Elba's most famous resident was Napoleon, who spent nine months here after the fall of Paris in 1814. Today the island in mainly populated by halidaymakers, who come by ferry from Piombino, 10km. away on the mainland.
The main town is Portoferraio, with an old port and a modern seafront of hotels and fish restaurants.
The landscape of the islands is varied. On the west coast, which tends to be a little quieter, there are sandy beaches suitable far all water sports.
The east coast, centred on the town of Porto Azzurro, the island's second port, is more rugged, with high cliffs and stony beaches. Inland, olive groves and vineyards line hillsides, and vegetation covers the mountains.
One of the best ways to see the interior is to take the road from Marciana Marina to the old medieval village of Marciana Alta.
Close by, a minor road leads to a cable car that ruins to Monte Capanne (1018) a magnificent viewpoint.