Elba on the map of Europe. Italy routes - tuscany, elba island

Elba Island (Italian Elba)- biggest island of the Tuscan archipelago and the third island Of Italy, after Sardinia and Sicily. Dimensions of the island: length 29 km and width no more than 18 km. Area 223 sq. kilometers. Coastline, famous for its sinuousness and picturesqueness, is 147 kilometers long. The border with France is very close - the island of Corsica is 50 km away.

There are 8 communes on the island: Portoferraio, Campo Nell "Elba, Capoliveri, Marciana, Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro, Rio Marina and Rio Nell "Elba.

You can easily get here by ferry from Italy in half an hour, because Elba is located just 10 km from Piombino... The distance between it and Grosseto is only 20 km, and the distance to Corsica does not exceed 35 km.

The ancient Greek name for Elba - "Aetana" - translates as "sparks". The island was named so for its sandy beaches, sparkling in the sun with grains of mica. He was first mentioned in the legendary "Odyssey" by Homer around the 8th-9th centuries. BC. Then, after eight hundred years, the island was captured by the Romans, who named it "Ilva". You can still find ruins of Roman buildings on its territory. Its name has also survived, eventually transformed into "Elba".

In world history, the island of Elba is widely known thanks to the French emperor Napoleon, who lived here for some time. As the most famous inhabitant of him, two museums are dedicated to him on the Elba - the Villa San Martino and the Mulini Palace. The latter was built on the site of old windmills, hence the name "Mulini" (mulino - windmill). There is evidence that Napoleon himself personally took an active part in the design of the palace and garden, and also tirelessly followed their implementation in reality.

After the Congress of Vienna, the island passed to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. In 1860 the island became part of the Kingdom of Italy being created.

Now the island of Elba has the status of a protected area, where any factory activity is prohibited and a regime of limited development has been established, which makes it different in Italy from the island of Ischia, for example. Thanks to the measures taken, it remains an environmentally friendly corner. Vacationers who rent villas in Italy often go to the Elba for diving. In addition, the island provides other sports entertainment such as horseback riding, golfing or tennis. On the island of Elba, your vacation will be simply unforgettable. Jet skis or skiing, catamarans, surfing, yachting. Regatta lovers should visit the main port of the island, where national and international competitions are held.

Often, tourists go here by ferry from Italy to recuperate in the Baths of San Giovanni. In addition to the natural healing factor, many modern SPA centers operate on the Elbe, where the latest technologies of cosmetic and prophylactic procedures are used. The island is rich in small souvenir shops where you can buy a wide variety of jewelry and products made from natural stones: tiger's eye, agate, turquoise, pyrite, coral and other gems.

The main town of Elba is Portoferraio. Its historic center is flanked by powerful 16th century fortresses. Portoferio is a major port and a popular tourist resort. Among its attractions are the parish church and the municipality, which houses the 16th century Foreziana city library, the Santissimo Scaramento church, the Misericordia church and Forte della Stella.

The first to come here were the Etruscans, who discovered large deposits of iron on the island. Even today, iron ore is mined on the Elbe, but tourism has become the main industry of the island. In addition to natural beauty, magnificent beaches and coves, the island also offers excellent hotels and restaurants, water sports for all tastes and walks between vineyards and olive and chestnut groves.

Portoferraio is a quiet town bustling with market days. Behind the spacious Place Cavour with its cafes, shops and restaurants, the houses are spread out on the slopes of the hill; at the top of the hill rises Forte del Falcone, a fortress built in the 16th century by order of Cosimo I de 'Medici, who was very fond of Portoferraio.

Portoferraio residents visit mostly nice beach Delle Ghiaie. It is enough to drive to Procchio to find a beach with the finest sand. The town of Marciana Marina is very peculiar and popular, which with its 1800 inhabitants is one of the largest on the island. The pines here almost reach the sea; the picturesque little port is surrounded by an ancient tower and dozens of houses built on the cliff.

The island has 153 beaches, some of which can only be accessed from the sea. The Elbe beaches are a unique phenomenon, their main advantage is the purest water, the quality of which is confirmed by numerous fish scurrying around the coast without fear.

