Beautiful Places #8: Elba
The large house you can see on the headland in the picture above is reputed to be the site of Napoleon’s exile to Elba. When you think of exile, you might imagine imprisonment, but, in his case, Napoleon had the freedom of this beautiful island and lived in opulent luxury in this castle with a view. You might reflect that being in enforced exile on an island like Elba is an awful lot better than the last twelve months have been for many people.
Even getting to Elba was special, flying in to Pisa and then taking the train out to the ferry port at Piombino from where the “Moby” ferry took us to our first glimpse of the island, which just happens to be the delightful town of Portoferraio. Having hired a car for the week, we based ourselves in the even more attractive setting of Marciana Marina and explored every mile of this lovely island. Every drive was spectacular, every village was quaint, every seaside town enthralling and every countryside and mountain walk thrilling. All in all a great week, capped with a short stay in Pisa at the end of the trip.
Marciana Marina has one other important memory for us: the site of our first ever Aperol Spritz!
18 Comments
wetanddustyroads
Wow, stunning photo’s! Indeed, if you look at the pictures, you won’t think Napoleon had a difficult time while in exile 😉.
Annie Berger
Okay, you sold me on our now having to add Elba to our list of places to visit in Italy when we go together for the first time! I was always aware of Napoleon being exiled there but had never known of its beauty.
Don’t you both find that your list of places you want to to still visit is getting longer instead of shorter?! Only a first world problem to have I understand.
Phil & Michaela
Absolutely yes! The very extensive wish list is being added to almost daily… and time is racing by without ticking any off!
normareadtalktalknet
Can feel almost feel the sunshine ☀️
Phil & Michaela
Almost, not quite 🌞😍
Lookoom
I agree with you, it’s a beautiful place for holidays.
Jyothi
Wonderful pics!!!
Monkey's Tale
It never even occured to me to visit Elba, but it’s gorgeous. I’ll take my lockdown there 🙂
Phil & Michaela
Yep, we would’ve done too!
grandmisadventures
Sign me up for exile if that’s what Elba is like! 🙂 When you hear of Napoleon being exiled there you assume it would be some forsaken wasteland. I never would have imagined what a beautiful place it actually is.
Phil & Michaela
Exactly! But yes it’s beautiful, and small enough to explore it all, easily
Andrew Petcher
Fascinating, I would like to go there for sure.
Gilda Baxter
I have just recently tasted an Aperol Spritz for the first time, during our recent trip to Italy. I really enjoyed it. I don’t know if Napoleon would have been a fan of an Aperol, but this gorgeous island wouldn’t certainly have been no hardship for him.
Phil & Michaela
You have to love an Aperol Spritz in the sunshine!
ourcrossings
Wow, such beautiful photos. I’d say there are many reasons to visit Elba and those crystal blue waters glistening under spills of sunlight are definitely one of them. Thanks for sharing and have a good day. Aiva 🙂
Latitude Adjustment: A Tale of Two Wanderers
We had our first Aperol Spritzes in Paris in August 2019. We are hooked. Lovely post.
Phil & Michaela
You can’t beat an Aperol Spritz in the sun!
MrsWayfarer
Gorgeous photos!