Elba Island, Italy, Mediterranean Cruises Port Profile

Travel Guide To Port Elba, Napoleon’s Retreat

Whatever the reason, one needs to have a break, sit back and enjoy a vacation! Vacation is necessary to cleanse the social bindings, expectations and work pressure. Couples who just tied the knot, or married people planning to spend a romantic and tranquil time would love Elba Port-one of the stops that Mediterranean Cruises halts at.

Elba, An Overview

Elba lies in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea, located 12km from the Piombino Coast and 86km south of Livorno. Elba is the third largest Italian island having a land area of 200sq km, referred to as the gem of Tuscany. Elba Island offers a multi varied stunning landscape with magical beaches. Being dropped at the Elba port by the Mediterranean Cruise is once in a lifetime chance; so make the best use of it.

Upon Reaching Elba

Once your Mediterranean cruise has left you at the shore, you can make use of the regular sea or air transport means, available at the port Elba. Best way to feast upon the beauty offered by this island is to board on the bus service, running from the port and connecting all major towns and cities. Ships take off from Piombino. You could also explore the island opting to travel via Elba ferry service, operated by Toremar and Moby. Go for Toremar, it is the cheapest. Other ways to tour the island include mass transit back and forth Portoferraio and Marina di Campo (short-distances). Rent Chiappi- Portoferraio. Average rent for a FIAT Panda varies between 37€ and 45€.

Exploring Elba Island

Travel is not an issue in Elba. You can find fantastic means of moving around the city, enjoying its delights and cherishing every moment spend here. Cars, ferries, scooters, or taxis all can be rented in Elba. The rates are quite fair and often you can get hands on a real cheap travel deal.

Shopping Excursions

Although, there are no great shopping markets in Elba for the frantic shopping lovers, you can still get enjoy shopping at Elba. Elba Island produces one of the headiest and addictive wines in the world; so stock as many magical liquor bottles as you can!
Elba Island like other regions of Italy is center of art and exotic hand crafted products. Paintings and mesmerizing artistic valuables are abundant in Elba. Portoferraio and Porto Azzurro are the major shopping centers of Elba Island. Isola d'Elba is a must shopping place as it provides excellent jewelry, made from local stones and ores. It is famed for the sensual and refreshing perfume that takes its name after the area name. Here is a list of some of the most popular shopping areas of Elba; you must visit on your tour of Elba Island: Central Market in Florence, L'Angolo dei Vini wine shop, Fattoria la Vialla, Supermarket Esselunga in Lido di Camaiore, Wine tasting in Montalcino, Lavorazione Corallo, Lush in Florence , Brandimarte in Florence , Paolo Pagliai in Florence and many more.

places to visit

Do make a list to visit these marvelous spots of Elba Island that are all amazing in various aspects etching a strong impression on your mind and senses.
Monte Capanne, called "roof of the Tuscan Archipelago", is perhaps the highest mountains of the island and home to millions of wild life. You can see the amazing scenic view of merging seas via a lift that takes you its peak. Castello del Volterraio is the famous castle that has stone walls presenting a formidable sight to behold! 
Bagnaia is a small village where you can have the unique experience of viewing the best sunset view ever. Villa Napoleonica di San Martino takes fame for being the residence of the emperor Napoleon. Other exotic placesto visit are Capoliveri, Portoferrario, Baths of San Giovanni, Porto Azzurro, Marciana, Pomonte Beach, and Museo Archeologico Portoferraio.

Eating & Drinking in Elba Island

Elba has a rich mixture of restaurants, ice cream parlors and hot tea spots. Food lovers will get the chance to fulfill each of their food whims. Osteria La Botte Gaia, Porto Azzurro pulls out an expansive menu from its kitchens, boasting of delicacies from around the world. A dinner in this restaurant in the company of your beloved is bound to be engraved on your heart and soul for the rest of you life. On similar terms, the Mickey Mouse Tipical Restaurant & Pizza, Capoliveri combines the charm of delicious food and a beautiful setting to create the ultimate dining experience.

Get Down To Relax!

Elba is not only a magical Island to be toured all day long without taking any nap. It has a steady range of hotels and motels, providing excellent accommodations and lodgings at reasonable rates. Some of the most prominent and popular hotels of Elba Island, you could try, are Grand Hotel Elba International – Capoliveri and Hotel Villa Ombrosa – Portoferraio. Apart from these, there are some other great accommodation options in the form of  Hotel Villa Ottone and Hotel Mare of Portoferraio. These hotels combine a host of modern facilities with some dedicated guest services and emerge as an enhancement to your travel experience. From prompt room service to delicious breakfasts, there is enough on the service menu to keep you interested and happy.
Emergency Phone Numbers For Elba Island
Remember to have these emergency numbers with you at all times, as a precautionary measure:

Telephone Directory Assistance Number: 12
Carabinieri: 112
Police, Ambulance and Fire Helpline: 113
Fire Department: 115
A.C.I. (Italian Automobile Club) road assistance: 116
Medical Emergencies:118

You can have access to public phone all over the Elba Island and keep in touch with your contacts, wherever you happen to be at the moment. To operate them, you need to possess the Carta Telefonica phone card!
Hope, this information helps you have a thrilling time at Elba Island. Extract 100% enjoyment from the trip!
Happy travelling

Original Article Written for www.mediterraneanfuncruises.com