The highest point of the island is a mountain called Kapana, its height reaches 1019 meters above sea level. In general, the island is mountainous, which is why it attracts a huge number of athletes who are fond of rock climbing. It periodically hosts world-class competitions in this sport. On the slopes of Mount Kapan you can find invigorating coolness on a hot summer day, everything is done here to make your stay memorable: you can organize a picnic - tables, benches, specially equipped places for making barbecue are already waiting for you.

From a height of 1019 meters, Mount Capanne, to which the cable car leads, dominates the entire island; the mountain is planted with the vineyards of Marciana, where the best wines of the Elbe are produced. An hour of walking - and you find yourself in the temple dedicated to Madonna del Monte, where Napoleon spent two weeks in 1814, seeking peace and consolation in the shade of century-old chestnuts.

In the vicinity of Cavoli there are many small coves suitable for swimming. Nearby is Marina di Campo, the main resort center in the southwestern part of the island, where you can find excellent fish restaurants. Elbe airport is nearby.

The east coast is the most popular tourist destination, filling Lacona Beach and the sandy shores of Cape Stella. The last stage is Porto Azzurro, one of the most beautiful corners of the Elbe. Protected from northern winds, it is surrounded by dozens of small bays. For those who want to stay here, there is a good choice hotels and restaurants overlooking the port. The fortress of Portolongone, built in 1603 by order of the Spanish king Philip III, is visible behind the residential quarters.

Climate of the island Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and mild winters. Holiday season here it lasts from April to mid-October.

The island used to be quite active in the extraction of iron ore. Remained mines, converted into rich stone museums. In addition to displaying and admiring giant natural samples of minerals, it tells about the methods of their extraction and methods of subsequent restoration of the earth. You can take a guided tour and ride through the entire production cycle on a trolley. The museum shop exhibits various products made from natural stones for every taste and budget. Delicious muscat wines, an exquisite perfume based on herbs growing on the mountain slopes of the island (the popular Aqua del Elba perfume) - all are at the disposal of the guests of the island.

Island cuisine rich in fish. But mostly, of course, it's the typical Italian macaroni abundance.

The island hosts a variety of cultural events every year. For example, the International Festival "Elba - the Musical Island of Europe", which was created on the initiative of the outstanding Russian violist Yuri Bashmet and is held under his patronage.

(Toscana), Livorno district, and is located 10 kilometers from the city of Piombino, separated from it by the strait of the same name. 35 kilometers west of the Elbe is the French island of Corsica. The central city is Portoferraio, with a total local population of approximately 35,000.

Elba is a specially protected natural area and is part of the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago. One of the natural attractions is the top of Monte Capanne, which has a height of 1019 meters. villages of fishermen scattered along the coast, ancient fortresses, luxurious sandy and pebble beaches.

The island became famous back in antiquity, as the ancient Etruscan tribe discovered iron ore here and built facilities for mining and processing. From 480 BC the development of iron deposits here was occupied by the Romans, who also discovered deposits of granite and healing mud.

Both the Etruscans and the Romans were engaged in viticulture and winemaking, as evidenced by archaeological finds. It is known that the wine trade on the island flourished in times, Elba is famous for its wines today.

Dear reader, to find an answer to any question about your vacation in Italy, use. I answer all questions in the comments under the relevant articles at least once a day. Your guide in Italy Artur Yakutsevich.

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the predatory and destructive attacks of the Saracen and barbarian tribes led to the decline of Elba. In the early Middle Ages, in the XI century, the rulers of the city (Pisa) annexed Elba to their possessions. In 1399, the island was acquired by the ruler of the city of Piombino, Appiani, and Elba belonged to his family for almost two hundred years.

From 1546 to 1577, part of the island belonged to (Cosimo I de Medici), who built the Cosmopoli citadel in Portoferraio on the Elbe. Then, until 1603, the island was again ruled by the Appiani family. Since 1603, Elba has been in the possession of the Spanish king Philip II (Felipe II), thanks to which two more fortresses appeared. In 1802, Elba became a French territory.

A famous page in the history of Elba is the stay on the island since 1814 in exile by Napoleone Buonaparte. The island was under the close control of Britain, but Napoleon declared himself the emperor of the island, was surrounded by his own detachment of courtiers of 600 people.

For 9 months and 21 days, Napoleon carries out transformations in the economy and social sphere of the island in order to improve the quality of life of the local population: he manages the construction of roads, reorganizes ore mining in mines, expands the wine market. After that, he escapes from Elba and returns to Paris (Paris), where he regains his power, which lasted the famous 100 days. This will be followed by the lost battle of Waterloo and a link to Saint Helena Island in the south. Atlantic Ocean.

