Porto Azzurro

Boasting a lively and welcoming atmosphere, this town with evident Spanish origins was founded in 1603 by Filippo the third of Spain. Originally named Porto Longone, the town is located at the base of a promontory along an ample inlet, on the island's eastern coast.

Fort Focardo and Fort San Giacomo were an integral part of the town's system of defence, orchestrated by Don Garcia di Toledo, modelled on the city of Anversa, in an attempt to defend the village from the Saracean pirates.

Worthy of a visit is the small sanctuary of the Madonna of Monserrato which was built in this peaceful valley by Spanish Governor Pons Y Leon in 1606 as a namesake and monument to the famous sanctuary erected in the vicinity of Barcelona.

Beaches: Barbarossa, Reale, La Rossa (sabbia), Terranera (ghiaia), La Pianotta (sabbia e scogli).

Hamlets: Barbarossa, Bocchetto, Mola, Pianetto.
Area: 13,36 Kmq.
Population: 3.050;
Altitude: m. 0/516 s.l.m.

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