THE NORTHERN COAST

Leaving behind the port of Piombino on board the ferry heading towards Portoferraio, after only 30 minutes of navigation the first corner of Elba we encounter is the stretch of coastline that extends from Capo Vita to Nisporto and Nisportino. Enchanting inlets and mystic beaches are dominated by a contrasting landscape and steep cliff faces of bizarre coloring. This remote coast can only be accessed by sea and it is perhaps for this reason that it remains one of the most savage areas on the island.

Besides being an ideal centre for all keen sailors, Bagnaia is also home of the fortress of Volterraio. Constructed in the 11th. century, the fortress was successful in warding off the attacks of the Saracean pirates. From the walls of this fortress, one can witness breathtaking views of Portoferraio and a unique and romantic sunset can be admired from here at dusk.

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Before reaching Portoferraio we encounter both Magazzini and San Giovanni where the country side dwells with the sea in an explosion of fragrance. Besides being a minor tourist port, San Giovanni is home of a renowned thermal spa that takes advantage of the generosity of the surrounding sea using seaweed and marine mud in the treatment of arthritism, rheumatism and acne.

At Portoferraio, where the coastlines are adorned with antique medievel bastions we find the small beach named the "Viste" accessible via a small bushy path-way.Further along, Le Ghiaie, which as the italian name suggests, is a beach formed of small white pebbles, smoothed by the sea.
In 1971 the crystal sea in this area was declared a biologically protected zone but it is only once one is immersed in these waters that surround "lo Scoglietto" that the beauty of the marine life and flora can be truly appreciated.

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Continuing along the steep, stark white coastline that expands out to Capo Enfola we encounter La Padulella and Capo Bianco, decorated by thousands of colors and engulfed in the exotic fragrances of the wild flowers that grow here. These two beaches along with Prunini and Sorgente combine in creating perhaps one of the most spectacular coasts of the island.

On Capo Enfola, joined by a very narrow isthmus, the old tuna factory stands silhouetted against the sky. Here, until 1958, the tuna caught in the nearby fishing grounds was processed. Still today there is enough fish in the sea around Elba to satisfy professional fishermen, sports fishermen in search of strong emotions and keen amateurs eager spend a relaxing day.

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Leaving behind us the splendid Gulf of Viticcio, a stretch of coast visited by scores of boat and yacht-owners, where rocks alternate with quiet little beaches, fragranced by the aroma of Mediterranean vegetation reaching down to the shore, we come to the Gulf of Biodola; of all the beaches on the island, those in the Gulf of Biodola are the most well-known and frequented: Forno, Scaglieri and Biodola with their fine golden sand are quite unique.

Continuing along the coast we come to the Gulf of Procchio, the old Cervinia, one of the longest and most well-equipped sandy beaches on the island. It was once an important centre for the processing of iron and copper, as testified by outstanding archaeological finds, among which a smelting oven and a Roman ship with its precious cargo of amphorae, still perfectly preserved.

The Paolina rock close to the beach that goes by the same name is famed for being the place where Napoleon’s sister Paolina (Pauline) used to bathe in the sea. Along this stretch of coast green vegetation, pine-trees and ilexes reach down to the water’s edge; there is even a small pinewood on the tiny rock. The coastline continues with enchanting little coves alternating with sun-drenched beaches, many of which are inaccessible except from the sea.

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