After these events, Elba joins the Duchy of Tuscany, since 1860 it is included in the Italian Kingdom (Regno d'Italia). During World War II, German troops were stationed here until June 17, 1944, when during a bloody battle the island was liberated by the French army.

The main resorts of Elba are Portoferraio, Capoliver, Cavo, Rio Marina, Porto Azzurro.

The island is small, you can go around it all by car in 1.5-2 hours. However, it presents unique historical and architectural treasures from different eras. If you take your time to get to know them, not even a week will be enough!

Attractions Portoferraio

The attraction is the whole island as a whole. The largest cultural and architectural monuments are concentrated in central city and its suburbs.

Church of Mercy

The Church of Mercy (Chiesa della Misericordia), located on Napoleon's street (strada di Napoleone), was built in 1677 for the brotherhood of Mercy formed by Giovanni di Bicci de ’Medici. The church got its name in honor of the brotherhood. The church keeps the relics of Christian Martyr, who patronizes the island.

The building impresses with its rich interior decoration, famous for the organ installed in 1792 and the sculptural image of the Virgin Mary and Child by the master Tino di Camaino, who studied under Giovanni Pisano.

It is in this church that services in honor of Napoleon are held every year on May 5 (since 1852).

Not far from the church there is a museum that tells about the Brotherhood of Mercy and presents some of its shrines.

The museum also displays relics related to the life of Napoleon Bonaparte:

The flag presented to the deposed emperor on the day of his arrival on the island;
Death mask made of bronze, donated to the museum by Prince A. Demidov;
A cast of Bonaparte's right hand in bronze.

Cathedral in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The cathedral, built in 1554, is located in Portoferraio's central Piazza della Repubblica. Here in 1814 a solemn mass was held in honor of Napoleon's appointment as emperor of the island.

Medici fortress walls

The strong walls of the fortress, the first to meet the guests of the island sailing on the ferry, were built by the Medici to protect against the raids of the Turks. The fortification complex, first under the direction of Giovanni Camerini and then Bernardo Buontalenti, includes the mighty walls and towers del Veneziano, del Casino di Mezzo, delle Palle and della Cornacchia.

This fortification consisted of 4 levels of fortress walls and was practically invulnerable during the Medici era.

Volterraio castle

Fortezza Volterra, on the way from Portoferraio to Rio nell'Elba, is the oldest fort on the Elba, the first builders of which were the Etruscans. After the Etruscans, the fortress was improved by the rulers of Pisa in 1281, and was fortified by Appiani in 1440. This fort was never captured by Turkish pirate detachments, despite numerous and lengthy sieges. Now the fortress is a majestic ruin that attracts tourists from all over the world.

House-museums of Napoleon

Villa San Martino

Villa San Martino, where the exiled emperor stayed in the summer, is located 5 kilometers from Portoferraio, amidst picturesque countryside. The building is surrounded by a green garden surrounded by a high wrought-iron fence with images of eagles - symbols of power.
The interior was designed by the artist-architect Bardiglio and the ceiling paintings were painted by Vincenzo Antonio Revelli. Particularly noteworthy is the hall on the 2nd floor, which presents the relics of Napoleon's military campaign in Egypt:

Ancient papyri;
Fragments of the walls.

The painting of the plafonds in the rooms and halls of the residence presents scenes from the life of the great emperor, for example, the story of his love for his wife Marie-Louise.

Next to Napoleon's summer house, Count Anatole Demidoff, married to Napoleon's niece Matilde de Montfort, built a museum in 1851 to display relics associated with Napoleon's reign.

The gallery, finished with yellow granite panels, was designed by the architect Niccolo Matas from Florence. The gallery's treasures include the original statue by Antonio Canova, modeled by one of Napoleon's sisters, Pauline Borghese, who shared exile with the disgraced emperor for 4 months.

The palace (Piazzale Napoleone), erected in 1724 by Gian Gastone de 'Medici and serving as Napoleon's main residence, was rebuilt under the personal direction of the emperor. The ceremonial hall was improved, pieces of furniture were brought from Piombino from the house of Napoleon's sister, the personal books of the emperor from Fontainebleau were brought to the library, genuine ancient Greek statues and copies of ancient masterpieces were installed in the garden.

