Villetta Gabbiano

Capoliveri: The pretty island village is about 9 km from the house. Shops of all kinds, bank, post office, pharmacy, bars and restaurants are located there. The old fishing village, the small harbour and the picturesquely painted houses are all in the centre of the village. Capoliveri has a pretty beach promenade and romantic lanes - favourite spots to meet and go for an evening stroll.

The island: The island of Elba is a sports lover's paradise - it is just the right place for all those who wish to spend an active holiday enjoying what both nature and water have to offer. Just 10 km from the mainland and with an area of 224 square kilometers, it is the largest island of the Tuscan archipelago and Italy's third largest island. A large part of Elba and the Tuscan islands (Pianosa, Capraia, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri) is under the conservation protection of the Tuscan archipelago. The climate is always mild at an average temperature of around 16°C. The average winter temperature is 10°C, 14°C in spring, 23°C in summer and 17°C in autumn. There are more than 70 beaches on the coastline, some of which are quiet spots, while others are more frequently visited.

Connections: Good connections from Elba to the Tuscan coast in Piombino. The ferry from Piombino to Portoferraio (Elba's capital) takes about 50 min. The timetable depends on the season (the ferry leaves almost every hour during high season). Piombino is about two hours from Florence (motorway), which means that day trips to Florence or the Tuscan hinterland are also possible if you stay here. Elba can be reached by aeroplane; in midsummer Marina di Campo is a destination from Milan, Rome and Pisa in Italy, Bern in Switzerland, Munich in Germany and Vienna in Austria.

Sports: The island is blessed with many different beaches: rocky, pebble and sandy. During the summer sun umbrellas and sunloungers can be rented on the beaches by the day. The water is clear and refreshing, it is considered the cleanest in the Mediterranean. All kinds of water sports are offered on the island. Monte Capanne is 1.018 m high and Elba's highest mountain. From its peak, hikers enjoy a splendid view of the mainland, Corsica, Capraia, Pianosa and Monte Cristo. The forests and mountain routes attract trekkers and mountain bikers. Trekking guides can be hired to ensure that you experience the most breathtaking views on hikes on marked pathways in experienced company. Riding stables organise guided rides in the hills. The Golf course Acquabona is 18 km distant.

Excursions: The ancient hill villages, such as Poggio, Marciana and Capoliveri, as well as the beautiful town Portoferraio with its Medicean Renaissance fortress and Napoleon's residence are worthwhile destinations for excursions. Take a walk to see sanctuaries, archaeological sites and memorial churches. After a one-hour ferry crossing and a few kilometres only on the mainland, you will reach the Etruscan towns of Populonia (very close to Piombino), Pisa and Lucca.

History: Elba was inhabited by the Greeks in 10 BC. Over the centuries, it was conquered by Etruscans, Romans, Normans and Saracens. In 1802 it was annexed by France and in 1814 Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to Elba following the Treaty of Fontainebleau. Napoleon never sensed his exile as a banishment, and he left several traces, among them two residences which can be visited today.