Elba

Elba is the third largest Italian island and the largest of the Tuscan archipelago, about two hundred and twenty square kilometres, with more than a hundred and fifty beaches ranging from white sand to black iron-rich shingle. Its iron ore was worked by the Etruscans and Romans and mined industrially until 1981; the mineral museums and old workings on the eastern side reflect that. Napoleon was exiled here in 1814 and given sovereignty over the island, where he reorganised the administration, roads and mines before escaping after about three hundred days. His two residences, the Palazzina dei Mulini and Villa San Martino, are open.

What you actually see

• Napoleon's residences - the town palazzina and the country villa he used.
• The iron mines - Etruscan-era workings mined until 1981, now visitable.
• The varied beaches - white sand, pebble and dark iron-rich shingle.
• Monte Capanne - the island's summit, reached by an open cable basket.

When to go

May to September; ferries and hotels reduce sharply from November to March. August is the busiest and most expensive month by a wide margin.

Honest expectations

August ferry and accommodation prices are high and booking is essential with a car. The Capanne cable car uses open standing baskets that not everyone will want.

Nearby

Capraia and Pianosa lie offshore; Piombino is on the mainland.