The name indicates that there were windmills here before the construction of the building. This main residence of Napoleon is now home to the National Museum.

Villa del Grotte

Modern researchers have established that the building of the Villa del Grotte (Le Grotte) was mentioned in the poems of Ovid. It had a pool and several gardens that stretched along the sea. This building of the ancient Romans dates back to the 1st century BC, but its appearance has survived to this day. After the fall of the Roman Empire, she long time was not used, and only in 1799-1801 acquired the status of a fortification. During the war between France and the Republic of Naples, it housed cannons.

Attractions Marciana

Sanctuary Santuario della Madonna del Monte, built in the 16th century, is located in the city of Marciana and attracts with its unusual ascetic interior:

Dim light;
Lack of paintings on the walls, lush decoration and decor;
A block of granite with the image of the Virgin Mary in heaven, dating back to the 13th century;
Frescoes from the Sodom era, discovered in the altar section in 1995.

The sanctuary is surrounded by a green garden; since 1690, a clean spring glows in front of it. According to legend, Napoleon loved to visit here to meet the lady of his heart - Maria Walewska.

Tower novalja

Torre della Marina (Novalja tower) is located in the city of Marciana in the port area and is a cylinder-shaped defensive structure. The citadel was built by decree of Jacopo Appiani IV (Jacopo Appiani) in 1558-1562 to protect local population from attacks by pirate Turkish troops led by Dragut.

Archeology museum

The Archaeological Museum, which opened in 1968, presents a unique collection of artifacts found on the Elbe and along the coastal strip. The exhibits illustrate the history of the development of mining, crafts, shipbuilding and other aspects of human activity on the Elbe.

The fortification called Torre di San Giovanni, built in Ugento in the XII-XIII centuries at the direction of the authorities of Pisa, rises on a solid foundation of monolithic granite.

Modern restorers are trying to restore the appearance of the fortress, which once had 2 floors and observation deck to transmit signals about the enemy's offensive. However, it is not recommended to get inside the fortress due to the possibility of a collapse of the walls.

Elba Island Mountain Park

The Mountain Park (Parco Minerario Isola D'Elba) is a museum in Rio Marina, where you can get acquainted with the collection of minerals, the arrangement of mines of the Etruscan tribes, as well as independently participate in the extraction of minerals, and then take them with you as a souvenir.

Holidays

Holidays on the Elbe all year round! In the spring - sports festivals, in the fall - harvest, wine and chestnut holidays, in the summer - music competitions. There are also special holidays that are held only here.

May 5 - Napoleon Bonaparte Day

Every year in Portoferraio on this day they hold a solemn service in the Church of Mercy and arrange a procession in costumes of the Napoleonic era from the Church of Mercy to Villa Mulini.

July 14 - The Legend of a Lover

This holiday is held in the municipality of Capoliveri. The prehistory of the celebration goes back to the separated past: in 1534, a girl in love, Maria, rushed after the pirate ship, on which her fiancé Lorenzo was held captive by the Saracen robbers. This story was first staged in the 17th century. Every year, a costume parade is organized along the streets of Capoliveri to the sea, and on the coast, teams compete for the right to present the legendary Mary's headscarf to the most beautiful girl in the city.

August 12 - Saint Chiara's Day

The celebration of Santa Chiara's Day in the city of Marciana cannot be missed by lovers of fireworks and illuminations. Residents and guests take to the streets and head to the sea, where the celebration ends with a giant pyrotechnic surprise!

Grape festival

This wonderful festival of harvest, fertility and winemaking is held in the municipality of Capoliveri in late September - early October. V holidays all participants of the holiday arrange games and competitions, masquerades and contests, show performances that reproduce the harvest of grapes from ancient times to the present day.

Jazz music festival

This international festival "Elba Isola Musicale d'Europa" gathers in September in concert halls, theaters, cathedrals, museum buildings, ancient fortresses, hotels in Portoferraio for lovers of classical and jazz music from different countries. The head of the Elbe jazz festival is Yuri Bashmet.

Such an original holiday invites to the cities of Poggio and Marciana on the last Saturday and Sunday in October. These days, on the squares of medieval settlements, you can taste fried chestnuts with homemade wine, as well as a variety of chestnut dishes:

Cakes;
Bread;
Polenta;
Pies, etc.

