 |
OTHER ISLANDS |
|
|
THE
PORTALS |
|
|
NEWSPAPERS&MAGAZINES |
|
|
USEFUL
LINKS |
|
|
USEFUL
SITES |
|
|
EDITORIAL
STAFF |
|
|
 |
| |
| |
|
ELBA
>> Presentation
|
 Elba
is the largest island in the Tuscan archipelago. At only three
nautical miles from mainland, it is strategically located in
the middle of naval routes reaching Tuscany, Sardinia and Corsica.
Since the dawning of Mediterranean civilization, its' location
has brought fights, battles, attacks and weak diplomatic cobwebs
upon the island. Numerous civilizations have left their traces
and therefor, beside the rare and beautiful landscape, it guards
a historic and artistic patrimony that cannot be but envied.
During the centuries, Greeks, Ilivates, Etruscans, Romans, Saracenes,
Spanish and even English fleets have landed on the coasts of
Elba. The island was able to offer a precious base for those
navigating in the central Mediterranean, but the real magnet
for all regulars of every civilization was the subsoil, extremely
rich in minerals. |
|
|
For the production of arms it was iron that pushed man to dig
in the bowels of the earth and to work the foundries. Already
the Romans named Elba "Aethalia" ("sooty")
thanks to its' extraordinary abundance of ferrous minerals.
Today, none of the island's many mines are in use and its' economy
spring is tourism, an activity much less tiring than mining
and without doubt more rewarding, stimulated by beautiful landscapes
and crystal-clear seas. A thick mantle of Mediterranean bush
covers the hill slopes, turning into a high-tree wood on its
most significant relieves, as Mount Capanne whose top in harsh
winters is covered with snow. The coast attracts visitors as
well, often adorned with wide beaches, creeks and tiny coves,
most of them only accessible from the sea. Someone once defined
Elba as a continent island, trying to explain its varying ecosystems.
It is the variety that becomes an almost inexhaustible offer
of different possibilities in how to spend your time off. Scuba-divers
choose Elba's ever increasing sea-beds attracted by reefs enriched
with extraordinarily varied flora and fauna, protected by a
clever preservation and protection program, confirmed by the
establishment of "Ente Parco dell'Arcipelago Toscano".
 The
island also attracts birdwatchers and passionates of naturalistic
touring. Walking, riding a bike or on a horse-back, one can
explore the island along the tracks winding through the woods,
finding panoramic views hidden in the heart of the island's
greenery. The sea offers immense sport alternatives, from sailing
to kajaking, from scuba-diving to surfing as well as just doing
nothing and simply enjoy the sun on one of the dreamlike beaches.
Shopping on Elba is particularly pleasant, especially so in
the evening when you can stroll between the stalls of the different
artisan markets, set up in the villages' historic centers. The
narrow streets, flower ornated balconies, arcades and the village
foreshortenings create a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The eight
villages along the coast, located on the hillsides, respond
to every possible need, from nature to art, from sport to entertainment,
the latter especially enriched and of high quality during the
summer months.
Photos from APT Tuscan Archipelago and Mediaweb srl.
|
|
|
 |
|
