Of all the islands in the Tuscan Archipelago, one of the best known is certainly the island of Elba. Maybe it is because of the events linked to Napoleon, maybe because of its strategic position between Corsica and the Tuscan coast, but everyone has heard of it at least once.
Its fame is also linked to the beauty of its landscape, protected by the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, and to the thousands of surprises it has in store for every visitor. There are things, in fact, that perhaps not everyone knows about this marvellous island, but which could be useful to get to know Italy’s third largest piece of land in greater depth.
5 interesting facts about the island of Elba
There is an island made up of tourism, sea and sensational beaches, and then there is a more authentic, almost secret and little-known island. This is made up of stories and curiosities that put together create the other side of the Island of Elba, the one that is probably the most fascinating. After reading these five curiosities, it will be impossible not to want to book one of the numerous Elba ferries and organise your own trip to discover this pearl.
Marciana Marina – Photo by stefano marinari-shutterstock
1. The Island of Elba has its own flag
The flag of the Island of Elba is characterised by a white background cut obliquely in two by a red band. On it can be seen three golden bees. Apparently it was made by Napoleon and hoisted in Portoferraio on the day of his arrival, 4 May 1814. According to some studies, the golden bees would represent Napoleon’s link with the Merovingian dynasty and the loyalty of the island’s towns to the Emperor.
2. This is the smallest municipality in Tuscany
Its surface area is only 5.86 square kilometres and it encloses within it small, great natural, historical and cultural beauties. We are talking about Marciana Marina, the municipality that wins the title of smallest town on Elba and also in the whole of Tuscany.
3. Its history is linked to minerals
Capoliveri is home to the only underground mine that can be visited. It is a magnetite deposit, one of the largest in Europe, excavated by miners during the 20th century. Other mineral mines, now museums, are located in the municipalities of Porto Azzurro, Rio nell’Elba and Rio Marina.
4. The island has over 100 beaches
If you book a holiday on the Island of Elba in summer, it will be difficult to choose the most beautiful beach. In fact, there are more than 100 here, all wonderful and with their own characteristics. Some are sandy and golden, others black and warm, others pebbly and white or rocky and unreachable except by sea. In any case, they all embrace a particularly clear and clean sea where it is possible to snorkel and admire an ecosystem rich in life.
5. Elban granite is found in Italian heritages
The granite on the island of Elba is famous for having ensured the island’s economic prosperity for a long time. Already the Romans used to quarry and work this material in the area of Monte Capanne and this activity is still practised today. Elban granite can be found in many of Italy’s architectural heritages such as, for example, in the columns of the Pantheon, those of Pisa Cathedral and the Baptistery in Piazza dei Miracoli.
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