Christmas and New Year

Christmas week in Portoferraio brings all the holidays into one big one:

Concerts;
Tastings;
Contests and competitions;
Holiday fireworks, etc.

Beaches

Each city on the Elbe has several beaches for different tastes. All of them are distinguished by the purest water. But the quality of the seabed and the near-water area is different:

White, pink or black sand;
Pebbles;
Sand and small pebbles;
Small and large pebbles;
Concrete;
Rocks.

Favorite beaches of all tourists, famous for their crystal clear water and colorful sand:

Porto Azzurro;
Marina di Campo;
Lacona;
Le Ghiaie;
Rio Marina, etc.

Elba Island has secluded nudist beaches in beautiful uninhabited bays bounded by cliffs:

Scogliera de Le Piscine;
Capo Canata;
Le Tombe beach;
Acquarilli, etc.

Some of them can only be reached on foot or by sea - by yacht or boat.

Most of the beaches are superbly equipped, and for lovers in different parts of the Elbe there is wild beaches: Laconella, Barabarca in Stella Bay, Fonza, Galenzana, etc.

For the guests of Elba Island, there are special children's beaches and even beaches that are convenient for bathing pets. Sandy beaches with shallow warm water are suitable for kids:

Fetovaia - included in the rating annually;
Marina di Campo;
Cavoli;
Sant'Andrea and others.

Guests with dogs will be welcome at the beaches of Morcone and Pareti and Fonza.

Thermal springs

Elba offers unique wellness programs in thermal springs Terme San Giovanni (San Giovanni Terme Rapolano):

natural healing mud;
seaweed wraps;
mineral water, etc.

The SPA center offers a variety of treatments (different types of massage, etc.), indoor and outdoor pools.

Detailed information on wellness programs, cost of services and work schedule on the official website www.termelbane.com.

Leisure

Elba is a great place to active rest: windsurfing, water skiing and jet skis, yachting, catamarans, diving.

Fans of diving and photo-hunting come to the Elbe every year, as the underwater part of the island attracts with caves, near the island you can inspect the wrecks of dead ships, swim in the "underwater gardens". For those who like to walk, there are hiking trails of varying length and complexity. Lovers of cycling or scooter can rent it in any hotel.

How to get there

By plane

The fastest option is an airplane. Flights are organized to Elba from the airport to. Flights to the private airport in La Pila are operated by Intersky, Skywork and Silver Air. The flight takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.

By train

The budget option is a train from Milan, Pisa, (Grosseto) to Campiglia Marittima, from there a bus to Piombino, and then a ferry. An option at a reasonable price is a direct bus route from Florence, Grosseto or Milan to Piombino.

By car

Elba Island can be reached by car from the airport in Florence or Pisa to the coastal town of Piombino, and from there by ferry or catamaran.

By train

The ferry from Piombino to Elba takes 1 hour and 10 minutes. The ferry can take you to the Elbe with your car. Ferries start operating from 6:00 am until approximately 9:30 pm. Instead of a ferry, you can use the Aliscafo catamaran from Piombino: the journey takes 40 minutes.

Where to stay

Elba Island offers a variety of accommodation options, including apart-hotels, holiday homes, campgrounds, floating hotels.

5 star hotels

Hotel (Portoferraio) - located on the shore of a bay in the middle of a national park, has its own pier, swimming pools with sea water, sports grounds (volleyball, tennis, football), a golf course, jogging tracks, a diving school, a fitness club, a spa center, Turkish baths. Guests of the hotel can use mountain bikes and other sports equipment.

The hotel offers accommodation in villas with shaded patios or balconies overlooking the beach. It is important that guests with pets are also accepted here.

Room rate per day: from 198 €.

4 stars

4 stars hotel (Port Azzurro) - located on the top of a mountain above the sea, the restaurant offers a magnificent view. The hotel has a spa center, Turkish baths and a heated pool with underwater massage. Guests with pets are welcome here.

Room rate per day: from 60 €.

3 stars

(Portoferraio) - a small cozy villa with 28 rooms, located among wildlife 9 minutes walk from the beach and 10 minutes from the city center. The kitchen pleases guests with homemade national dishes; a beautiful view opens up from the windows of the restaurant.

Room rate per day: from 48 €.

(Rio Marina) is a hotel surrounded by a garden with 8 rooms-apartments with equipped kitchenettes and balconies. The bed & breakfast offers a buffet breakfast and discounts at city restaurants.

