Campo nell'Elba

Campo nell'Elba, one of the main towns on the Tuscan island of Elba, is a land of legends. Elba is one of the seven islands that comprise the Tuscan National Archipelago. It was on Elba that Napolean was exiled after his defeat. Campo nell'Elba hosts a relic of St. Mamiliano in the rustic chapel that is dedicated to the saint who came from the nearby island of Montecristo, who was said to have slain a dragon and formed a monastic movement. And here at Campo nell'Elba is a gulf that was frequented by pirates.

The beaches that were once the landing spot of raiding marauders are now invaded by colorful umbrellas and sun-seekers. The two-kilometer stretch offers a soft white sand coastline perfect for summer fun. You'll find excellent snorkeling and diving here, and throughout the archipelago.

Cradled between Mount Capanne and Mount Perone, Campo nell'Elba has a population of about 4,000 citizens who welcome travelers to the picturesque town. The hills give way to a plain, hence the name "campo," which means field. The rocky gramite hills offer interesting hiking trails, one leads to the so-called Nave Romana at Cavoli, where a piece of granite was carved into a basin in the form of a Roman ship. Other interesting sites include the circular medieval guard tower built above the marina, and the church of San Nicolò in San Piero, which was placed over the ruins of a Roman temple. The primitive church of San Giovanni in St. Ilario is also charming.

Take a trip to the other side of the island where the landscape changes dramatically. In contrast to Campo's craggy cliffs and salty sea breezes, the north side is emerald green with vegetation, rich in chestnut groves, and verdant with vines for making the island's famous DOC wines (white, rose' and red varietals).