Isle of Elba

The Project - Since 2003 Legambiente Turismo - together with the Hotel Association of Elba and the National Park of Arcipelago Toscano - has introduced its well-established scheme "Recommended because of its commitment to environmental protection" to a group of accommodation businesses in the Isle of Elba. The common goal all parties share is the improvement of environmental quality in accommodation management as part of a wider policy taking care of all environmental aspects in the local tourist business.

The Place - Elba is the largest among the islands of the Arcipelago Toscano. The landscape is varied with mountains and planes and a coastline of steep cliffs and sandy shores. Small, untouched bays are hidden along the coast and are accessible only on foot or from the sea. Many remainders of its rich past are spread over the landscape of Elba, which has been known for its iron since ancient times. The main town, Portoferraio, still shows the powerful Medicean fortifications and the palace of Napoleon's exile during his short reign over the island in 1814. The other towns - Marciana, Marciana Marina, Campo nell'Elba, Capoliveri, Rio Marina and Rio nell'Elba - have also evidence of Saracen watch towers, Pisan fortifications, historic churches, local museums and picturesque fishermen's house beside the most modern holiday complexes. The natural scenery is dominated by a rich Mediterranean vegetation with oak trees, rosemary bushes and vineyards. Its beauties make the island a most attractive destination for visitors, while reminding once more that a sustainable model for development must be found to preserve Elba's identity and territory.

References:

• Associazione Albergatori Isola d'Elba
  Calata Italia 26, 57037 Portoferraio (LI)
  Tel. 0565-919611, Fax 0565-930342
  E-mail: csa@elbalink.it
• Legambiente Turismo
  Piazza XX Settembre 7, 40121 Bologna
  Tel. 051-241324, Fax 051-4210514
  E-mail: info@legambienteturismo.it