Room rate per day: from 45 €.

Apartments and B&B

Sailing Boat L'Abricotier

Sailing Boat L'Abricotier (Marchana Marina) - apartments in a floating hotel overlooking the sea and mountains, within walking distance of the city's attractions. Accommodation assumes the presence of two bedrooms, an open terrace, a modern bathroom, a kitchen, a dining area.

from 163 €.

(Rio nell'Elba) - a hotel with spacious rooms in a rustic style, with a restaurant on an outdoor terrace in a green garden. The beach is a 10 minute walk. The hotel has an outdoor pool, rooms are cleaned daily, toiletries and bathrobes are provided.

The cost of apartments per day: from 56 €.

↘️🇮🇹 USEFUL ARTICLES AND SITES 🇮🇹↙️ SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS

The Elbe River (in Czech Labe) is considered one of the main waterways of Central Europe. Its route runs from the Czech Republic through Germany to the North Sea. The water stream flows to the northwest. Its length from source to mouth is 1165 km(724 miles). The area of the water basin is 148.3 thousand square meters. km... The pool covers 4 countries. Germany accounts for 65.5%. To the Czech Republic - 33.7%. Austria has 0.6%, Poland has 0.2%. The basin is home to 24.5 million people. One third of the length of the river falls on the Czech Republic. Two thirds are in Germany.

Source

The source of the river is on the southern slope mountain range Krkonose... These are flat Mountain peaks with a characteristic alpine relief. Highest point- Mount Sniezka with a height of 1602 meters above sea level. One of the main European waterways begins its journey at an altitude of 1386 meters above sea level. It is formed from the confluence of numerous streams a few kilometers from the Polish-Czech border.

From source to mouth

The riverbed makes a wide arc in Bohemia (northwestern part of the Czech Republic) and ends up in Germany 40 km southeast of Dresden. The rest of the way lies on the lands of this country. Between Dresden and Magdeburg, the river is fed by left-bank tributaries. These are Saale, Mulde, Ilm. Elster can be named from the right-bank tributaries. They originate in the Ore Mountains and forests of Thuringia and form a drainage basin with a geographic center in Halle and Leipzig.

Below Magdeburg, food is provided mainly from the right tributaries. The channel runs along the North German Plain. It meanders in a wide floodplain and is fenced with dams. After reuniting with Havel, the stream bends to the northwest. The floodplain in these places is expanding. There are many backwaters. The shores are characterized by low sandy hills.

The estuary begins near the city of Hamburg... At this point, such tributaries as the Alster and Bille flow into the Elbe. It is 110 km before the confluence with the North Sea. Further, the water flow splits into 2 branches, which merge downstream. The river becomes noticeably wider and ends its way near the city of Cuxhaven, where it is reunited with the waters of the North Sea. The left bank of the estuary is low and swampy, there are many shoals on the river. The right bank below Hamburg is steep. The port facilities are located on the southern low-lying bank of the river stream.

Elba on the map of Europe

River characteristics

The food is snow and rain. In spring, there is a flood due to melted snow water. In summer, low water prevails with occasional floods resulting from rains. In the upper course, the average water discharge is 320 cubic meters. m / sec. In the lower course, the corresponding value reaches 730 cubic meters. m / sec. The sea tide covers a distance of up to 160 km upstream. The Elbe River freezes in the upper reaches for 1.5 months. In the lower reaches, only in cold winters freeze-up is observed for 2 weeks.

Hydrology

The terrain is flat, so there are no large hydroelectric power stations on the river. There are dams only upstream in the Czech Republic and Germany. Large dams have been built on tributaries such as the Vltava and Saale. The German authorities are not building nuclear power plants. A cascade of hydroelectric power plants is also impossible, as this will disrupt the ecosystem. There is a dense network of river channels connecting the water flow with such rivers as the Rhine, Odre, Marne, Weser. There is also a water connection with the Baltic Sea.

Shipping

The shipping is very intensive. It is carried out from Kolín (a city in the Czech Republic) to the mouth. This is about 960 km of the waterway. Hamburg accepts seagoing vessels entering the estuary. It is one of the world's largest seaports. Its cargo turnover is 130 million tons annually. Hamburg has a unique underwater tunnel built in 1911. It is automobile and pedestrian. Its length is 426.5 meters. Its distance to the bottom of the river is only 1 meter. The vault is significantly reinforced with reinforced concrete slabs.

