history, its environment, its peculiar vegetation, its sea, with all different tones of blue, with grounds rich of a marvellous flora and fauna, these places are true natural paradises where you can find hills, plains and bays alternating with beaches of great fascination.
Of great interest we must underline the National Park of the Tuscany Archipelago, the largest marine park in Europe, that includes all seven islands, characterised by a great variety of natural environments ranging from the sandy island of Elba to the more rocky islands of Capraia, Giannutri, Gorgonia and Montecristo.
The Island of Elba with the localities of Porto Azzurro, Portoferraio and Capoliveri and the Island of Giglio gathering bays of granite and sandy beaches, are the most important tourist destinations of the archipelago.
Fascinating because of its selvage and no living characteristic, the Island of Montecristo, formed by an antique granite mass covered by leafy Mediterranean brushwood, is nowadays a Natural Reserve and is the subject of studies from various research entities.
The archipelago bases its economy mainly on tourism and fishing while among the handicraft activities the most important one is the work of ceramics in the respect of the turning machine tradition and through the expert hands of the antique handicraftsmen.
We should not forget the excellent production of wine on the Island of Elba and on the one of Giglio, although in the past years a lot of vineyards have disappeared, leaving the place to the Mediterranean brushwood and to the woods because of tourist requirements.

Capoliveri

The municipality of Capoliveri, on the Island of Elba, has a population of little less than 3000 inhabitants. Among its buildings, the Madonna delle Grazie's Sanctuary, the XVI-century Madonna della Neve's Church and the XVII-century Focardo Fortress can be visited.

Capoliveri »

Capraia Isola

The municipality of Capraia Isola is a built-up area with just 300 inhabitants, which occupies a coastal zone of the Capraia Isola. Without doubt, its origins date back to the XII century, while its St. Giorgio's Fortress dates to the XV century. Nevertheless, the ruins of a Roman villa and other finds testify the presence of settlements also in the ancient times.

Capraia Isola »

Porto Azzurro

The municipality of Porto Azzurro is in the Island of Elba and it has almost 3000 inhabitants. It has quite recent origins in comparison to those of the adjoining municipalities. The St. Giacomo's Fortress, the Madonna del Monserrato' Sanctuary and the Spanish church can be admired here.

Porto Azzurro »

Portoferraio

Portoferraio, the most populated centre of the Island of Elba, already famous at the time of the Ligurian, Etruscan and Greeks under the name of Aethalia because of the rivers coming from the stores for the production of iron, was called during the Roman time "Fabricia".

Portoferraio »