Elba

The largest island of the Tuscan archipelago, Elba is also known as the island of ‘a thousand faces,’ due to its widely varying microclimate, culture and landscape. Famous for becoming Napoleon’s exile destination in 1814, this lush, verdant and mountainous island in the Tyrrhenian Sea remains a much sought-after charter destination. Fed by underground springs that keep its landscape remarkably green, and protected within the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, the island is home to more than 70 beaches, from fine white sand to smooth granite coves. In addition, the island’s unique culture is the result of its layered past, formed by the Ligurian Ilvati, Etruscans, Romans, the Medici and the French, all drawn in part by its rich iron deposits. The island’s main town and port, Portoferraio, curves around a crescent bay beneath Medici-era fortress walls. Its winding Renaissance streets are lined with seaside restaurants,  cozy cafes and elegant boutiques. Above Le Viste beach lies the Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon’s winter residence, while his summer retreat at San Martino sits inland. In Capoliveri, the Ginevro mine, the island’s last accessible underground working one, charterers can learn more about the story of the iron trade that placed Elba on ancient Mediterranean routes. Charterers shouldn’t miss the millennium-old Volterraio castle either, and its trek rewards hikers with sweeping views over the gulf.  Positioned between the Tuscan coast, Corsica and the islands of Capraia, Pianosa and Giglio, Elba serves as a natural base for a charter through the archipelago and along Italy’s western coast.