Seaport in Hamburg

Cities

There are many large cities on the river. In the Czech Republic, this is Hradec Kralove with a population of 94.3 thousand people. Pardubice (88.6 thousand people), Colin (31 thousand people), Nimbruk (15 thousand people), Decin (50.3 thousand people). In Germany, one can name Pirna (39 thousand people), Dresden (536 thousand people), Torgau (20 thousand people), Wittenberg (50 thousand people), Magdeburg (232 thousand people), Hamburg (1.8 million people), Cuxhaven (50 thousand people).

The Elbe River is of great economic importance not only for Germany and the Czech Republic, but for the whole of Central Europe. A huge amount of cargo is transported along this waterway. It provides water to the population of cities and villages, irrigates the land, and supports the vital activity of fields and forests. Without her, life in a huge region would become impossible..

Alexander Arsentiev

Elba (Italian Elba, Latin Ilva) is an island in the Italian region of Tuscany, located 10 km from the coastal town of Piombino (from which it is separated by the Piombino Strait). Administratively, the island of Elba is the commune of Portoferraio in the province of Livorno in the Tuscany region.

There are 8 communes on the island: Portoferraio, Campo nell'Elba, Capoliveri, Marciana, Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro, Rio Marina and Rio nell'Elba.

The ancient Greek name for Elba - "Aetana" - translates as "sparks".

The island was named so for its sandy beaches, sparkling in the sun with grains of mica. He was first mentioned in the legendary "Odyssey" by Homer around the 8th-9th centuries. BC. Then, after eight hundred years, the island was captured by the Romans, who named it "Ilva". You can still find ruins of Roman buildings on its territory. Its name has also survived, eventually transformed into "Elba".

After the Congress of Vienna, the island passed to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. In 1860 the island became part of the Kingdom of Italy being created.

Now the island of Elba has the status of a protected area, where any industrial activity is prohibited and a regime of limited development has been established. Thanks to the measures taken, it remains an environmentally friendly corner.

Elba Island: photos

Elba Island: where it is located

Elba Island is located 20 km off the coast of Italy, opposite the town of Piombino, Tuscany. The island is washed from the north by the Ligurian Sea and from the south by the Terrain Sea and is the largest island and part National Park Tuscan Archipelago. The border with France is very close - the island of Corsica is 50 km away.

Elba island on the world map

Most travelers take the ferry route from Piombino to Portoferraio. Ferries for vehicles from Toremar and Moby Lines need to wait about an hour, flights from 6.00 to 22.30. In addition, there is a connection from Piombino to Cavo and Porto Azzuro; in addition, the hydrofoil operates to Portoferraio and Cavo. During the summer season, tickets must be booked in advance.

Trip around the island of Elba

Through the enchanting bay of Prokchio, with one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, moving westwards, you can get to the small port town of Marciana Marina (2000 inhabitants), where there is a noticeable Saracen tower of the 12th century near the port.

After 4 km of winding and steep road into the interior of the island, the route leads to the Elbe winemaking center, located among chestnut forests. The small village of Marciana Alta (374 m, 2300 inhabitants) will enchant you with the intricate streets and ruins of the ancient Pisa fortress, built in 1450 by the Appiani family. For a deeper look into history, visit the Archaeological Museum in Via del Pretorio, where Etruscan and Roman archaeological finds are on display. Further, the road leads to the pilgrimage church Madonna del Monte (Madonna del Monte, XVI century) standing at an altitude of 672 m.

The most high part the islands are Mount Capanne (1018 m), to which a cable car runs from Marciana. The ascent on foot from Poggio will take 3 hours. But from above, a magnificent view of the entire archipelago will open.

Through the mountain villages of Poggio, Sant "Illario, San Piero in Campo - by the way, there is a Romanesque church with frescoes of the 14th-15th centuries. popular place recreation - Marina di Campo (4100 inhabitants). The two-kilometer-long sandy beach attracts surfers, divers, and simply lovers of the sun and nightlife. You can admire the beautiful underwater world without diving: not far from the town there is an aquarium (M 2).

