Porto Azzurro

Porto Azzurro is right on the seafront, on the Eastern Coast of the Island, and its tourist commercial port is one of the safest, most picturesque and best known ports on this side of the Island.

A town of clear Spanish origin, up to 1946 Porto Azzurro kept the old name of “Porto Longone”, which was given to the village at its foundation by Philip III of Spain, back in 1603. The village was intended as some sort of fortification to defend the territory.

The Spaniards built the fortress (today a supermax penitentiary) on the promontory, to defend themselves against plundering and to control the military fleet sailing through the Channel of Piombino. The Fortress of Longone, together with the Bastione di Capo Focardo were two important settlements for the control of the Gulf of the eastern side of the island.

The coming and going of troops as well as ships full of goods and food, together with the locals providing the Spanish Fortress with fine wine, agricultural produce, and fruit and fish, made it possible for the village to develop on the Marina di Longone.

Today Porto Azzurro, with a population of about 3,800, is the typical fishing village, surrounded by golden beaches and the deep blue waters of the Channel of Piombino. The village stands out for the variety of holidaying options on offer with its combination of stunning natural diversity and a precious and varied artistic and cultural heritage. Walking around the tangled alleyways of its historical centre, you are immediately drawn to the majesty and historicity of the buildings.

If the Fort strikes its visitors with its grandeur, religious buildings attract them with their delicate architecture. Among the most interesting ones in Porto Azzurro, the Church of Our Lady of Carmine and the Church of San Giacomo Maggiore need a special mention, as well as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Monserrato, built in 1606 upon request of Spanish governor Pons Y Leòn, who wanted to reproduce in Elba the famous Sanctuary built near Barcelona.

If you enjoy relaxing and lying in the sun, your favourite beaches will be Barbarossa, Reale, and Terranera, while if you wish to discover all the meanders of the islands, you can sail and visit hidden bays, snorkel and dive into the stunning waters around the islands.

After such a busy day, in the evening you will still be full of energy to join in Porto Azzurro's long and fun nights. The town can offer all sorts of entertainment and in the summer there are endless festivals and events organised to guarantee an even more pleasant nighttime.

The excellent Mediterranean climate completes the rich and appealing "picture", by allowing Porto Azzurro's visitors and locals (and the rest of Elba territory) to enjoy mild and pleasant weather throughout the year.

If you want to spend a holiday surrounded by unspoilt nature, millenary history and a lot of fun, Elba and Porto Azzurro are exactly what you are looking for.