From April to October 2008, the special offers and events for discovering the gem of the Tuscan Archipelago

Culture, wine and fine cuisine distinguish the island that never ceases to surprise. Elba, the main island of Tuscany, takes pride in its history and traditions and is always ready to welcome anyone looking for a unique holiday. Here, nature and adventure go together with relaxation and luxury. The island keeps its local traditions alive while also hosting cultural festivals with an international flair. In short, you’ll never be bored. In March and April, the season is kicked off with two culinary events that revisit traditional flavours. The Festival of the Sportella is held March 24th, 2008 – “Angel Monday” – in honour of Saint Catherine and features the typical sweet eaten during the Easter Holidays. April 14th and 15th Portoferraio is in the spotlight, with “Polpando and the traditional flavours of Elba”: Chef Alvaro Clavoi prepares a mouth-watering array of appetizers and entrees featuring local octopus (polpa). In May, as custom has it, Napoleon is at the centre of attention. A series of events begins (that continue throughout the entire season) dedicated to the Corsican leader: exhibits, concerts, guided tours, conferences, wine and food festivals, in celebration of Bonaparte’s sovereignty on the island, which lasted from May 4th, 1814 to February 26th, 1815. Every Sunday in May the romantic Festival of the Corollo is held in the towns of Campo. Admirers sweetly serenade ladies from beneath their windows, while the girls prepare the typical Elban sweets – corolli – to offer in appreciation of their suiters. Sunday, May 18th Capoliveri hosts the Festival of the Cavatore, which honours the Elban miners and opens with a parade of banners from the mining community, followed by a concert, banquet and a sampling of typical dishes. Saturday the 24th and Sunday the 25th of May the wine and food festival “A sea of flavours” is held in Marciana Marina. With the presence of the most renowned Italian vineyards and chefs from the Elban chapter of the Italian Association of Cooks, the event pays homage to the scents, colours and tastes of Tuscany and the Island. The month of June sees the return of the indulgent Magna Longa, the “gastronomy walk” that each year attracts more eager participants. The wine and food tour departs from the city of Capoliveri and continues along a magnificent panoramic road, reaching the Ripalte Farm. Every 800 metres, wine and food stands are set up with samples of typical island recipes. The evening of Saturday, June 14th is very special in Portoferraio: writers, literary critics and journalists come together for the final ceremony of the “Elban Island Literary Prize – Raffaello Brignetti”. In the month of July, there are two musical events: the Soul Island Festival 2008, linked to the Pistoai Blues Festival 2006, and held in all counties, as well as the second edition of the Elba Island Jazz Festival in Marciana Marina. On July 14th, Capoliveri hosts the commemoration of the “Leggenda dell’innamorata” (Legend of the girl in love), one of the most compelling Elban stories. A breathtaking torch-lit procession of over 100 characters passes over land and sea. In August a number patron saint festivals are celebrated in Elba, characterised by food stands, processions and various shows. In September, the “Elba Musical Island of Europe” Festival is based in Portoferraio. Classical music and jazz concerts, symphonies and dance spectacles are lined up from September 2nd to the 12th. Finally, in October, two lovely events close the holiday season tastefully. The “Grape Festival” is scheduled for October 3rd – 5th in Capoliveri, when the whole town divides up into neighbourhoods for battle in order to faithfully reconstruct the old peasant traditions, with decorations and excitement. The award ceremony for the best neighbourhood is not to be missed. October 26th the Castagnata (Chestnut festival) is held in Poggio di Marciana, with food stands and typical products featuring chestnuts.

Seahorses inhabit sea grass beds and coral reefs and they can be found both in temperate and tropical waters. The seahorse is among one of the most loved underwater creatures and, despite the smll size, a swimming seahorse represents quite an encounter even for the most experienced scuba diver.

As it is the case with many underwater species, seahorse numbers around the worl are falling. In many Asian cultures they are used in traditional medicine. Another growing trend is that seahorses are being collected for aquariums in the USA, Europe and Japan. Further still, the habitat of sea horses is under threat with declining zones of sea grass areas, coral reefs and mangroves throughout the world.

Seahorses are not yet considered endangered but they are red flagged as ‘threatened’ on several conservation lists. In the water surrounding Elba Island, where the embedded video has been shot, meeting a seahorse is not yet that difficult. We hope the same will be true for many years to come.

Watch more video like this on YouTube|

Spring is approaching and bikers all over Europe are preparing for a new season of outdoor adventures. From March to May Elba island is a real paradose for lovers of the two wheels. If you have doubts about, just look at this photo taken in the spring of last year.

To see the picture in a bigger size, click on it: Once the Flickr page has finished loading, click on the “ALL SIZES” icon located immediately above the picture.

Biking in Elba Island during spingtime
Originally uploaded by elbaflickr

“Archeotrekking” is one of the most interesting activities offered to guests at the Hotel Ilio throughout April, May, June, September and October.

It is a new exciting adventure involveing a sort of historical reconstruction of the area through its archeology, which can be enjoyed during a fun, relaxing walk. Comfortable shoes, suitable clothing, a rucksack for provisions and a path map is all you need to start your excursion along these ancient Elban ways. Guests can chose to be accompanied by an expert guide, but can also go on excursions alone.

One of the proposed routes runs from Marciana - where you can visit the Archeological Museum, with prehistoric, Etruscan and Roman finds, and the Pisan Fortress - up to the Santuario della Madonna del Monte, along a path rich in historical references. You can take a break along the path in order to admire the enchanting view, which extends right out to Corsica, or for a moment of reflection in one of the chapels along the way with the stations of the Via Crucis.

If you are feeling very fit, you can climb up to the peak of Mount Giove (855 metres above sea level), one of the most panoramic points on the whole island, where the wind-sculpted rocks have taking on disturbingly human forms. From here the path descends and leads down to the crystalline sea of Capo Sant’Andrea along an old mule path.
All the trips are led by environmental trip guides with insurance cover; the trips include a minibus service from the hotel to the starting point and vice versa.

For further information:
Hotel Ilio Capo S. Andrea 24 - 57030 Marciana - Isola d’Elba
Tel. 0565.90.80.18 Fax 0565.90.80.87
Website: www.hotelilio.com

Elba is a perfect place for sea kayaking. The water is clear, and warm, and it’s often very calm, especially late spring through early fall. And there’s lots of gorgeous coastline and beaches to land on.

With 147 kilometres of coastline at your disposal you can easily find the spot that best suits your needs. However, if you are really into sea kayaking, I strongly suggest you plan a trip to Capo S. Andrea.

One of the possible itineraries back to Capo S.Andrea begins from the little beach in the port of Marciana Marina. Five magical miles along the coast there and back, passing by traditional Elba houses, the Cala and doubling the Punta del Nasuto and Madonna, a priceless land and sea scape.

If you are not confortable in kayaking alone or with your friend, you can join other sea kayak enthusiasts during he sea kayak weeks organised in the month of May by Hotel Ilio. The kayaks used for the excursions are the latest models, usually one-man, and each excursion is accompanied by an expert guide.

For further information:
Hotel Ilio Capo S. Andrea 24 - 57030 Marciana - Isola d’Elba
Tel. 0565.90.80.18 Fax 0565.90.80.87
Website: www.hotelilio.com