More beaches await holidaymakers in the Lacona and Stella bays. From here, it makes sense to go to the wonderful mountain village of Capoliveri (167 m; 2700 inhabitants), which was formerly famous for its deposits of iron ore and minerals. Today, the place captivates with romantic streets, bars and shops, vying with each other to invite you to look into them.

A few kilometers to the northeast, in a picturesque long bay, stretches fortified by the Spaniards in the 17th century. the fishing town of Porto Azzuro, famous for its azure harbor and Fort Longone built around 1603 in the shape of a five-pointed star. Today it is a prison.

The next stop is the former iron ore discharge port of Rio Marina (3000 inhabitants). The rusty color of the facades of the houses on the main street, lined with plane trees, testifies to the high iron oxide content in the nearby mines. Lovers of minerals will be interested in going to the town hall, which tells about the deposits and mines.

Before returning to Portoferraio, you need to look around: from a distance you can see the fortress on the cliff. This is Volterraio, which, like an eagle's nest, rises on a mountain cone. The secluded fortress was built by the Pisans around 1284, and the outer fortification appeared in the 17th century. A winding road leads to the top, then you have to walk about 30 m (it is better to wear sturdy shoes) - the walk will give a fantastic view of the surroundings.

Portoferraio - the capital of the Elbe

Portoferraio (Portoferraio, lat. - port of iron; 11.5 thousand inhabitants) - the capital of the island of Elba and the entire Tuscan archipelago, lies on a spit in a natural harbor. During the summer months, the cafés and restaurants of the Old Town on Via Garibaldi, Piazza della Repubblica Piazza Cavour and the Darsena harbor dock are buzzing.

Cosimo I Medici commissioned the architects Bellucci and Camerini in 1548 to build reliable fortresses Forte Stella and Forte Falcone, which today are examples of military architecture of the Renaissance. Login to Old city through the gates of Porta a Mare, then the road goes up to Piazza della Repubblica. On the nearby Via Napoleone there is a small church of Chiesa della Misericordia, in which, along with the image of the Madonna (13th-14th centuries) attributed to Tino da Camaino, you can see the death bronze mask of Napoleon. In the building opposite the church, the former Franciscan monastery of the XVI century. today is the Pinacoteca Foresiana. This is the only art gallery on the Elbe, which exhibits many paintings with views of the city and landscapes of the island. From here, the path leads to Piazza Napoleone, the highest part of the Old Town, where Villa dei Mulini stands, originally a courthouse and a prison. In 1814 the building was rebuilt into the city residence of Napoleon. It is worth visiting at least because of the beautiful view; (and the only one of the few original exhibits is the emperor's luxurious four-poster bed).

About 6 km southwest of Portoferraio, on the slope of the forested Monte Sap Martino mountain, is Napoleon's elegant summer residence (Villa Napoleone). On the second floor, eight rooms are open for viewing, among them is the Egyptian Hall, the murals of which celebrate the victories of Napoleon in the former possessions of the pharaohs. Below is a neoclassicist palace built in 1852 by the Russian prince Anatoly Demidov, a relative of the large Bonaparte family.

Tuscan archipelago

The Tuscan archipelago (Arcipelago Toscano) consists of seven main islands and many smaller islets that are located between the coast and the island of Corsica. To protect flora and fauna, in 1990 part of the archipelago was declared a national park, and in 1998 the park was significantly expanded.

On the beautiful islands there were prisons for many years. But the places of detention in Capraia and Pianosa have long been closed, and the bays are now filled with divers and submariners. The only "prison island" is the Gorgon, and a special permit is required to visit it. The same applies to the strictly protected conservation area - Montecristo Island.

The steep rocky island of Giglio and above all its three villages Porto, Castello and Campese are highly regarded by Italian holidaymakers. There are several flights a day from Porto S. Stefano. The berth is at the port of Giglio Porto. Castello - Chief locality and the administrative center of the island is located on a hill; houses are carved into the fortification wall. The fishing village of Campese and its pleasant bay, bounded by the Torre de Campese tower (Torre de Campese, 1705), look picturesque. Campez is the longest and most crowded beach on the island in summer. On the southern coast of Giglio, virgin nature is still preserved. And on the east, on a narrow coastal strip, old port buildings are piled up. The powerful tower Torre del Porto was erected in 1596.

Help

Calata Italia 26, Portoferraio;
Tel .: 0565914671;
Fax: 05 65 91 63 50;
www.aptelba.it

Did you like the article? Share it

Print article