Elba, Portoferraio, Italy

Fort Stella

Fort Stella has served as the coastal fortification of Portoferraio since 1548. The fort was named for its shape - an irregular pentagon. The design of this powerful fortification was created by architects Giovan Batista Beluzzi and Giovanni Camerini. It consisted of several structures, and it was additionally surrounded by moats; and its entire layout accounted for the terrain on which it stood. As a result, the complex has many passageways and underground rooms, used as temporary shelters. Externally, the fort’s structure is enclosed by brick walls on massive supports. The upper part of the fortress stands out thanks to five corner bastions with watch posts. On the north-eastern side, you can see an ancient lighthouse.

Ancient Roman Villa delle Grotte

The ancient Roman villa “delle Grotte,” which has survived to our day in the form of ruins, was built in the 1st century BC. It is located on the eponymous headland, where a wonderful view of the Portoferraio bay opens up. The villa was discovered during excavations led by Giorgio Monaco in the period from 1960 to 1964. Further research made it possible to determine what its structure was like. The villa was built using a special type of ancient Roman masonry, “opus reticulatum.” The central feature was a large pool with an open courtyard, surrounded by a covered colonnade. On the property there were three large gardens, one of which was located along the shoreline. There was also a distinctive spa complex here, with a caldarium (warm bath) and a frigidarium (cold room).

Residence of Napoleon Bonaparte

The residence of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Palazzina Dei Mulini, was intended for the emperor’s public life in exile in 1814 - 1815. Its name “Mulini” comes from the mill on whose site the house was built. In the mid-19th century, the two-story neoclassical building was reconstructed and converted into the national museum of Bonaparte. On its façade, you can see beautiful sundials that have been preserved since Napoleonic times. The house’s interior has retained its original features, including Empire-style furniture, wall paintings, and inlaid mirrors. The museum’s impressive exhibits include paintings, the emperor’s personal belongings, documents, and commemorative gifts. Of particular interest is Napoleon’s library.

Fort Falcone

Fort Falcone is a coastal fortification of the city of Portoferraio, built in 1548 according to the design of Giovanni Camerini. Together with the Fort Stella and the Lingella Tower, it was part of a powerful defensive system on the island of Elba. The fort was an imposing fortress located north of the city port. It had a quadrangular layout with high walls and watchtowers. Beneath them ran underground tunnels used as storage areas and prisons. The total area of the fort was about 2,500 square meters. The fortress has been well preserved to this day. While strolling around its grounds, travelers can enjoy a picturesque panorama of the island and the bay.

Church of Mercy

The Brotherhood of Mercy was founded by Reverend Giovanni Medici in 1566. In 1677, a small church was built for worship services and named in honor of the Brotherhood as the Church of Mercy. In this cathedral, the relics of Saint Christina the Martyr, the patron saint of Elba, are kept. Starting in 1852, a Mass in honor of Napoleon has been celebrated here every 5 May. Of particular value is the organ built in the church in 1792, and the statue of the Madonna and Child, created by Giovanni Pisano’s student, Tino Camaiano. Next to the church there is a small museum housing the Brotherhood’s sacred relics and items associated with Napoleon.

Amazing beaches

Portoferraio beaches, as on the entire island, are distinguished by their magnificent water color and cleanliness. Thanks to the fact that the entire coastline is covered with light-coloured gravel on the seabed, it seems as though the bottom is glowing white, and the sea is shimmering emerald-green. The town’s main beaches are scattered along the northwest coast; the most popular among them is the sandy beach of Bidola (Biodola), which is adjacent to the beaches of Forno and Scaglieri. One of the most beautiful is considered to be the Ghiaie beach in the north of the town, covered with white pebbles.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Portoferraio occupies two floors of the former salt warehouses of the Lingella tower. The museum was opened in 1988 and features an enormous collection of the oldest exhibits. Here you can see finds such as amphorae, vases, all kinds of tools and weapons, dating from the end of the 8th to the beginning of the 7th century BC and up to the 5th century AD. A large number of the exhibits were discovered after shipwrecks in the territory of the Tuscan Archipelago. All items displayed in the museum are accompanied by detailed descriptions.

San Martino Villa

Villa San Martino, or Villa Bonaparte, is one of two residences of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte on the island of Elba. Here he lived during his exile in 1814-1815. In the mid-19th century, the house was reconstructed and transformed into the Bonaparte Museum. The neoclassical building was decorated in the spirit of the Napoleonic era by the Italian architect Nicolo Matas. The museum has the look of a gallery made of yellow granite, filled with valuable relics of the imperial family. Of particular note is the Egyptian Hall with its luxurious wall paintings and an ornamented pool. Visitors to Villa San Martino can take a stroll through the eclectic park with beautiful exotic plants and bird aviaries.

Marciàna Marina City

Marciana Marina is located 20 km west of Portoferraio and is famous for its beaches. From here, the best routes for hiking on Elba begin; in addition, next to the town is the island’s highest point, Mount Capanne (Monte Capanne, 1019 m), whose slopes are almost entirely planted with vineyards. You can reach the summit by taking the cable car. Along the way, you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the Tuscan Archipelago and the Mediterranean Sea from a bird’s-eye perspective. The climate of this region is typical of highlands: mild summers and high humidity. The terrain of Monte Capanne supports various types of tourism, including climbing, walking routes on marked trails, and mountain biking.

St. Giovanni Thermal Baths

The San Giovanni thermal springs are located on the Portoferraio bay, among marshy terrain in a 5-hectare area, from which mud is extracted that has high therapeutic potential-making this modern thermal complex the only major Thalassotherapy Center in Western Mediterranean. The springs park has a special charm. It offers the opportunity to combine therapeutic treatments with pleasant and comfortable relaxation. A corner of untouched nature, whose sounds, colors, scents and very air make it a true panacea for those who wish to strengthen the mind, spirit, and body.

Portoferraio - the capital of the island

First in line are the ancient fortress walls from the Medici era. Also, be sure not to miss the Romanesque church S.Stefano alle Trane, fascinating in its allure; the Altura Etrusca del Castiglione fortress, full of secrets; the International Art Center Italo Bolano, unveiling many artistic mysteries from medieval times; and romantic walks through the Ottone Botanical Garden.

Porto Azzurro

In the surroundings of Porto Azzurro, you should visit the ruins of the Roman villa Le Grotte and take a look at Castel Volterraio, nearby Rio Elba you will find the Monte Serrauto gorge, where a church with a mysterious icon of the Black Madonna is hidden.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can check them after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.