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Cities Information
ELBA ISLAND
| Region |
Tuscany |
| Capital |
Livorno |
| Total Population |
316,757 |
| Males |
151,677 |
| Females |
165,080 |
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Elba Island

Elba Island has been a
big part of historical significance in the Mediterranean
for thousands of years. Because of it's strategic position
in the sea and its wonderful source of raw materials that
were so important to empires, it has constantly been
getting occupied and reoccupied. The Etruscans used the
island for it's wealth of iron ore, which was extremely
valuable to the empire. After the Romans took over,
however, they started to use the islands medicinal mud as
well. Even today you can see Roman ruins under what are
now day spas, using the same mud. During the Middle Ages,
Pisa had control over the island. Archaeologists have
found many interesting structures that indicate that it
was a very important island that was heavily fortified.
During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the control of
the island continually changed power. Almost every
European power has roots of influence on the island. The
Spanish ended up building Port Azzurro, as well as Ft.
Giacomo to protect their territory. The English, Germans,
and French also had their mark put on the island. When
Napoleon was banished from France the first time, he was
sent to Elba. However, he was named the sovereign of the
island. After 10 months, however, he escaped to make his
100 day return to power in France.
Travel to Elba Island
Just to let you know
that tickets for the regular ferry services connecting
Elba's capital, Portoferraio, with Piombino on the Italian
mainland can now be booked on-line at the Visit Elba
web site (www.visitelba.com). There's also the option of
arranging car hire on-line. You can either collect a
vehicle from Pisa Airport and then drive down to Piombino;
or arrange to collect a car immediately on arrival in
Elba. It's important to have a car if you're really going
to discover the island.
Elba actually remains remarkably unexplored and it's ideal
for those looking for a quiet escape where they can enjoy
some of the simple pleasures of life including
bird-watching, horse-riding, snorkeling and horse riding.
You shouldn't really
have a problem getting around on the island. To start, you
would most likely be taking a ferry to get to the island.
If you fly in, you can get a taxi from the airport. Once
you are on the island itself, you can either get around
with taxis or you can use the very affordable public
transportation system of buses. Though the bus system
isn't too large and doesn't go to all parts of the island,
you can still get around with it. One thing you need to
keep in mind is that many of the services on the island
work mainly during the tourist season. In the off season,
you won't be able to get around as easily. It's not a bad
idea to rent a car or a mo-ped if you want to explore the
island on your own, but it is not completely necessary. If
you do go off on your own, make sure you have a map and
good directions. When you get out in the country and away
from the built up areas, it can seem like you are the only
one on the island. This can be good, but it can also be
bad, especially if you are lost or have a flat tire. The
roads on the island are better towards the built up areas,
but not as good further out in the country.
General Aspects
Elba Island, in general,
is a pretty safe location to visit. Far away from all of
the hype and hysteria of larger cities, there is a more
laid back attitude that forms when you get to the island.
Though it is an island, there is also the sense of
traditional Italian customs, so you shouldn't expect to
just absolutely let loose. The people on the island who
work and live there year-round are there to serve you and
make your visit enjoyable, so you should feel in good
hands. Still, when visiting a popular tourist destination,
you need to watch out for certain characters. There might
be people who try to swindle you or pick your pockets if
you aren't paying attention. You should never, under any
circumstance, leave your wallet out on a table. Even if it
is only for one minute, an experienced pick pockets can
come up and snatch it. Never leave your passport behind in
the room, and don't leave your camera slung around your
neck. Con artists love to attack those travelers who look
lost or don't know what they are doing, so don't just take
out a map and stand still. If you ever do get in trouble
contact the police or the United States Embassy. Still,
even though you need to watch out for some bad eggs, you
shouldn't suspect everyone one the island.
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